Staphylococcal food poisoning – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

When an individual consumes food contaminated with toxins produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), they can develop Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP).

While the bacterium doesn’t often cause illness in healthy individuals, Staph can produce toxins that may cause food poisoning. Foods at highest risk of transmitting Staph toxins are those that don’t require cooking when handled, such as pastries, puddings, sandwiches, and sliced meat. Food contaminated with Staph toxin can have a normal smell or taste.

Patients with SFP often have generally mild illness and they may recover after one to three days.

Known symptoms of Staphylococcal food poisoning

A patient with Staphylococcal food poisoning may have signs like those for a severe case of gastroenteritis/inflammation of the digestive tract. The symptoms of SFP may manifest rapidly, such as within 30 minutes after contaminated food is consumed. In other cases, the symptoms of the disease may develop after six hours.

The signs of SFP usually include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Body systems harmed by Staphylococcal food poisoning

Staphylococcal food poisoning may cause the following complications:

• Brain and nerve damage, chronic arthritis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) – These complications may occur in food-transmitted infections. HUS can sometimes cause kidney failure.
• Dehydration
• Long-term health problems – Especially in babies, young children, the elderly, and people with HIV.
• Death

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Staphylococcal food poisoning

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent Staphylococcal food poisoning or address its signs:

• Barley or rice water – Barley or rice water can help soothe an inflamed intestine and stomach. Make barley or rice water by boiling a liter of water. Add a cup of barley or rice, then cook for 10 minutes, or longer for barley. When the water is thick and starchy, let the liquid cool. Sip on the liquid.
• Cinnamon tea – Cinnamon tea has antibacterial properties that can fight against pathogens that may cause food poisoning, like Staph. To make cinnamon tea, add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 15 minutes. Strain before drinking.
• Cumin – Cumin can ease diarrhea and flatulence. It is particularly effective against Staph. Chew on cumin seeds or drink a cumin seed decoction to fight off pathogens that cause food poisoning. Make a cumin decoction by simmering about 15 to 30 cumin seeds in one cup of water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool down before drinking.
• Fluids – Drink lots of fluids to prevent hydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. You can also drink two to three cups of coconut water.

Treatments, management plans for Staphylococcal food poisoning

Most cases of Staphylococcal food poisoning don’t usually require medical attention since the disease only lasts for a day or two. SFP also resolves on its own.

Treatment for SFP may include getting enough rest and an increased fluid intake. However, people at risk for SFP may require medical help.

Since the most common complication of SFP is dehydration, treatment administering intravenous liquids may be necessary. Some patients may have to be hospitalized for observation to prevent complications.

Where to learn more

• 9 Home Remedies You Can Try When You Have Food Poisoning
• Coriander oil (cilantro) can be used to treat food poisoning and drug-resistant infections
• Food poisoning sickens hundreds at Food Safety Summit; top food industry officials affected 
• Natural Remedies for Food Poisoning
•  Tweeting about food poisoning shown to help combat the problem

Summary

When an individual consumes food contaminated with toxins produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), they can develop Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP).

The signs of SFP usually include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Staphylococcal food poisoning may cause complications like brain and nerve damage, chronic arthritis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome; dehydration, long-term health problems, or death.

Barley or rice water, cinnamon tea, cumin, and fluids can help prevent Staphylococcal food poisoning or address its signs.

Most cases of Staphylococcal food poisoning don’t usually require medical attention since the disease only lasts for a day or two. SFP also resolves on its own.

Treatment for SFP may include getting enough rest and an increased fluid intake. However, people at risk for SFP may require medical help.

Sources include:

CDC.gov 1

Healthline.com

CDC.gov 2

CureJoy.com