Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Apr 4: Many cases of food poisoning are reported in most private and government hospitals in the coastal region, with more than five cases being reported in a day. Health experts suspect that the rising mercury and changes in water quality are possible reasons for this trend. These incidents are not limited to children and students; elderly people are also affected, with over 100 individuals admitted to city hospitals due to food poisoning, according to hospital sources.

Soujanya Satish Shankar, a food and nutrition expert at Ayur Sparsh Hospital, explains, “Although there are various factors contributing to food poisoning, contaminated water remains a significant concern. With the mercury levels rising, it is essential to consume more water, but ensuring its purity is crucial.”

Apart from water purity, other factors such as food impurities, bacteria and viruses in food, consumption of expired or undercooked food, long-term storage of food in hotels and restaurants, eating spoiled fruits and vegetables, and intake of highly processed foods also contribute to food poisoning. It is advisable to consume home-cooked meals, and vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed before use.

Symptoms of food poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and stomach pain, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes and itching. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.

While certain home remedies can alleviate food poisoning symptoms to some extent, consulting a doctor is vital to prevent any adverse effects. Drinking water with lime, consuming one or two cloves of raw garlic, or using Tulsi leaves to detoxify the body are recommended remedies. Chewing cumin seeds or consuming cumin powder can also help relieve symptoms, and honey, being an antifungal agent, may reduce the severity of food poisoning.