Lifecentury

Newsletter - 1 June 2009

Food poisoning or gastroenteritis is the irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract. Essentially an ingestion disease, gastroenteritis is caused by viral infection or bacteria and is easily passed from one person to another. People from all age groups may be affected, yet infants less than five years of age and people over 60 years are more prone to this infection. The infection, most common during April to October, is contracted by consuming contaminated water or food and foods that have been stored improperly below optimal temperatures. The incubation period is about two days. The condition may cause abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, fever or chills and sinking of the eyes in infants. Severe cases can result in dehydration (crinkled skin, dry mouth, excess thirst or absence of urination for over six hours), and can lead to renal failure, low blood pressure, cardiac problems, etc. Prevention People can reduce their chance of getting infected by frequent hand washing, prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners, and prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing. If food or water is thought to be contaminated, it should be avoided. Treatment Most often the symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and nausea may go after few days. But if you experience severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, talking, swallowing, fever, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, dehydration or, persistent abdominal pain then consult a specialist immediately. Try the following home remedies to fight the bacteria in your gut and ease the symptoms -
	To prevent dehydration the best remedy is drinking a lot of water. Electrolyte losses can be compensated by other clear fluids like coconut water, apple juice, lemon water, flat soft drinks, glucose water, broths or clear soups.
	Don't avoid the calls of diarrhea or vomiting, let the bacteria flush out of the body naturally.
	As the vomiting subsides try to introduce some soft and bland foods in your diet that can be easily digested like a broth, porridge, pudding or cereal. Thin khichri with curd; rice and curd, buttermilk and thin lassi flavored with cumin, mint and ginger are helpful in recovery. Avoid spicy, oily/fatty foods, high fiber foods, sugary foods, greasy foods, pastries, preservatives, candies and alcohol as they can irritate the intestines further.
	To prevent acid indigestion mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice in a cup of warm water and drink this water before a meal.
	To promote digestion chew ginger slices soaked in lime juice and salt after your meals. You can even have ginger and mint tea (without milk) to prevent heartburn and nausea.
	To avoid food poisoning in future take special care at home like wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or raw egg, or preparing a meal. Completely cook the food, especially meat, poultry, fish and eggs to ensure all the harmful bacteria are killed.
	Also avoid eating out and any food that smells bad or doesn't look right.
If any of your symptoms increases or gets severe then consult a specialist for immediate medical assistance. Recipe Fruit Medley Ingredients: 1 Cup fresh apple peel removed finely chopped 2 TSP honey 1 Pinch cinnamon 1 Cup plain yogurt Fruits for garnishing Few rose peatals for garnishing Method: Mash or puree fruit with a little honey add splash of water.then add plain yogurt:made from toned milk blend again.you can add chopped walnuts or almonds.add chopped strawberries,cherries ,apple and orange.pour mixture into cups.decorate with rose peatals. Red coleslaw: Red cabbage keeps its crispiness very well so this salad is good for packed lunches. Ingredients: 1 Small red cabbage shredded 1 Small red onion ,thinly sliced 1 Red apple cored and grated 1 tbsp vinegar 2 tbsp hung curd 1 tbsp honey Salt and black pepper Method: Place the apple ,cabbage,onion in a salade bowl and toss thoroughly add the remaining ingredients until they are evenly blended. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Click here to view all...