Health tip: guarding against gastro

(Inside Aotea, December 2010)

Gastric infections travel via the faecal-oral route, so simply washing your hands can greatly reduce your likelihood of succumbing to a gastric bug.

Chicken often gets the blame for food poisoning, but food poisoning bacteria can grow in almost all food.

Raw and cooked food shouldn’t be neighbours. Keep them separate during preparation and storage.

Barbecue season is upon us so make sure meat is cooked thoroughly.

With salads popular at this time of year, also remember to wash all fruit and vegetables before eating

Treatment tips for tummy troubles

For the most part gastroenteritis is considered self-limiting and you’ll get better as your body fights off the infection.

The single most important treatment for gastroenteritis is hydration. Even a 24 hour bout can deplete the body of essential fluids due to vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Dehydration is of particular concern in babies and children.

Water is the drink of choice.

It’s an antiquated view to think that you shouldn’t eat. While it might be best to keep to bland foods, such as toast and crackers, if you can stomach food, then be guided by your appetite.

Together with some rest and recuperation, you’ll be on the road to health in no time at all.