‘I’m a Gastroenterologist, and This Is the #1 Early Food Poisoning Sign Most People Miss’

Beth Ann Mayer
·4-min read

Dr. Andrew Moore, MD, a gastroenterologist with Endeavor Health, isn't kidding when he says food poisoning is common.

According to the CDC, 48 million people in the U.S. will experience foodborne diseases each year—about 1 in 7 people—and 128,000 of those cases will result in a hospital stint.

Dr. Moore (and the CDC) note that food poisoning has common symptoms—most of which are GI-related. You've likely heard that diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting can occur if you have food poisoning. However, Dr. Moore says there's a less-obvious early food poisoning sign that's easy to write off but important to flag. He discussed the commonly-missed food poisoning symptoms, plus what to do if you notice them. He also discussed some ways to reduce your risk of getting a foodborne illness in the first place.

Related: Wait—What Happens If You Eat Expired Food?

The No. 1 Early Food Poisoning Symptom Most People Don't Know

Stomach issues are the most frequently reported food poisoning symptoms, but another one is super easy to overlook. "Sometimes, more benign symptoms, such as muscle aches, may be overlooked, but this will typically be followed by the more common food poisoning symptoms," Dr. Moore says.

The CDC actually lists muscle aches as a common symptom of listeria, which the Cleveland Clinic explains can infect people if they eat contaminated food.

However, Dr. Moore says that muscle aches are easy to attribute to something other than food poisoning.

"This symptom is often associated with other viral illnesses such as the flu or the common cold," Dr. Moore says. "It could be chalked up to not getting enough sleep or fatigue."

Muscle aches can be a sign of any or all of the above. How do you know if it's the flu, the result of a hard workout or food poisoning?

"If it’s a result of food poisoning it will not occur in isolation and almost always be followed by the common symptoms of nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea," Dr. Moore says.

What To Do If You Think You Have Food Poisoning

Symptoms of food poisoning can overlap with other illnesses and issues, so start by taking a trip down recent memory lane.

"If muscle aches or any of the common symptoms are noticed, it’s important to think about what foods you ate within the last several days," Dr. Moore says.

Dr. Moore says a few common times food poisoning might be your issue if you recently ate:

  • At a restaurant

  • Raw or undercooked meat, poultry or seafood

  • Any food left in the sun for several hours

The good(ish) news? "Most cases of food poisoning are self-limited, and symptoms will resolve in a few days, although post-infectious IBS-like symptoms can sometimes linger for months," Dr. Moore says.

Notably, severe signs of food poisoning include

  • Bloody diarrhea

  • Diarrhea that lasts more than three days

  • Fever over 102°F

  • Vomiting so chronic not even liquid stays down

  • Symptoms of dehydration

You'll want to seek medical care if you notice any of these signs.

What Is The Treatment For Food Poisoning?

Usually, at-home care and time are your best bet for managing food poisoning. "Most people do not require any specific treatment other than staying hydrated and resting until the illness resolves," Dr. Moore says.

However, food poisoning can be a severe issue for some people – hence why about 128,000 are hospitalized for the disease annually.

"In some cases of severe dehydration, or often in cases involving the elderly and immunocompromised, hospitalization with IV fluids is required," Dr. Moore says. "Antibiotics are generally not required except in the most severe cases or to shorten the duration of symptoms when a specific pathogen is identified."

Related: Wait—Why Do I Feel Pain Under My Right Rib Cage?

Tips for Avoiding Food Poisoning

Food poisoning likely doesn't sound too appetizing. However, Dr. Moore says there are many things you can do to lower your risk of getting a foodborne illness, including:

  • Washing your hands frequently (especially when handling raw meat/poultry)

  • Washing utensils and counters after preparing food items

  • Rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables with running water.

  • Avoiding cross-contaminating meats and veggies

  • Cooking meat and poultry to the recommended internal temperatures (The USDA is an excellent resource)

  • Storing leftover food in the fridge as quickly as possible (The USDA has specific tips on how to store and when to discard food)

Dr. Moore says that the CDC website also provides more tips on how to keep yourself and loved ones safe from food poisoning.

Up Next:

Related: 7 Fever Myths Doctors Wish People Would Stop Believing ASAP

Expert Sources

  • Dr. Andrew Moore, MD, a gastroenterologist with Endeavor Health

  • Estimates of Foodborne Illness in the United States. CDC.

  • Symptoms of Food Poisoning. CDC.

  • Listeria. Cleveland Clinic.

  • Cooking Meat: Is It Done Yet? USDA

  • Leftovers and Food Safety. USDA.

  • Food safety. CDC.

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