How to protect yourself from poisoning in the summer

Summer is a wonderful time of year when we enjoy the bright sun, fresh fruits and vegetables, and also spend time on picnics and celebrations. However, with increasing temperature and increasing humidity, the risk of poisoning increases. The entry of pathogenic microflora into our body can lead to serious health problems. In this article, we'll look at a few important precautions to help you protect yourself from food poisoning this summer.

The cause of body poisoning is most often food. This is especially true in the summer, when even high-quality products can become dangerous due to the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. You should not be alarmed by an upset stomach if there are no other symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Regular diarrhea may be the body's reaction to excess E. coli, which begins to multiply with increased consumption of vegetables and fruits in the summer.

However, if stomach upset continues and is accompanied by general weakness and pain, this may be a sign of poisoning. In this case, you need to act quickly. If possible, consult with your doctor to rule out more dangerous diseases such as botulism, salmonellosis, cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery. Correct diagnosis and quick response to the first symptoms of poisoning significantly influence the success of treatment.

One of the most dangerous sources of poisoning in summer are mushrooms. On rainy summer days, mushroom season begins and many people go out to collect them. However, not all mushrooms are safe to eat. Mushroom poisoning is considered one of the most severe types of poisoning. To avoid this, it is recommended to either completely avoid collecting mushrooms in nature and prefer artificially grown mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and champignons, or carefully collect mushrooms from proven places. It is important to remember that an apparently edible mushroom may contain dangerous toxins.

Among mushrooms, tubular mushrooms can be considered relatively safe for consumption. They rarely contain deadly poisonous species, and among them there are mostly mushrooms that are safe for consumption. However, you should be careful and avoid collecting plates. Basic precautions that will help you protect yourself from poisoning in the summer:

  1. Food hygiene: Maintain good hygiene when preparing and eating food. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, use separate cutting boards and knives for meat and vegetables, and store food at the correct temperature.

  2. Cleanliness of Vegetables and Fruits: Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating, especially if you plan to eat them raw. Use clean water or special detergents for fruits and vegetables.

  3. Proper Storage Temperature: Pay attention to the food storage temperature. Perishable foods such as meat, dairy and eggs should be stored in the refrigerator at an appropriate temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

  4. Avoid cross-contamination: Prepare and store raw and prepared foods separately to avoid cross-contamination. Do not use the same utensils and tools for raw and cooked foods without pre-treatment.

  5. Avoid undercooked foods: Make sure meat and poultry are cooked through to kill bacteria. The internal temperature of meat must reach a safe level before consumption.

  6. Be careful with picnics: If you are having a picnic, pay attention to the food storage conditions. Use cold bags or containers with refrigeration elements to keep food fresh for a long time.

  7. Drinking water: Drink only safe drinking water. If you doubt the quality of your water, it is better to drink bottled water or pre-boil the water to kill bacteria.

  8. Be careful with seafood: If you eat seafood, make sure it is fresh and from a reputable supplier. Seafood must be completely cooked to avoid infections.

  9. Preserving Food: If you have leftover cooked food, store it properly. Cool food quickly before storing in the refrigerator and consume within a few days.

  10. Take care of your body: If you notice symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or severe abdominal pain, consult a doctor. A quick reaction will help