Food Poisoning – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Published on 07/10/25

(Updated on 07/10/25)

Food Poisoning – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Food poisoning. It’s one of those things that hits you out of nowhere — and when it does, well, it can knock you down for a day or sometimes even a week. In India, where street food is both delicious and wildly popular, food poisoning isn’t just a rare event. It’s surprisingly common, especially during summer and monsoon seasons when bacteria thrive.

Whether it was a questionable plate of chaat or leftovers that sat out a little too long, most of us have experienced the dreaded stomach cramps, nausea, and those constant trips to the washroom (you know what I mean). But what really causes food poisoning? What’s good for food poisoning recovery? And how can you treat it fast — or better yet, avoid it altogether?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. The contamination can be from bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins that sneak into the food at any point — from production to preparation. When these harmful microbes enter your body, they mess with your digestive system, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in severe cases, dehydration.

In India, the risks are slightly higher due to factors like unhygienic food handling, improper storage, high temperatures, and — let’s be honest — a love for eating out. From golgappas to biryani, food can turn harmful if not prepared and stored properly.

And it’s not just street food. Even home-cooked meals can become problematic if cooked or stored in unsanitary conditions.

What Causes Food Poisoning?

There are many causes of food poisoning, but most of them boil down to microorganisms that are too small to see, but powerful enough to wreck your stomach.

Bacterial Causes

What bacteria is associated with food poisoning? Here are the main culprits:

Salmonella: Common in raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and milk. Can lead to serious stomach pain and fever.
E. coli: Found in contaminated water and undercooked meat. It’s not just painful — it can also be dangerous.
Listeria: Often found in deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, or refrigerated foods kept too long. Pregnant women should especially be careful.
Campylobacter: A big one in India, usually spread via untreated water or undercooked chicken.

Viral Causes

Viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A are also to blame. They spread fast and easily — often through dirty hands, infected food handlers, or unwashed veggies.

Parasitic Causes

Though less common, parasites like Giardia and Toxoplasma can enter through contaminated water or improperly washed greens. This type of poisoning tends to be more chronic than sudden.

Unsafe Food Practices in India

Let’s face it: open food stalls, re-used cooking oil, and lack of refrigeration in many small eateries contribute to the food poisoning problem in our country. Also, monsoon rains increase humidity, helping bacteria grow faster than you can say "paneer tikka."

Symptoms of Food Poisoning

So, how do you really know it’s food poisoning and not just something you ate that didn’t agree with you?

The symptoms usually start within a few hours after eating the contaminated food — but sometimes it can take a day or two, depending on the cause.

Here’s what you might feel:

Nausea or queasiness
Vomiting (sometimes violently)
Diarrhea – often watery or even bloody in rare cases
Stomach cramps or sharp abdominal pain
Fever and chills
Weakness, fatigue, or dizziness due to fluid loss

If you find yourself running to the toilet every hour, chances are, it’s food poisoning. Most cases go away on their own, but sometimes — especially in children, elderly people, or those with weak immune systems — it can become dangerous.

One red flag to watch out for: dehydration. If your mouth feels dry, you’re not peeing much, or your skin feels less elastic than normal, it’s time to hydrate fast or see a doctor.

How to Cure Food Poisoning Fast

Let’s be real. When you’re dealing with food poisoning, you’re not looking for long-term plans. You want it gone — now.

Here’s what to do:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The most important thing is to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Drink water, coconut water, or ORS (oral rehydration solution). You can get ORS sachets at any Indian chemist for under ₹20. Even a homemade mix of salt, sugar, and lemon in water can work in a pinch.

2. Rest as Much as Possible

Your body is busy fighting off toxins. Don’t push yourself to work, run errands, or attend functions. Seriously — cancel everything, your body will thank you.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Medicines (With Caution)

You can take paracetamol for fever or antispasmodics for cramping (after consulting a doctor). Avoid anti-diarrhea meds unless prescribed — they can trap the bacteria inside longer.

4. Try Indian Home Remedies

Some of these have actually been shown to help:

Buttermilk (chaas) with a pinch of roasted cumin
Jeera water (cumin boiled in water)
Ginger tea
Bananas to help firm up stools

But don’t go overboard. If symptoms last longer than 48 hours or get worse, head to a clinic.

What Is Good for Food Poisoning Recovery?

Once the vomiting stops and the stomach settles, it’s time to eat smart.

Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods. Think:

Rice
Boiled potatoes
Khichdi
Bananas
Coconut water

Avoid milk, spicy food, raw veggies, and meat for at least 24–48 hours. Your stomach lining is still healing.

Interestingly, curd (plain dahi) is one of the few dairy products that can help. It contains probiotics that restore good bacteria in your gut. Just don't mix it with spicy pickles — not yet!

Oh and one more thing: Avoid caffeine and alcohol like the plague for a few days. It’ll only make things worse.

What Food Is Poisonous to Dogs?

While we’re focused on food poisoning in humans, it's worth mentioning that certain foods we commonly eat in India can be downright dangerous for our furry friends.

Here’s a quick list of foods that are poisonous to dogs:

Chocolate – especially dark chocolate. Contains theobromine, which dogs can't metabolize.
Onions & Garlic – damages their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Grapes & Raisins – can cause kidney failure (yes, even small amounts).
Xylitol – an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, toothpaste, and some packaged snacks.
Bones from cooked meat – sounds surprising, but they can splinter and cause internal damage.

So next time you're tempted to toss a bite of biryani or rasgulla to your pup — pause. Better safe than sorry.

If your dog accidentally eats something toxic, call a vet immediately. In India, many cities now have 24/7 pet emergency services — a quick Google search can help in a crisis.

How to Prevent Food Poisoning

Let’s talk prevention. Because, honestly, suffering through food poisoning once is one time too many.

In the Kitchen:

Wash your hands before and after cooking.
Clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially leafy greens.
Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
Store leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours — don’t leave them on the counter overnight (ahem, we’ve all done it).
Reheat food properly. Lukewarm won’t kill bacteria.

Outside the Home:

Be selective about where you eat street food — clean carts with gloves and covered utensils are a safer bet.
Avoid chutneys or sauces that look like they've been sitting out too long.
Drink filtered or boiled water, especially while traveling.