According to research, if food is placed in an environment between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius, bacteria may double in 20 minutes; if it is not cooked properly, it will increase the risk of food poisoning. Someone might try to clean every corner of the kitchen in an attempt to eliminate any harmful bacteria before handling food. But what exactly is food poisoning? What effect does it have on your gut?

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning is defined as any illness caused by eating contaminated food. It is estimated that one in six Asians will suffer from food poisoning within a year. The most common cause of food poisoning is caused by a type of bacteria called a foodborne pathogen.

These pathogens can cause illness in two ways:
1. They are ingested with food and then grow in the body, which is called a foodborne infection.
2. They first multiply in food and produce some harmful toxins. After ingestion by the human body, it will cause physical discomfort, which is called food-borne poisoning.

Food poisoning can also be caused by: parasites, molds, toxins, pollutants and certain allergens.

The culprit of food poisoning is usually related to specific foods, most often meat. Here are some of the most common bacteria.

Staphylococcus aureus
The bacterium can be found in the skin and skin glands of birds and other mammals, including humans, as well as in the guts of infected hosts. If people don't practice proper hygiene (washing hands), bacteria can spread to food and multiply, producing toxins. These toxins are not destroyed by cooking and are often found in uncooked foods such as puddings, pastries and sandwiches.

Salmonella
Salmonella is found in the intestines of most livestock and wild animals. When ingested, these bacteria can cause direct foodborne infections. This bacteria is usually associated with eating raw eggs, but it can be found in a variety of foods, including: vegetables, chicken, pork, fruits, nuts, eggs, beef and bean sprouts.

Clostridium
Several species of Clostridium can cause foodborne illness, the most common being Clostridium perfringens. These bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus, also produce toxins. Clostridium perfringens is mostly caused by improper food handling. Eating beef, poultry, or food stored at room temperature for a long time may cause poisoning due to bacterial growth.

Campylobacter
These bacteria are found in the intestines of wild animals such as poultry and cattle. Eating food contaminated by these bacteria can lead to foodborne infections. Common sources of bacteria include: unpasteurized milk, chicken, crustaceans, turkey, and contaminated water.

Listeria monocytogenes
Among the many forms of food poisoning, foodborne infections caused by this bacterium are the most deadly, with a mortality rate of about 20-30%. Listeria is ubiquitous in the environment, such as in decaying plants, water and soil. Common sources of bacteria include: unpasteurized milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables, refrigerated pâtés, or refrigerated smoked seafood.

Vibrio
Vibrio bacteria live in the oceans in tropical or temperate regions. These bacteria can cause foodborne infections when uncooked shellfish (mainly oysters) are eaten, especially in chronically ill people.

Bacillus Cereus
Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some produce virus-causing toxins and are spread through consumption of contaminated food or water. Contaminated foods, especially undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk and juice, soft cheese/paneer, and fruits and vegetables, can cause E. coli foodborne poisoning.

Norovirus
Like many other viruses, norovirus infections are usually caused by eating infected food. However, these viruses can remain on food surfaces, making it difficult to prevent the spread of norovirus through the food chain. Common food sources of these viruses include: produce, shellfish, ready-to-eat foods exposed by infected food workers, or any other contaminated food.

What you may not know is that certain probiotic microorganisms in the gut can inhibit infection by foodborne pathogens and protect us from illness caused by the reproduction of pathogens, such as the reaction between Lactobacilli and Salmonella. Research shows that probiotics isolated from kimchi can provide powerful antibacterial activity against harmful salmonella. So, you may consider adding kimchi to your dinner today!

Effects of food poisoning on the intestines

Food poisoning can disrupt gut microbes and trigger lasting health effects known as post-infectious IBS, a form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Studies have linked the illness to food poisoning caused by E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter. In one study, 10 percent of people who experienced a bacterial infection still had sequelae 10 years later.

All the more reason, therefore, to take the necessary precautions to prevent food poisoning – wash your hands!

If you are interested in understanding your gut diversity, take the Gutolution Gut Test!