Food poisoning is a common illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused by consuming contaminated food or water that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can last for a few hours to several days. Here are eight common symptoms of food poisoning:.

1. Nausea and Vomiting

One of the earliest signs of food poisoning is nausea and vomiting. The body’s natural defense mechanism to eliminate the harmful bacteria or viruses is to expel them through vomiting.

Nausea and vomiting can be mild to severe, depending on the type and severity of food poisoning. The symptoms can start within hours of consuming contaminated food or water or may take a few days to appear.

2. Abdominal Pain and Cramps

Abdominal pain and cramps are common symptoms of food poisoning. The pain can be sharp or dull, and it can be located in different parts of the abdomen.

The pain and cramps are caused by the body’s attempt to get rid of the harmful bacteria or viruses. The pain can be mild to severe, and it can last for a few hours to several days.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another common symptom of food poisoning. It is the body’s way of getting rid of the harmful bacteria or viruses.

The diarrhea can be mild to severe, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The diarrhea can last for a few hours to several days, depending on the type and severity of food poisoning.

4. Fever

Fever is a common symptom of food poisoning, especially if the infection is caused by bacteria. The fever can be mild to high-grade, depending on the type and severity of food poisoning.

The body’s immune system fights against the harmful bacteria or viruses, which leads to an increase in body temperature.

5. Weakness and Fatigue

Weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of food poisoning. The body’s immune system works hard to fight off the harmful bacteria or viruses, which can cause fatigue and weakness.

The symptoms can last for a few hours to several days, depending on the type and severity of food poisoning.

6. Dehydration

Dehydration is a serious complication of food poisoning. It occurs when the body loses too much water and electrolytes due to diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating.

Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, especially in young children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems.

7. Headache

Headache is another common symptom of food poisoning. The headache can be mild to severe, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever.

The headache is caused by the body’s attempt to fight off the harmful bacteria or viruses.

8. Muscle Aches

Muscle aches are common symptoms of food poisoning, especially if the infection is caused by bacteria. The muscle aches can be mild to severe, and they can affect different parts of the body.

The muscle aches are caused by the body’s immune system response to the harmful bacteria or viruses.