Food Poisoning: Types, Symptoms, & Treatment

Food Poisoning

Food Poisoning

Foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although it’s quite uncomfortable, food poisoning isn’t unusual. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in six Americans will contract some form of food poisoning every year.

What Causes Food Poisoning?

Most food poisoning can be traced to one of the following three major causes:




Food poisoning caused by parasites is not as common as food poisoning caused by bacteria, but parasites spread through food are still very dangerous. Toxoplasma is the most often seen parasite in cases of food poisoning. It’s typically found in cat litter boxes. Parasites can live in your digestive tract undetected for years. However, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women risk serious side effects if parasites take up residence in their intestines.


Food poisoning can also be caused by a virus. The Norovirus, also known as the Norwalk virus, causes over 19 million cases of food poisoning each year, and in rare cases, it can be fatal. Sapovirus, Rotavirus, and Astrovirus bring on similar symptoms, but they’re less common. Hepatitis A virus is a serious condition that can be transmitted through food.

How Does Food Become Contaminated?


Occasionally, food will come in contact with the organisms in fecal matter. This most commonly happens when a person preparing food doesn’t wash their hands before cooking.


Who Is at Risk for Food Poisoning?

Anyone can come down with food poisoning. Statistically speaking, nearly everyone will come down with food poisoning at least once in their lives.

There are some populations that are more at risk than others. Anyone with a suppressed immune system or an auto-immune disease may have a greater risk of infection and a greater risk of complications resulting from food poisoning.

According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women are more at risk because their bodies are coping with changes to their metabolism and circulatory system during pregnancy. Elderly individuals also face a greater risk of contracting food poisoning because their immune systems may not respond quickly to infectious organisms. Children are also considered an at-risk population because their immune systems aren’t as developed as adults.

How to Identify Food Poisoning

If you have food poisoning, chances are it won’t go undetected. Symptoms can vary depending on the source of the infection. Common cases of food poisoning will typically include at least three of the following symptoms:

  • abdominal cramps
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • mild fever
  • weakness
  • nausea
  • headaches

Symptoms of potentially life-threatening food poisoning include:

  • diarrhea persisting for more than three days
  • a fever higher than 101.5°F
  • difficulty seeing or speaking


How Is Food Poisoning Diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the type of food poisoning based on your symptoms. In severe cases, blood tests, stool tests, and tests on food that you have eaten may be conducted to determine what is responsible for the food poisoning. Your doctor may also use a urine test to evaluate whether or not an individual is dehydrated as a result of food poisoning.

How Is Food Poisoning Treated?

Food poisoning can usually be treated at home, and most cases will resolve within three to five days.

If you have food poisoning, it’s crucial to remain properly hydrated. Sports drinks high in electrolytes can be helpful with this. Fruit juice and coconut water can restore carbohydrates and help with fatigue.

Avoid caffeine, which may irritate the digestive tract. Decaffeinated teas with soothing herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and dandelion may calm an upset stomach.

Over-the-counter medications like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol can help control diarrhea and suppress nausea.

It’s also important for those with food poisoning to get plenty of rest.

In severe cases of food poisoning, individuals may require hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids at a hospital. In the very worst cases of food poisoning, a longer hospitalization may be required while the individual recovers.


While having food poisoning is quite uncomfortable, the good news is that most people recover completely within 48 hours.

Food poisoning can be life-threatening, however the CDC says this is extremely rare.

How Can Food Poisoning Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent food poisoning is to handle your food safely and to avoid any food that may be unsafe.

Some foods are more likely to cause of food poisoning because of the way they’re produced and prepared. Meat, poultry, eggs, and shellfish may harbor infectious agents that are killed during cooking. If these foods are eaten in their raw form, not cooked properly, or if hands and surfaces are not cleaned after contact, food poisoning can occur.

Other foods that have are likely to cause food poisoning include:

  • sushi and other fish products that are served raw or undercooked
  • deli meats and hot dogs that are not heated or cooked
  • ground beef, which may contain meat from several animals
  • unpasteurized milk, cheese, and juice
  • raw, unwashed fruits and vegetables

Always wash your hands before cooking or eating food. Make sure that your food is properly sealed and stored. Thoroughly cook meat and eggs. Anything that comes in contact with raw products should be sanitized before using it to prepare other foods. Make sure to always wash fruits and vegetables before serving.

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