![]() © 2007 Publications International, Ltd. Food poisoning can strike anywhere. |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there will be about 76 million cases of food poisoning this year. It's an estimate because most cases of food poisoning go unreported, chalked up to the stomach flu or another bug. Even though the United States has strict guidelines when it comes to processing and handling food, there is always a risk of some food becoming contaminated. Ironically, though many cases of food poisoning do happen in restaurants, the most common place for foodborne illnesses to strike is your kitchen.
How Spoiled Food Makes You Feel
The symptoms you have after eating a pork chop laden with bad bacteria can range from mild (a few stomach cramps) to severe (you spend a couple of days camped out on the bathroom floor). Many people describe food poisoning as akin to being hit by a very large truck. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.
Because most of the symptoms of food poisoning are similar to those of other illnesses, such as a stomach virus, people aren't always sure food is the problem. If you think you've got food poisoning but aren't sure, take note: Most people get sick about 4 to 48 hours after eating the suspect food. And if you got sick, chances are everyone else who ate a contaminated chop will be sick, too.
Foiling Food Poisoning
Of course, prevention is always the best medicine, and the smartest way to treat food poisoning is to avoid getting it in the first place. Although you can't control the conditions in the restaurants you patronize, you can take several precautions at home by following these tips:
- Keep mixed foods, such as salads with mayonnaise dressing and foods that contain dairy products, refrigerated.
- Thaw meat in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Stuff turkeys or roasts just before cooking -- or cook the stuffing separately.
- Keep perishable foods cold.
- Cook chicken, pork, and beef very thoroughly.
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with very hot water and soap after handling meat or eggs.
Taking over-the-counter medications that halt the process can make you sicker. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself while you're sick. Fortunately, our home remedies can at least make dealing with the symptoms more bearable and get you feeling better faster. Keep reading to learn about home remedies for food poisoning, along with some things in your kitchen that will help prevent food poisoning from visiting your house.
To learn more about battling stomach ailments, visit these links:
- To see all of our home remedies and the conditions they treat, go to our main Home Remedies page.
- In Home Remedies for Upset Stomach, find cures in your kitchen for your tummy troubles.
- Quench the flames and find relief from the burn in Home Remedies for Heartburn.
- If you're queasy, read Home Remedies for Nausea to learn about common cures that will help you feel better.

