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ANSWERED BY DR. RICHARD LUTCHMAN

Why can’t I sleep?

There are many reasons why a person might experience troubles falling asleep. The most common reasons are usually linked to caffeine, nicotine, or medications. Some people also have a difficult time going to bed if they’re stressed or suffering from a sleeping disorder, such as insomnia. Try practicing proper sleep hygiene and avoid caffeinated drinks and heavy meals right before bed. Journal your sleep habits so you can track your progress and if after some time you are still struggling, reach out to a health care professional for an evaluation and guidance.

What do cancer stages and grades mean?

The stage of a cancer describes the size of a tumor and how far it has spread from where it originated. The grade describes the appearance of the cancerous cells. If you're diagnosed with cancer, you may have more tests to help determine how far it has progressed. Staging and grading the cancer will allow the doctors to determine its size, whether it has spread and the best treatment options.

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FROM “MMM, SO GOOD!” TO “AHH, SO BAD!” HAVE YOU EVER EATEN SOMETHING THAT HAD YOUR TASTE BUDS JUMPING FOR JOY ONLY TO BEHIT WITH A NIGHTMARE OF JARRING SYMPTOMS?WHY IS A DELICIOUS MEAL CAUSING DISCOMFORT? NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA… UM, YOU MIGHT JUST HAVE FOOD POISONING.

WHAT IS FOOD POISONING?

Food poisoning, a type of foodborne illness happens when we consume spoiled, toxic, or contaminated food. Contaminated foods are usually infected with bacteria, fungus, or a virus whose byproducts result in food poisoning. After consuming something toxic, our body’s natural response is to protect. Unfortunately for us, our body’s version of cleansing and healing itself involves a series of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms Of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning isn’t one of those illnesses that go easily undetected. More than likely your body will let you know. Symptoms vary from person to person and can occur hours or days after consumption. Here are some common symptoms associated with food poisoning:

- Abdominal cramps

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Loss of appetite

- Fever

- Fatigue

- Headaches

While most symptoms usually last a few days, there are some life-threatening cases of food poisoning that include more severe symptoms such as:

- Diarrhea lasting more than three days

- A fever above 102°F

- Severe dehydration including dry mouth, little to no urination, difficulty keeping fluids down

Causes Of Food Poisoning

Bacteria, toxins, parasites, and viruses; while these pathogens can be found in nearly all the food we eat, heat from the cooking process usually kills and elimates it before we ingest it. It is typical for raw foods to be a common contributor to the development of food poisoning. Studies also demonstrate that meats, eggs, and dairy products are often contaminated.

• BACTERIA – E. coli and salmonella are common causes of food poisoning.

• PARASITES – Parasites such as tapeworms, flatworms and roundworms that spread through foods are very dangerous and cause severe cases of food poisoning.

• VIRUSES – Viruses such as the norovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus, etc., are also known for causing food poisoning.

Food Poisoning Versus A Stomach Flu

Both food poisoning and a stomach flu are classified as gastrointestinal infections, causing inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. While the symptoms for each infection is similar, the difference is that food poisoning comes from food whereas a stomach flu has many varying contributors.

WHO CAN GET FOOD POISONING?

Anyone! Food poisoning is very common and can affect anyone at any age. Those with a weaker immune system such as pregnant women, children under five, adults over sixty-five and those with chronic illnesses should be extra mindful of the foods they eat. Be sure that your food is fresh, stored at the appropriate temperatures, washed properly, and prepared in a sanitary manner.

Diagnosis

After reaching out to your healthcare provider, they will conduct an analysis of your symptoms and recent food intake. For further confirmation they may request blood and stool samples to check for parasites or bacteria.

Treatments

The most important tip for recovering from food poisoning is to stay hydrated. With the significant loss of liquid from vomiting and diarrhea, your body will require extra fluids to heal. Depending on the severity, your doctor may administer IV fluids. You will also be encouraged to take medications to help cope with your other symptoms, for example antidiarrheal medications, pain killers, fever reducers, and in some cases antibiotics.

Tips to get through food poisoning:

1. Avoid heavy meals.

2. Eat light and soft meals.

3. Try having ice cubes or popsicles for extra hydration.

4. Get lots of rest!

FOOD POISONING CAN BE DISTRESSING BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT MOST OF US RECOVER WITHIN A FEW DAYS WITHOUT MAJOR TREATMENT. SO, BE WISE ABOUT YOUR FOOD CHOICES AND FEAST ON.