Tag: Gastrointestinal illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all foodborne illnesses in the U.S. are caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables. What happens if I eat fruits without washing them? The reality is that unwashed produce can harbor harmful pathogens and chemicals, posing a significant risk to your health.

According to the USDA, Americans waste approximately one pound of food per person daily, and sometimes a bite of bad fruit slips through. If you've accidentally eaten rotten fruit, your body's response can range from nothing at all to mild digestive upset, depending on your immune system and the type and amount of spoilage.

According to the CDC, hot dogs and other ready-to-eat deli meats have the potential to carry harmful bacteria, most notably *Listeria monocytogenes*. While hot dogs are a staple at cookouts and ballparks, understanding the risks associated with improper storage, handling, and cooking is crucial to enjoying them safely and avoiding foodborne illness.

Healthcare professionals widely recommend clear fluids like broth during the first stages of digestive recovery, and many clinicians now suggest expanding the traditional BRAT diet to include more nutrient-dense options [1, 3]. This means that clear, low-sodium broth is not only okay but is often encouraged as a gentle way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes after a gastrointestinal illness [2, 1].

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eating raw or undercooked freshwater crabs can lead to a parasitic lung fluke infection known as paragonimiasis. When it comes to the question, “Is eating raw crab healthy?”, the overwhelming answer from health experts is a definitive no, and for very serious reasons.

An estimated 99% of the carcinogenic compound ptaquiloside (PTQ) can be removed from bracken fern by boiling for 20 minutes, although complete elimination is unlikely. Understanding **what are the side effects of eating fern** is critical, as some varieties contain toxic compounds that pose significant health risks if not identified and prepared correctly.