Attention to food poisoning

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Dağ stated that food poisoning is one of the diseases that concern public health closely especially in the summer months, and advised healthy nutrition.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Dağ emphasized that food poisoning cases are mostly mild and short-term diseases, and said, “however, some factors related to food resulting in poisoning and the person may cause the disease to progress more seriously or even become fatal from time to time”.

The primary issue is hygiene

Pointing out that the consumption of food sold outdoors, especially in the summer, should be avoided, Dağ added, “perishable meat, eggs, milk, fish, etc. should not be left open, hygiene rules should be followed during the preparation and cooking of food”.

It was stated that adequate and balanced nutrition is essential for health protection, and that sufficient amounts of various food from the five food groups should be consumed.

How should our nutrition be?
Reminding that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Dağ said, "Breakfast should include low-fat cheese, olives, and fresh vegetables, and instead of drinks containing caffeine, semi-skimmed milk, fruit juice, herbal teas such as linden and rosehip should be preferred".

Asst. Prof. Dr. Dağ also pointed out that we should avoid consuming fatty and fried food in the summer, and recommended the use of healthy cooking methods such as boiling, grilling, and cooking food in their own or low amount of water instead of frying and roasting.

Stating that foods that increase and decrease blood sugar rapidly should not be preferred, Dağ stated that it is necessary to consume food high in fiber such as whole-wheat bread, pasta, and bulgur instead of food containing raw sugar as simple carbohydrate.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Dağ emphasized the importance of preventing the loss of fluid and minerals that increase with sweating, so, at least 2-2.5 liters of water should be drunk every day, beverages such as semi-skimmed milk, buttermilk, and fruit juice should be preferred instead of coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks.