A Foodie's Nightmare - Food Poisoning!!!!

What does every foodie fear?

Salmonella.

Unfortunately sometime in our lives we're going to run against some form of food poisoning. It could innocently happen if we buy spoiled food or wind up going to a questionable restaurant. The problem is that it's something that won't go away despite all this modern processing and washing technology. Yet we can be prepared for it and know what to do when we've been stricken.

Food poisoning essentially is a bacterial infection. It begins with the food being contaminated by anything from bacteria and viruses to surprisingly enough environmental toxins or toxins occurring within the food itself, (such as mushrooms, seafood, plants and even shrubs) There are six variations of food poisoning with salmonella being the most common. The deadliest is E coli which can lead to the most severe symptoms and death. During these hot days be especially careful and wary of what you eat and where you eat it. You can get a mild form known as traveler's diarrhea through food that has been handled by unclean hands or food that's been stored in old or broken down refrigeration.This usually happens when you go away , especially to countries that don't enforce sanitary conditions in their restaurants. The disease can also occur in your own kitchen. You can acquire botulism through improperly canned food where too much air is allowed in during the canning process. This infects the product, allowing it to be a breeding ground for bacterial strains. Even every day foods such as egg yolks, chicken beef, pork and fish can be potential ticking time bombs. Also be wary of leaving out dairy products and salad dressing. A milder variety known as Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which is common in dust and air can contaminate and cause stomach discomfort.

Believe me you'll know when you get the symptoms between the vomiting and stomach discomfort (due to the intestines becoming inflamed).The best bet is to just ride it out. If it's severe call your doctor or head straight to your nearest ER. The very old and the very young may have ot be hospitalized because food poisoning affects them the worst. You'll either have to give a stool sample, along with a blood one. The food will also be tested to see what kind of food poisoning you have. Once you get home you'll be on a bland diet of broth and toast.Stock up on drinks such as Gator Ade that will help get your electrolyte levels up to par. Avoid any drink made with milk. Most doctors recommend the BRAT diet for about a week This consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. Sometimes a little sip of brandy a few days later helps but that's only if you're up to it. You probably won't feel like eating or drinking anyway. Just rest and take a little holiday.

To keep your kitchen a safe haven, wash down cutting boards, plates and utensils that have come in contact with any raw meats. Keep reminding the spouse and the kids to constantly wash their hands after using the bathroom. As for the food , throw any rotting or bad smelling food straight into the garbage. Don't buy any dented canned food. Throw any any damaged cans that you have in your house. (this even includes pet food. Your cat or dog can also suffer from some kind of food poisoning as well).

This summer be safe and sound when it comes to eating. Pay attention to where and what you're ingesting. Nothing dampens summer fun than a nasty bout of food poisoning. Trust me on this, I know.