Canning botulism

There is a recent rise in home canning. With the wave of interest has been concern about the safety of home canning. Most people are turning to home canning in an attempt to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. Making them sick is counterproductive!

Is truth of the matter, if you are sloppy about what you do, and do not follow the rules, you can create an excellent environment to arise problems. However, if you are a diligent canner following USDA approved guidelines, your risk of food borne illness is small to none.

What is botulism?

A greater concern in home canning is botulism. Botulism is caused by a bacterium that is literally everywhere. This bacteria is not the problem, however. It is when the bacteria enters a perfect environment for development, which creates a toxin. The toxin is what is fatal.

This rare but often fatal food borne illness grows well in low-acid, liquid, air-free environments. Ideal place for botulism to grow a lot is a vase incorrectly in canned foods with low-acid (such as meat or vegetables).

A terrifying botulism is that it is not possible to get there (unless you are working in a lab environment and groping). Foods contaminated with it will not look or smell different.

Symptoms of botulism

After eating something that contain botulism usually takes 12-38 hours (but sometimes up to 10 days) for symptoms to appear. It is important to get medical aid AMeSWS. Botulism occurs only if some 20-25 cases per year, approximately 10% of them are fatal. Treating it early is a key to survival.

Some of the symptoms to watch for include: dry mouth, blurred vision, slurred speech, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and respiratory failure.

Safe = safe food Canning

The best way to protect yourself and others from home canned botulism is to follow safe canning practices. Here are some things to remember as you can:
1. Follow religiously all directions. Not tsigkoyneyeste about processing times. Does not alter the recipe, unless it says that you can.
2. use only USDA approved recipes. Yes, it's not safe to use your great granny's recipe, even though this canned it for years and nobody got sick. Canning practices have changed as more information is available. Stay on the safe side and use safe recipes.
3. does not alter the content of your canning acid foods. There are two major defences against botulism, acid and heat.
4. Use proper hygiene in the kitchen. Make sure all your equipment is sanitized and sterilized jars you correctly.
5. make sure your jars seal properly after they have been preserved. If it isn't closed, store in the refrigerator and eat soon.
6. make sure to check your pressure canner EVERY year. This is a free service offered in most areas. Check around and see when and where is offered near you. It is important to note that the gauge and stamp your canner works correctly.
7. When you open a jar low-acid food to eat, boil the contents for twenty minutes to destroy any microbes that could be lurking inside.

Don't let the panic of botulism are talking about you that makes your home canning. Simply follow the appropriate procedures and use approved recipes. People, we are already enjoying the benefits of home canned foods for years. Do it safely and you can join their ranks!

Complications of botulism

Doctors and researchers have identified a wide variety of microorganisms that can cause food poisoning. Certain viruses, bacteria and parasites in food can all result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and suffering characteristic of food poisoning. While many of these problems to disappear in a few days, botulism, a dangerous type of food poisoning, can cause complications that can last for months.

Bacteria called (Clostridium botulinum) is responsible for botulism. The bacteria thrives in conditions of low-oxygen, low-acid, which can produce a substance called botulinum. This is a by-product that disrupts the nervous system, resulting in several problems. Because of the conditions that favoured by this bacteria, usually live in canned products. So, if you have any suspicions about a canned item, you should throw it away.

12 to 36 hours after eating a food full of botulism, you may begin to notice strange symptoms are unlike other, more formal forms of food poisoning. Initial signs of botulism include:

-Blurry vision
-Difficulty breathing
-Problems with swallowing
-The eyelids

While foodborne botulism can also cause nausea and vomiting, the attack on the nervous system can leave you with a more serious problem such as paralysis. The botulinum interferes with your ability to control the muscles. This causes weak and flaccid muscles, and may even result in loss of reflexes.

Shockingly, a part of your body that may be affected by hazardous botulism is the respiratory system. The toxin can interfere with your ability to breathe, that can lead to problems such as respiratory distress. Indeed, subjects breathing can last for years-you may notice abnormal fatigue or shortness of breath breathe after your years suffering from botulism.

