Food dangers you can avoid

We live in a world that is dominated by bacteria, which inhabit every conceivable nook and cranny including on us, and inside us. Usually, this is not a problem, but when the balance is disturbed it causes illness

We have evolved to live in harmony with most of the bacteria that we are surrounded by. Helpful bacteria, such as those found in live yoghurt and sauerkraut, are our friends and support good health.

However, there are still a whole host of unfriendly, or pathogenic, bacteria which cause infections and food poisoning. Bacterial food poisoning symptoms typically appear within an hour or up to 72 hours (or sometimes longer).

The delay in timing depends on circumstances, and happens because the bacteria multiplies to a point where it causes illness.

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), or fever. If the food poisoning has come from a restaurant or other food supplier it should always be notified to your doctor who is meant to report it to the health authorities to prevent further outbreaks.

The best way to avoid most of these pathogenic bacteria causing problems is via careful food sourcing, storage and preparation. It also helps to keep your immune and digestive health in tip-top balance so that your healthy bacteria, which colonise your body (mainly in your bowels) are able to fight the fight for you and keep pathogenic bacteria from getting too much of a foothold.

If you contract food poisoning your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics to fight any serious bacterial infection and recommend that you drink sufficient water to stay hydrated if you have diarrhoea. The following are the most common bacterial infections: