How to overcome food poisoning

Food poisoning is a common concern in Bangladesh, especially during the summer and monsoon seasons. Our area's humid climate and unhealthy food-handling practices create a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to thrive.

Food poisoning can lead to liver failure, coma or even death. On the World Health Organization website, it is stated that an estimated 600 million – almost 1 in 10 people in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years (DALYs). Knowing how to overcome food poisoning immediately is crucial to saving lives. 

Demographic prone to food poisoning 

Well, food poisoning can happen to anyone. However, people who stay outside for eight to ten hours can't help but take street foods or foods from cheap, unhygienic hotels as lunch. This class comprises labourers, service holders, rickshawalas, bus drivers, construction workers, long-distance travellers, and university students.

School students often eat open foods, such as popsicles from contaminated water, Jhalmuri, and toxic expired foods. All these foods risk contamination with chemicals, dust, bacteria, and viruses. In that case, access to clean drinking water is a significant issue. Many rely on water sources contaminated with pathogens and bacteria, such as salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), or viruses.

The middle and lower classes can't afford to go to restaurants every working day. Another critical cause is the inaccessibility of healthy standard practices in urban and rural areas. 

Recognizing the symptoms of food poisoning is necessary unless one may mingle that with other waterborne diseases. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Dr Abdullah Shahriar, paediatrician cardiologist of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, wrote in an article, "Often patients can't recognize the difference between regular diarrhoea and food poisoning. Patients are given oral saline as basic treatment. Besides, antibiotics are given in serious conditions. Antibiotics work well, and food poisoning is a bacterial case. Paracetamol should be taken if a fever is caught. But antispasmodic or pain relieving medicines must not be taken." 

Overcoming food poisoning involves prompt hydration, rest, dietary adjustments, and traditional remedies. Equally important are preventive measures such as boiling drinking water and maintaining good hygiene practices.

Immediate steps for remedy

Hydration is key

The primary concern with food poisoning is dehydration, as severe diarrhoea and vomiting reduce bodily fluid. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) or Orsaline is widely available in Bangladesh and is essential for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. A homemade saline made of half-clean water can be used with a handful of salt and sugar. 

Rest and recuperation

Allow your body to rest. Food poisoning can be taxing, and ample rest helps your immune system fight off the infection more effectively.

Dietary adjustments

Heavy-fat foods, spices, and oily foods need to be avoided. Well-cooked fish and vegetables, plain rice, daal, and fresh fruits are advised to help recover the body. 

Avoid certain foods

Steer clear of dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, fatty, and spicy foods until recovery is well underway. These can increase symptoms and prolong recovery.

Traditional Remedies

Ginger tea

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Sipping ginger tea can help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.

Yogurt and Fenugreek seeds

Plain yoghurt with fenugreek seeds can be consumed to combat upset stomachs. Yoghurt provides probiotics, which help restore gut flora balance, while fenugreek seeds add bulk to stools.

Monitor symptoms

While mild cases often resolve within a day or two, monitoring symptoms closely is essential. Persistent vomiting, high fever, bloody stools, or signs of severe dehydration (such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination) necessitate medical attention. 

Pure drinking water

Always boil tap water before drinking or using bottled water. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. Avoid drinking water or drinks from an unclean source. Use a clean water pot. 

Practice hygiene

Wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food, after using the toilet, and when coming from outside. Always carry a hand sanitizer in your backpack. 

Food safety practices

Ensure that food, especially meat and seafood, is cooked thoroughly. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods. Pay attention to the cleanliness of utensils and surfaces used for food preparation.

Street food caution

While enjoying street food, choose vendors who follow good hygiene practices. Opt for freshly cooked, hot food to minimize risk. Avoid raw salad from 

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