While purchasing canned food, always check the date of packaging and never purchase anything that has expired. If the can is dented or spurts as soon as you open it or the food just doesn't smell or taste right, then don't touch its contents. Just dump them straight away out of the reach of children and pets.Once you have opened canned food refrigerate it at once. In case of meat, poultry or fish products, consume them immediately or store them in deep freeze. Once you get them out of cold storage thaw them under cold water or in the microwave. Do not leave them to thaw at room temperature. It breeds bacteria. Always reheat meats at temperatures as high as you would have used to cook hem in the first place.
When you eat or drink something that is contaminated with toxic bacteria, you may experience diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting within 24-48 hours. Typically these symptoms go away in a day or two. In most cases, the condition is not serious and will get better once your immune system gets the better of the infection. In the meanwhile here are some remedies to soothe your stomach and help you feel better:
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water you are losing through vomiting and diarrhoea. You can drink Gatorade or some fruit juice to which a pinch of glucose and a pinch of sea salt have been added.
- Except in very severe cases, in which case you should consult a doctor, do not try and stop the diarrhoea. It is your body's way of flushing out toxins.
- Over the counter drugs may not help much with the problem. It is usually best to let the problem settle down on its own.
- Don't try and induce vomiting and avoid antacids as they will interfere with the natural bactericidal properties of stomach acids.
- If you feel weak, drink fresh fruit juices. However avoid citrus and other sour juices. Watermelon juice or some other bland juice is ideal.
- Once you are able to keep food down, eat bland and healthy foods. Avoid spicy, oily or overly salty food. It's best to ease back into your diet with something home cooked.
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