Food poisoning

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Patience Paradox

An important aspect of diagnosing food poisoning is the clinical interview. A history of the illness should be thoroughly traced to include ingestion of food, recent travel, and contact with those showing similar symptoms of illness. Because it may take 30 minutes to three days for symptoms to develop, it is not necessarily the most recent food eaten that is the cause of the symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed with a stool culture. Other laboratory tests may be used to examine vomitus, blood, or the contaminated food. A blood chemistry panel may be performed to determine the extent of any tissue damage or electrolyte imbalances. Many cases of food poisoning go undiagnosed, and treatment focuses on the short-lived G/I symptoms.

Botulism is usually diagnosed from its distinctive neurological symptoms, since rapid treatment is essential to save the patient's life. Electromyography, a test analyzing the electrical activity of muscles, may later be done to further confirm diagnosis. The test shows abnormal muscle activity in most cases of botulism.

Those suffering from food poisoning should reduce all sugar and normal food for eight to 24 hours, and increase fluids to avoid dehydration. Charcoal tablets, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and citrus seed extract are all recommended. For mild cases of food poisoning, the homeopathic remedies Arsenicum album, Veratrum album, Podophyllum, or Nux vomica are recommended. The remedy should be given in 12c potency every three to four hours until symptoms subside. If a ready-made electrolyte replacement is not available, a homemade one can be made by dissolving exactly one teaspoon (five ml) of salt and four teaspoons (about 20 ml) of sugar in one quart (one liter) of water.

Cinnamon (Cinnamonum zeylanicum), cloves (Syzigium aromaticum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and sage (Salvia officinalis) are food herbs that are also strong inhibitors of bacteria. Liberal amounts can be added to foods, especially when traveling. Grapefruit seed extract has a natural antibiotic effect and may be of help. Large amounts of garlic, in food and in supplement form, are also recommended for the same reason.

In very serious cases of food poisoning, medications may be given to stop abdominal cramping and vomiting. Medications are not usually given for the diarrhea, since stopping it might keep toxins in the body longer and prolong the illness. Severe bacterial food poisonings are sometimes treated with antibiotics, but their use is controversial. Washing out the stomach contents to remove the toxic substances may be required. This procedure is called gastric lavage, familiarly known as having the stomach pumped. Neurotoxins often interfere with the breathing process. If the ability to breathe is affected, patients may have to be put on a mechanical ventilator to assist their breathing and are fed intravenously until the paralysis passes.

People who show any signs of botulism poisoning must receive immediate emergency medical care. Both infants and adults suffering from food poisoning by C. botulinum require hospitalization, often in the intensive care unit. A botulism antitoxin is given to adults, if it can be administered within seventy-two hours after symptoms are first observed. If given later, it provides no benefit. Nasogastric intubation is recommended for the feeding of infants with active botulism. As well as supplying nutrition, it will stimulate peristalsis, helping in the elimination of C. botulinum.