Food poisoning in Thailand
The past 24 hours have been something of a nightmare. For the third time since I moved to Phuket, I had food poisoning. The culprit this time was a pasta dish comprising black linguini and seafood. I started throwing up at 6:30 am yesterday and didn’t stop until about lunch time. I went to work for an hour, went home and then returned to work after midday feeling like a train wreck.
I had never had food poisoning before I came to Phuket. Funny how it’s never Thai food that makes you sick. After throwing up black linguini, I can honestly say that I never want to have to go through such a debacle again.
So I did a bit of research on how to avoid food poisoning. People with weak immune systems are most at risk, which might explain why I became sick but my girlfriend, who ate the same dish, did not.
There are several ways to boost your immune system:
- Drink lemon juice
- Sleep more
- Eat more protein
- Drink more water
- Don’t drink coffee
- Don’t consume sugar
- Eat more fruit
- Spend some time outside in the cold (maybe not)
I’m definitely guilty of a few violations here.
Other ways to avoid food poisoning include:
- Thoroughly reheat meals (this may have been where I was caught out this time)
Keep your kitchen clean - Protect food from insects and animals (ants seem to get everywhere these days and I do play with my cat rather a lot)
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after preparing food
- Wash your hands before eating
I once caught food poisoning after eating at Fuji restaurant in Phuket. Raw fish requires a high level of hygiene in its preparation.
So that’s everything in the known universe about food poisoning. Anyone have anything to add? What have your experiences been?
June 11th, 2008 at 4:20 am
3 times in Phuket so far: Fuji, Oishi and Laem Him seafood. Hmmm, I think there may be a common theme running here. If you get it, drink plenty of electrolyte solution. Bananas are also quite good.
June 11th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Not much experience here, I’m happy to say.
And I never trust Italian food nor seafood, maybe that’s the reason. :-)
June 11th, 2008 at 6:09 am
I’ve not had it… I think. You know, when you first come to TH and die for the first couple months? Well, I made it through the first 2 months then hell broke loose for 2 months. Then fine ever since. Now - was that 2 mths of hell brought on by bacteria in my stomach adjusting (dying) because the food and water I was ingesting had bad stuff in it? Not sure. Was that considered food poisoning? I don’t think so. Ever since then I’ve been fine. Don’t get me wrong - I have the occasional squirtfest in the restroom every 2 months or so - but after 20 minutes of that - ready to roll.
You have a g/f?
:P Vern
June 11th, 2008 at 10:17 am
In a hot country, avoid any meat-containing dish likely to have been cooked before you ordered it.
June 11th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
My second summer home from studying abroad, we went partying in Bangkok. At 3 a.m., before heading home, I ate a plate of chicken rice (kao mun gai). By 6 a.m. I had massive stomach pain but nothing came out from either end. Not until I was outside the X-ray room at the hospital (they were thinking appendicitis) when I started exploding from both directions. I was hospitalized over the weekend.
And it seems every year I’ve been away from home, my tolerance gets lower and lower. I don’t even dare to eat questionable street food any more.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Funny, the only time i really had food poisoning was in Phuket. It was the pretties chocolate cake i have ever seen but made me as sick as i have ever been. Phuket chocolate cake sucks big time
June 11th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
BRAT: bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast…to help the stomach relax after getting sick.
it is also very important to rehydrate and replace electrolytes.
see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis
June 12th, 2008 at 1:54 am
I’m so sorry and hope you feel better soon!
June 12th, 2008 at 6:04 am
The US is in the midst of a tomato Salmonella scare, but it seems like it’s mostly a McDonald’s-related issue, and seeing as I don’t eat fast food, I’m not worried. Feel better:)