While many foods are healthy and beneficial for the human body, there are some that can actually make you sick. These foods can contain harmful bacteria or toxins that can lead to food poisoning, digestive issues, and other health problems.

Here are five foods that can make you sick:.

1. Raw or undercooked meat

Raw or undercooked meat is a common source of foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

To avoid getting sick, it’s important to cook meat to the right temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check that beef, pork, and lamb reach 145°F, ground meat reaches 160°F, and poultry reaches 165°F.

2. Unpasteurized dairy products

Unpasteurized dairy products, like raw milk and cheese, can contain harmful bacteria like listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. These can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and in some cases, can even be life-threatening.

To reduce your risk of getting sick, it’s important to only consume dairy products that have been pasteurized, which kills off harmful bacteria.

3. Shellfish

Shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like vibrio and norovirus. These can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

To reduce your risk of getting sick, make sure to only consume shellfish that have been cooked thoroughly. Also, be sure to only buy and consume shellfish from reputable sources.

4. Sprouts

Sprouts, like alfalfa and bean sprouts, can be a source of harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. These can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and in some cases, can lead to more serious health problems.

If you do choose to eat sprouts, it’s important to thoroughly wash them before consuming and make sure they are not expired.

5. Processed meats

Processed meats, like hot dogs and deli meats, can contain harmful chemicals like nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

These meats can also be high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. To reduce your risk of getting sick, it’s important to limit your consumption of processed meats and opt for healthier protein sources like chicken, fish, and tofu.

Conclusion

While there are many healthy and nutritious foods to eat, it’s important to be aware of foods that can make you sick.

By taking steps to properly cook and prepare food, as well as being mindful of where you get your food from, you can reduce your risk of getting sick and stay healthy.