This killer bacteria is part of the Escherichia coli group and are particularity present in the digestive tract of bovines. They produce toxins which stop our cells to synthetise proteins. The bacteria responsible for the epidemic in Germany
Outside of the digestive tract of bovines, the bacteria spread via raw or underdone meat, raw unwashed fruits and vegetables, un-pasteurised dairy food, un-pasteurised apple juice and seafood. Contact with a contaminated person (improperly washed hands) is also a factor of propagation, particularly in public areas.
The incubation time is from 3 to 5 days. Symptoms are severe abdominal cramps, sudden diarrhea, often with blood. Other symptoms include vomiting occurs or a light fever. Serious complications such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic and uremic syndrome can occur.
9 essential hygiene measures to be protected from Escherichia coli
- Cook meat thoroughly, particularly minced beef. Seafood should also be well cooked.
- Avoid unpasteurised milk and foods which contain it. Choose hard cheese such as cheddar, emmental, etc, and pasteurised cheese,
- Wash fruits and vegetables in fresh water and add some vinegar to eradicate the bacteria. You can also peel them.
- Wrap and separate the raw food from the ready to eat or prepared food. Do not store the prepared for long.
- Wash kitchenware thoroughly which has been in contact with raw food.
- Carefully clean work surfaces before using again.
- Wash your hands before eating and when leaving the toilet.
- In case of diarrhea, what ever the cause, avoid swimming pools and other public bathing areas, or preparing food for others.
- Do not drink unfiltered or untreated water from springs, etc; and avoid swallowing water when bathing in lakes, ponds, etc.
To avoid risks of epidemic
- Eat lots of food for the immune system such as oily fish, food rich in Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrot, butternut squash; green leaf vegetables….
- Vitamin C - you can take more than the RDI with this vitamin. Ascorbic acid reduces by half the virulence of the E.coli bacterias (shingatoxines).
- Take probiotics, to regenerate the intestinal flora, which is one of our principal protective barriers, as it will neutralize the dangerous germs such as E.coli. Note that the probiotic doesn’t settle in the intestinal flora, so we need to take probiotic regularly; and also eat plain yogurt, cheeses, sauerkraut, fermented milks, brewer’s yeast...
If you have any questions regarding your digestive system or want to book a consultation, please contact me by phone: 07908 605969 or email: fmcveigh.sunnylife@googlemail.com
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