Should you suffer from botulism is caused by tainted food, this can leave you with serious health issues. If you have suffered from botulism is caused by improperly Handled or prepared foods, you may be eligible for financial compensation to help with the pain and suffering.

E. Coli and salmonella, botulism

When we eat out at restaurants, we expect our food must be stored properly serviced, handled safely, clean and sufficiently cooked thoroughly. Grocery store purchases goods, once again we are waiting to be processed, packaged and stored securely. Unfortunately, however, sometimes the reality of the situation is not fully in line with our expectations.

If food is handled by the poor, but in danger of being contaminated by harmful bacteria and viruses. Those who eat these infected edibles at risk of developing a disease known as food poisoning. While the food poisoning, it is usually not fatal, it can be quite uncomfortable and painful. Three of the most common types of foodborne diseases is e. Coli and salmonella, botulism.

E. Coli

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause infections of the digestive tracts of humans. There are many different strands of infectious e. coli, which can cause any of the following symptoms:

· Bloody diarrhea

· Severe abdominal cramping

· Nausea and vomiting

· Fatigue

Sometimes, e. coli disease diagnosed as different (yet similiar), as a stomach ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease. Other times, those with e. coli infections do not experience symptoms. This can be especially dangerous if those who handle food. Easily able to transfer the infection to other unsuspecting people without your knowledge.

Botulism

Botulism is another type of foodborne diseases that are passed to the people their ingestion of contaminated food. Typically, botulism cultures grow home-canned goods, although it may also occur with roots like garlic and potatoes. Symptoms of an attack of botulism include:

· Nausea and vomiting

· Stomach cramps

· Difficulty breathing

· Compromised vision

· Difficulty swallowing

· Weakness

· Paralysis

Usually, botulism is treated through medication-induced vomiting or prescription drugs that cause bowel movements.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a disease usually spread to humans through ingestion of contaminated food. Such as e. coli and botulism, those infected with the disease will typically get better after a few days without any external editing. The typical symptoms of an infection with salmonella include the following:

· Diarrhoea

· Nausea and vomiting

· Abdominal cramping

· Fever and chills

· Headache

· Bloody faeces

· The achy muscles

If the salmonella bacteria enter the blood of the Organization, then the patient is at risk for a very serious situation, known as iniggitida. Patients who develop this condition need immediate treatment outside in the form of antibiotics. Where, iniggitida, is not treated, can be fatal.

Contact us

If you or someone you love has suffered from any of these types of food poisoning as a result of poor food hygiene or restaurant, you may have the right to claim compensation. St. Petersburg injury lawyers of Beltz & Ruth, p.a. have the experience to help you recover losses you deserve. To learn more, you http://www.personal-injuries-attorneys.com/ to visit today.

Eat to beat the flu-7 tips for preventing seasonal viruses with simple food choices

Cold and flu viruses have an acidic environment that lacks oxygen to live. When your diet consists of many processed foods, refined and sweet that you create the ideal environment. No wonder so many children get sick right after Halloween!

To read the ingredient list of all your food and beverage labels before you buy them? If an 8 years cannot consider the entire list of food ingredients on the label, I probably consumed too many processed foods and chemicals. The goal is to return eating REAL food and making your first choice of a WATER beverage.

Here are 7 of the best tips to prevent the introduction of seasonal viruses your body:

1) Eats a diet based on vegetables to create an alkaline environment in your body.
Vegetables help create an environment in your body alkaline. Viruses cannot live in this environment. Children need at least 2-3 (1/2 cup each) servings of vegetables every day. Cut up vegetables sitting on children to snack on before dinner. Include a salad with lunch dinner. Throw some grated carrots in the muffins. Add some Pumpkin PANCAKES. Throw a handful of fresh spinach in the smoothie. Don't assume your kids won't eat their vegetables. My children ask for now and carrots salad. It is a good role model, as adults should eat 4-5 servings per day.

2) Go organic if it is about the "dirty dozen" list. The "dirty dozen" list contains the twelve fruits & vegetables most heavily sprayed with pesticides. This list has been compiled by the environmental working group from around 87,000 studies from the USDA and FDA 47 fruits and vegetable between 2000 and 2007. It is estimated that if they avoid eating organically grown not in this list, your pesticide exposure may be reduced to 80%. Here is the "dirty dozen" are listed in order of decreasing pesticides: peaches (worst), apples, sweet bell peppers, ribbed celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, grapes,
carrots, and pears.

