Food poisoning causes, symptoms: Avoid diarrhea and stomach pain with these expert tips

Food poisoning causes: Uncooked food poses a heightened risk during summer due to accelerated bacterial proliferation (Image: Canva)

Summer, a season of holidays and  outdoor adventures, also carries a hidden risk: food poisoning. From the discomfort of vomiting to the agony of diarrhea, and the distress of abdominal pain, there are several common symptoms of food poisoning. Yet, prevention is the best cure, far superior to the care needed once the damage is done.

As temperatures soar, so do the stakes for food safety, says Dr Vipulroy Rathod, Director-Gastroenterology at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai. Rathod warns of a surge in food poisoning cases during summer. "Warm weather promotes the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, thus amplifying the risk of contamination. Besides, the heat becomes a catalyst for bacterial growth, setting the stage for gastrointestinal distress," he says.

Here are Dr Rathod's suggestions to avoid prevent food poisoning:

Shield against uncooked food: Bacterial growth thrives in uncooked food, causing immediate digestive tract infections. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and related illnesses loom as consequences. Therefore, uncooked food poses a heightened risk during summer due to accelerated bacterial proliferation.

Sanitise your plate: Thoroughly clean meats, vegetables, and fruits before consumption. Use food-specific disinfectants to improve your defenses against pathogens. Dr. Rathod emphasises the importance of meticulous food hygiene in reducing the risk of foodborne illness, particularly during the summer months.

Choose beverages wisely: In scorching heat, people often crave coolers like juices, sugarcane juice, or lemon water, readily available at roadside stalls. However, the source of water in these beverages is often uncertain, making them risky choices during summer. It is advised to avoid beverages from questionable sources as it may heighten the risk of waterborne illnesses, especially in hot summer weather. So, carry water from home to prevent waterborne infections found in street-side beverages.

Dine out with caution: Beware of milk products susceptible to spoilage in sweltering temperatures. Vigilance can avert food poisoning from tainted paneer or khoya-based delicacies. Exercise caution when consuming perishable dairy products outside the home, especially in warm weather conditions.

Stay hydrated, stay healthy: Respond promptly to symptoms with clear liquids and electrolyte-rich solutions. Replenish lost electrolytes to counteract dehydration induced by vomiting or diarrhea. Do not underestimate the importance of hydration in managing symptoms of food poisoning, timely intervention to prevent complications is important.

Beat the heat, beat the bug: Shield yourself from the scorching sun to avoid the risk of heatstroke. Protective clothing and hydration practices curtail fluid loss and prevent exposure to contaminated food or beverages. There is a strong correlation between sun exposure an dehydration. Hence remember to adopt preventive measures to safeguard against heat-related illnesses during the summer season.