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The Effects of Toxic Food Poisoning

Toxic food poisoning is a type of food-borne illness. It is caused by consuming food that has been contaminated by toxins released by infectious organisms. The effects of toxic food poisoning typically occur within hours of ingestion and can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dehydration. However, the extent to which food poisoning affects an individual depends on the type and degree of contamination, as well as the person's age and health.

  1. Diarrhea

    • According to WebMD, diarrhea, or bouts of loose stool, is typically one of the first symptoms of toxic food poisoning. Depending on the type of organism causing the condition, stool may contain blood and mucus and be accompanied by mild to severe abdominal cramping.

      Diarrhea caused by food-borne illness usually lasts for 12 to 48 hours and resolves itself without medical intervention. However, those who experience diarrhea for more than two or three days should contact a doctor.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Certain types of bacteria produce toxins that react with the central nervous system to cause nausea and vomiting. Like diarrhea, vomiting that lasts for one to two days is generally not cause for concern, though longer-lasting symptoms may require medical attention.

      Dr. John P. Cunha on eMedicineHealth.com recommends that people who experience vomiting as a side effect of food poisoning should avoid eating solid foods and, instead, maintain a steady intake of fluids.

    Dehydration

    • The Mayo Clinic states that dehydration is one of the most common effects of toxic food poisoning. It occurs when a person loses fluids more rapidly than can be replaced, resulting in a shortage of water and essential salts and minerals. This deficiency can disrupt or impair normal bodily functions and may be fatal if left untreated.

      Food poisoning-related dehydration is typically the result of fever and excessive vomiting, diarrhea and sweating. To avoid this complication, it is important to replenish lost fluids by drinking large amounts of water. Sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, may be helpful, as well. However, severe dehydration resulting from an extended inability to replace lost fluids requires prompt medical attention.

      Dehydration can affect people of all ages, though young children, the elderly and those suffering from illnesses or conditions that make fluid replacement more difficult are at a greater risk for complications.

    Paralysis

    • According to WebMD, paralysis resulting from food-borne botulism is a rare effect of toxic food poisoning. It is caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In adults, botulism symptoms include double or blurred vision, slurred speech and muscle weakness, while infants with botulism present symptoms that include lethargy, constipation and poor muscle tone.

      Symptoms of botulism tend to appear between four hours to 10 days after ingesting contaminated food and should be reported immediately. If left untreated, this type of food poisoning causes paralysis of the limbs and trunk and can lead to respiratory failure, coma and death.

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