Market of organic products is slightly more expensive initially, but prevention of pesticides, which tax your immune and lymphatic systems, to enter your House is worth. Also you will begin to notice that when you are feeding your body with REAL live foods containing phytochemicals, enzymes, vitamins and minerals your appetite decreases. This is because you are now feeding your body's cells and is no longer merely feeding your mouth with empty calories.

3) Go organic for milk products.
There are three main reasons for the selection of organic milk and yogurt. First, you will be able to avoid consuming pesticides cows consumed when eating grass seeds and sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. Secondly, you will be able to avoid consuming antibiotics and hormones injected cows before milking. Thirdly, I surprised to notice the improvement in the focus and your child's behavior. This last word is subjective for me. I noticed a dramatic improvement in the behaviour of my children. My three children is much calmer, more focused and more happy than our family switched to all organic milk and yogurt.

A bonus benefit is that since your taste just how rich and creamy milk organic flavors, you never want to go back to your old milk. Milk 1% is so rich, tastes like milk with 2%. Stonyfield Farm is our favorite option for organic yogurt. Corn syrup is also without or artificial sweeteners.

4) Satisfy your sweet tooth without sugar.
Sugar creates an acidic environment in your body and reduces the immune system. This includes the corn syrup that is on your component. Great substitutes of sugar or inulin is raw honey is false, 100% pure maple syrup or Agave Nectar. We use raw honey to replace sugar in muffin recipes and real maple syrup to sweeten our oatmeal.

Honey is also a strong cough suppressant surge. You can give your child a teaspoon of honey cough or shake stand into a cup of hot water or tea herbs. Please note children under the age of 12 months should not consume any honey (even cooked products), such as gastrointestinal has not developed enough to handle the spores of botulism. Corn syrup and molasses also contain botulism spores and should be avoided in infants aged under 12 months.

Use fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth family. Fruits, such as vegetables, produce an alkaline reaction in your body and therefore to reduce the risk of getting a cold or the flu. Children should consume 2-3 (1/2 cup) servings of fruit per day and adults should aim for 3-4 servings per day. Try frozen berries with organic yogurt and a little honey or Agave Nectar for real fine. Apples with a little peanut butter is a great premium snacks. We surprised to note that when you increase your fruit intake, your intense cravings for sugar will go away.

5) To the outside and move your body every day.
Be sure to get outside for 15 minutes daily to get fresh air and sunshine. You can get vitamin d from the sun shining on your skin. Vitamin d helps activate the immune response of the organization. This can be as simple as Walking your child in school or taking a family bike ride-15 minutes after school.

Ideally, you will be able to move your body for a total of 30 minutes per day. It is one of the most important reason to get your body moving for the benefits of stress-reduction. Excessive stress increases acidity of your organization and your cause would be prepared to the viruses. Exercise also helps increase your intake of oxygen and viruses do not like an oxygenated environment.

6) Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep will increase the level of cortisol, a hormone which is stress. Cortisol increases the acidity of your organization, which then increases your susceptibility to cold and flu viruses. Children aged 5-12 need 10-11 hours sleep per night. Better sleep, must not have a Television in their bedroom or must be disconnected. Younger children need up to 12 hours per night, and most adults need 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night.

7) Maintain your nose clean.
To prevent the importation of the virus, your body needs to keep your nose clean. The Neti pot is a small ceramic pot designed specifically to evacuate from your nose. Just add hot water with the salt pot, tilt your head, pour the water into one nostril and watch out the other nostril. Also, you can swab the inside of your nose with warm salt water.

Food additives-are you Russian roulette with your health

Would you believe that the average American family spends an impressive 90 percent of food processed food budget And if you check the label of most processed food you will find a table with preservatives, artificial food additives, flavor enhancers and food colorings. Now instead of farm-fresh foods, chemical additives in processed food have become an important part of the American diet.

