Food Poisoning: How You Get It & How to Avoid It

We’ve all had that moment of regret — maybe it was the medium rare burger at a backyard barbecue or that salad bar that was just too convenient to pass up. But the unfortunate result — food poisoning — is no walk in the park for the estimated 48 million Americans a year who suffer the ensuing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. What are the first signs you ate something contaminated? How long do most bouts last? And what can you do to help recover? In this episode, we break down how these nasty bugs make their way into our meals and the steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting sick. Expert: Dr. Neeharika Kalakota, Gastroenterologist Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: What is foodborne illness exactly? The hallmark sign that it’s likely food poisoning Symptoms, onset and duration — all can vary from bug to bug  The food sources most linked to food poisoning Is an “iron stomach” real? Or are we all equally at risk? The vulnerability of some individuals to foodborne illness When to ride it out at home and when to seek treatment Self-care steps to take in the initial hours and days of illness Why recovering from food poisoning may take a long time Ways to reduce your risk of food poisoning If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.