Food poisoning: Diarrhea, vomiting, headaches are signs you had wrong food

Nausea is a warning sign of food poisoning and often precedes vomiting. It indicates that the body recognizes harmful substances in the stomach and may attempt to expel them (Image: Canva)

Foods that may cause food poisoning include raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, which may harbor bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter. Unpasteurised dairy products and raw sprouts also pose a risk due to potential bacterial contamination. Processed meats, such as deli meats and hot dogs, can contain Listeria bacteria if not handled properly.

The symptoms of food poisoning can vary widely in severity and duration, but they typically include gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, says Dr Ravishankar K Raju from HealthFirst Care located in Secunderabad.  He says that additionally, food poisoning can lead to other symptoms like headaches, fever, weakness, and muscle aches.

Here are 10 instant signs and symptoms of food poisoning

Abdominal pain and cramps: Food poisoning can cause abdominal pain and cramps, often felt around the trunk of the body. These cramps may worsen as the body tries to eliminate harmful organisms ingested through contaminated food.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common symptom of food poisoning, characterised by loose, watery stools occurring frequently within a 24-hour period. It can lead to dehydration, so it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water or broth.

Headaches: Food poisoning may result in headaches, possibly due to dehydration, fatigue, or the body's immune response to the infection. Vomiting and diarrhea can also contribute to dehydration-related headaches.

Vomiting: It is a natural response to food poisoning as the body attempts to expel harmful organisms or toxins ingested with contaminated food. Severe vomiting may require medical attention to prevent dehydration.

Feeling sick: Food poisoning often causes a general feeling of sickness, including loss of appetite and fatigue. This sickness behaviour is a result of the body diverting its resources to fight the infection, leading to withdrawal from social interactions and rest.

Fever: A fever is a common symptom of food poisoning and indicates the body's immune response to the infection. Fever helps boost the activity of white blood cells as they combat the invading pathogens.

Chills: Chills often accompany fever and occur as the body shivers to raise its temperature. This response helps fight the infection by generating heat through rapid muscle contractions and relaxations.

Weakness and fatigue: Feeling weak or tired is common during food poisoning, partly due to the release of cytokines by the body in response to the infection. Resting and staying hydrated are essential for recovery.

Nausea: Nausea is a warning sign of food poisoning and often precedes vomiting. It indicates that the body recognises harmful substances in the stomach and may attempt to expel them.

Muscle aches: Inflammation caused by the body's immune response to food poisoning can lead to muscle aches and pains. Histamine release and cytokine activity contribute to the discomfort experienced.