Food manufacturers includes these additional materials to their taste and look more attractive and increase the lifetime of the product. After all, when you purchase Strawberry yoghurt or ice cream, you expect to have a reddish color rather than colour bland. What we have said is that some common food additives in everyday products may have long-term negative effects on our health.

Below is a list of the thirteen food additives should be avoided whenever possible

Acesulfame K (potassium)-artificial sweeteners (200 times sweeter than sugar) is usually located in deserts, chewing gum, gelatin diet sodas and baked. Control of this relatively new additive was not very extensive, but early indications are that this may cause cancer in rats.

artificial food colorings: Blue 1,2. Red Green 3 7 3 7 Yellow 6-these are usually found in food colouring many of the foods on the shelves of supermarkets. Blue 1 and 2 are connected with a small risk of cancer in mice. They are baked goods, candy, beverages and even pet food. Green 3 has been linked to bladder cancer. This can be found in drinks and candy. Red 3 has been found to promote the development of thyroid tumors in rats. It is generally baked goods, candy and fruit cocktail. Yellow 6 has been linked to tumors in kidney and adrenal gland. Is baked goods, candy, drinks, gelatine and sausage.

sweetener aspartame-this is usually no food diet sugar as diet sodas, gelatins, beverages and mixtures of low calorie desserts. Is also sold under the brand name Nutrasweet and equal. Associations in aspartame can break into a highly reactive chemical that damages cells. Some possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, fatigue and respiratory problems.

BHA and BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydrozyttoluene)-this is usually located in the conservative daily household foods such as vegetable oils, potato chips, cereals and chewing gum. Help retard enjoyed fats and oils from becoming widespread. Having an oxidizing effect, which can produce potentially cancer causing reactions in cells.

monosodium glutamate (MSG)-MSG is an amino acid used in order to improve the flavour components such as chips, salad dressings, frozen Entrees and soups. MSG allows manufacturers to reduce the amount of the actual ingredients that make their products. Has been found to cause brain damage of nerve cell in animal studies. In humans, nausea and headaches are possible side effects.

this synthetic Fat Olestra-can be found in some brands of potato chips. Not absorbed by the digestive system, so that it has no calories. Possible side effects include abdominal cramps, gas, and diarrhea and loose bowels. Olestra has been shown to inhibit the ability of the body to absorb fat-soluble carotenoids from vegetables and fruit.

potassium bromate-this additive is used to increase the volume in breads and rolls. Studies on animals. This has been linked to cancer and this may pose a potential risk to humans.

propyl Gallate-this conservative sometimes resides in chewing gum, vegetable oil, meat products, potato sticks, chicken soup base. Helps to slow deterioration in oils and fats. Results from animal studies show that it can cause cancer.

artificial sweeteners saccharin-what is 350 times sweeter than sugar and sweetener is in packaging, drinks, diet and "no sugar added" products. Animal studies have shown that the contamination is linked to bladder cancer uric. The food industry-feed acknowledges that saccharin may be linked to cancer in mice, but believes that it will not occur, the same effect in humans.

sodium chloride-commonly known as salt, this additive is used to enhance the taste of food. But excessive use of salt or eat food with high sodium can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, heart attack and stroke.

Nitrate sodium (or sodium nitrite)-this additive is used to conserve, enhance color, and to improve the taste of meat, ham, dinner, hotdogs, corn beef and smoked fish. Meat processors use nitrate and nitrite because they stabilize red meat (or gray) and help prevent the growth of botulism bacteria causing. Studies have suggested these additives can cause certain types of cancer.

trans fat this additive is usually found in food served in fast food restaurants and some crackers, microwave and Icing and sweetcorn. Trans fats may cause heart problems.

white sugar-sugar is a common ingredient in baked goods, cereals, crackers, sweets, sauces and more processed foods. The average person consumes approximately 65 pounds of sugar per year. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and other harmful health conditions.

Unfortunately, these food additives are present in many foods on supermarket shelves. Check the tags and if you can see one or more of those present. If so, a health conscious shopper should consider other alternatives. If you can see other additives that interest you, search for them on the internet and you probably can find a description of the feed additive including its possible harmful side effects.