What are foodborne diseases?
Foodborne diseases are infections caused by eating contaminated food that contain variety of bacteria, viruses, parasites and other toxic substances. The severity of foodborne diseases can vary from mild health issues that are recoverable within days to severe health problems that may lead to death. Foodborne diseases are one of the major worldwide health issues that are yet not completely solved.
Causes
Foodborne diseases, also called foodborne illness are caused by the intake of contaminated food or beverages. Food may become contaminated due to the unhygienic practices during the preparation or the unclean method of storing food or by keeping the food in dirty surroundings. Most of the foodborne diseases are infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Some of the common causes of foodborne diseases include:
1. Inadequate cooking.
2. Intake of contaminated food.
3. Use of unclean water.
4. Lack of personal hygiene.
5 Food from unsafe sources.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of foodborne diseases are
1. Nausea.
2. Vomiting.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Headache.
5. Stomach pain.
6. Fever.
In some cases, it may lead to serious health problems like dehydration, weakness of the muscles, damage of the kidney or meningitis.
Prevention
Foodborne diseases can be prevented by following simple steps.
1. Wash hands.
2. Clean the surfaces and utensils.
3. Cook well.
4. Avoid the use of contaminated food and water.
5. Store food properly.
6. Avoid using raw food without cleaning.
7. Avoid cross contamination by separating raw meat, poultry and seafood from other food.
Treatment
Most foodborne diseases have mild symptoms and impact that resolves without any treatment. Having adequate hydration, taking antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor are some of the treatments for foodborne diseases.
There are some of the home remedies to treat the disease. Some of them are
1. Oral rehydration solution – Having an oral rehydration solution that can be prepared by mixing salt and sugar in clean water.
2. Ginger – Using ginger is a natural way of treating many ailments. Having ginger tea or ginger juice can improve digestion and helps for an instant relief.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar can reduce the symptoms of foodborne diseases. Mix one or two spoons of apple cider vinegar in clean water and consume it two or three times in a day.
4. Honey – Honey has antibacterial property that helps to treat indigestion and other symptoms of foodborne diseases. It can be taken directly or can be mixed in tea. Taking a teaspoon of honey more than one time in a day can reduce the symptoms of the disease.
5. Lemon – Lemon has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Taking lemon juice more than one time a day by mixing it in drinking water can make you feel better.
6. Garlic – Garlic is a traditional medicine that is very effective in fighting foodborne symptoms and diseases. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of garlic helps to relieve the symptoms caused by this disease. You can consume fresh cloves or garlic or can take garlic juice.
Foodborne diseases are common condition that can occur due to contaminated food or drink. Proper rest, nutrition and adequate hydration are needed to regain health.