Food poisoning is a common and potentially dangerous illness that can be caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million people in the United States alone suffer from foodborne illnesses each year. While many cases of food poisoning can be mild and resolve on their own, others can be more severe and require medical treatment. Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Link Between Eating Right & Food Poisoning
Here are some ways in which eating right can help ward off the risk of food poisoning:
1. Properly cooking and storing food
Cooking food to the correct temperature is an important step in preventing food poisoning. The CDC recommends using a food thermometer to ensure that meats are cooked to a safe temperature. The internal temperature of meat should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it is important to properly store food in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the growth of bacteria. Foods that are left out at room temperature for more than two hours should be thrown away.
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2. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help boost your immune system, which can help protect you against foodborne illnesses. Fruits and vegetables are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It is important to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them to remove any bacteria or dirt that may be on the surface.
3. Consuming probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and can help support the immune system. Consuming foods that are rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, can help keep the gut healthy and reduce the risk of food poisoning.
4. Avoiding cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria from one food item to another. This can occur when raw meat or poultry comes into contact with other foods, utensils, or surfaces. To prevent cross-contamination, it is important to use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and poultry, and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
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5. Avoiding high-risk foods
Certain foods are more likely to cause food poisoning than others. These include raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as unpasteurized dairy products and raw sprouts. It is important to avoid these high-risk foods or to ensure that they are cooked to a safe temperature before eating.
In addition to these steps, it is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to practise good hygiene by washing your hands frequently. By eating a healthy diet and taking these steps to prevent food poisoning, you can reduce your risk of becoming ill and stay healthy.
