Dangers Of Alcohol And Food Poisoning

Eating and drinking too much during the festive season can have negative effects on your body

- Yolile Malinga

THE festive season is usually filled with a lot of celebrations, which are always accompanied by food and alcohol. This means the consumption of food and alcohol is usually high at this time of the year, which might even lead to poisoning. Bogaleng Olga Nchabeleng, a dietician based in Polokwane, shares tips on how to prevent food and alcohol poisoning.

WHAT IS FOOD POISONING

According to Bogaleng, food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.

These organisms can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked.

Food poisoning is most often mild and can resolve itself without treatment. But some cases are so severe you might need to get hospitalised.

SIGNS OF FOOD POISONING

Symptoms of food poisoning differ with the cause of the infection. The symptoms, which can start within hours of eating the infected food, often include nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Some symptoms may start days or even weeks later and sickness caused by food poisoning generally lasts for a few hours to several days.