Are you in the know?

By: Cristie Kennedy 

Cross contamination, leftover meals consumed late after origin, improper storage of food. These are some of the many causes of the serious yet underestimated illness, ‘FoodPoisoning’. However there’s more to this illness that one might not know of. Here’s the pass to find out more. 

Dipping my finger into the creamy chocolate chip cookie batter, I taste the dollop on my finger. It tastes wonderfully sweet. However just last week, I stopped doing so. With the recent news on Food poisoning in the US and China , it’s time to smear that dollop back into your baking bowl.

Food poisoning also known as foodborne illness is a common, pressing and sometimes even fatal problem for millions of people in the US and throughout the world. As you catch up with the news this past week, you might have noticed the cases that have been sprouting in restaurants, homes and countries worldwide.

Having taken a look at these reports and stories, one might wonder if there is yet something I don’t know about Food Poisoning. Are there quick steps that one can take to curb this illness? Special home-made remedies one can make to send this illness away? Perhaps even find the right type of food to consume after such an illness. Fret not, I present to you the list of 10 where you can find answers to all of the above questions.

The List of 10

1. Have some of your leftover pasta or noodles from yesterday? Refrigerate them promptly together with food prepared in advance.
2. Place eggs, poultry, seafood or milk in the refrigerator as they spoil under extended periods in room temperature.
3. Preparing chicken tenders for guests coming in tomorrow? Marinate them safely by placing them in the fridge.
4. When cooking, separate your meat and vegetables as you deal with them on your counter top.

Pace yourself, one step at a time. With these tips, you can be sure to keep germs such as salmonella and listeria (the 2 most prevalent bacteria) away.

Steps followed, however it’s too late. The illness has set in and now you need a special remedy that can ease your pain. Here are a few simple ones that can be prepared right in your kitchen.

1. Mix some cinnamon powder with boiled water or have it in your tea. Have it 2-3 times a day.
2. Need relief from nausea, place a clove between your teeth for sometime. 
3. Burned toasts with black tea, the combination to go for.
4. *Love coke? Grab a glass as it helps induce vomiting. Drink 2 big glasses of it every hour and then have water. Put this on repeat. 

       ( *This method was first used by soldiers in the U.K.)

As your body gradually recovers, you might be eagerly waiting to eat your favourite meal. However, do put that feeling on hold, you need to take it easy on your stomach. Here are 2 simple actions you can take as you recover.

1.  Fluids, as many as you can. Water, fruit juice, sports drinks, fill yourself with these fluids bit by bit.
2. Take ample rest and treat yourself to a bowl of chicken soup with herbs or peppermint/cinnamon.

Now you have gotten the pass with all you need to know about food poisoning. Spread the word and stay tuned to next week’s report on another food illness like this one.