The last time I had food poisoning was several years ago. In fact, I think that time I blamed it on a can of tuna.
It is amazing what power exists in one small can. After a a day, the nausea and other effects had passed (!) so I began to eat some solid foods again, A day later I allowed myself a baked potato. The next morning, I was back to normal.
Well, I ate something a week or so ago that should have been marked, 'Bob, stay away." This time it was a can of chili. I found it on the floor at the very back of the pantry. Only after eating it for lunch and realizing a few hours later that something wasn't right, did I look at the expiration date on the bottom of the can: "Best by June 2019."
A side benefit: in 24 hours I lost a few pounds. As a diet, I wouldn't recommend it, but the body is an amazing machine that rids itself of whatever is causing problems as quickly and efficiently as it does.This most recent bout of intestinal upset impressed upon me the absolute blessing of good health. It is almost a cliché that you don't realize what feeling good is, until you don't. To not feel your stomach doing its job or to not feel too weak to get out of bed, are too easily taken for granted when healthy.
At almost 74, I have the usual aches and pains that come with age, but nothing significant. Very few pills live near the bathroom sink. I have no serious issues that restrict my ability to go about my daily life pretty much as I see fit.
Experiences like the tuna or the old can of chili make me appreciate that blessing. I am well aware that too many people, including lots of readers of this blog, have ongoing physical limitations that make each day a push through their infirmities. They do it because they choose to live as fully as possible and fight against the pain and problems.
Experiences like the tuna or the old can of chili make me appreciate that blessing. I am well aware that too many people, including lots of readers of this blog, have ongoing physical limitations that make each day a push through their infirmities. They do it because they choose to live as fully as possible and fight against the pain and problems.
I hope that as I begin to face the health complications that are certainly waiting for me I can show the same grace and determination that these folks do.
Just two little cans with a warning to be heeded. Isn't it amazing how life gives us so much to learn from even the smallest triggers?
Just two little cans with a warning to be heeded. Isn't it amazing how life gives us so much to learn from even the smallest triggers?
Oh, after this, I did check all the edible stuff in the pantry and found nothing as old as that can. I guess those expiration dates are there for a reason.
About a month ago, a friend posted a question to our private ladies Facebook page. The question was a simple one: what physical issues are you currently experiencing? (This is a large group of chummy ladies that I meet with at least once a week for lunch out, or concerts, or winery visits, or movies, or coffee…..) I was literally shocked to read what my friends were experiencing. At nearly 70 I’m happy to report no medication needed, no aches or pains…..but sad to hear the long list of afflictions they were experiencing. I will never again underestimate the blessing of good health.
ReplyDeleteIt takes an experience like mine or your Facebook group to be reminded of our health blessing.
DeleteUnfortunately, it seems to be true that those of us of a certain age tend to spend a lot of our conversational time talking about medical and physical problems. Misery loves company must be the reason.
If we ever stop to count our blessings instead of our pills, we realize what is more important.
Easier said than done, I know.
Oh, dear. I've only had food poisoning (assumed) a couple times and it's wretched. Hope your tummy is recovered. I'm kinda paranoid about food dates but somehow tend to keep things in the fridge long past their lifespan -- particularly salad dressings. I tossed quite a few the other day.
ReplyDeleteYes on salad dressings! I remember when we helped one of our daughters move to a new apartment, she had several salad dressings that were years past the expiration date.
DeleteOf course, now we have a new category to check: home Covid test kits. Four boxes under the sink expire at the end of this month, according the latest online info. So, out they go. Luckily, new ones are free so we will remain properly stocked.
Thanks for the PSA to keep an eye on expiration dates. I've never had a bout of food poisoning, and I don't want one. Happy to hear you're on the upswing, Bob.
ReplyDeleteA fellow blogger is writing a memoir about hiking the Colorado Trail (read that as hundreds of miles) using forearm crutches. Anytime I start whining about aches and pains in my everyday life, I think of him and his perseverance. It certainly puts life in perspective for me.
A minor stomach ache is ....minor. You are right: keeping things in perspective is so important.
DeleteIn my case same symptoms but it’s not food poisoning per se. Instead, and out of the blue, 18 months ago I developed some kind of intolerance to hot red chillis. I now have to be so careful to avoid anything (usually most “hot” dishes) that contains them otherwise I’m ill for several days.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't find me anywhere near hot red chillis! I like moderately spicy foods, but not the kind that require having a glass of milk nearby.
DeleteHmm, I've done a lot of reading on expiration dates, as I volunteer at a food pantry, and not one indicates that expiration dates are for anything other than preservation of peak flavor. Expired canned goods are completely safe, other than the item starts to lose it's flavor over time. I raise this because I'm wondering if it might have been something else that gave you food poisoning, and whether that item might still be present somewhere in your kitchen?
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I've had food poisoning once, from something with mayo that I left out to long, and it's no picnic for sure!
- Tamara
Yes, the expiry date might have not had anything to do with my problem. It could have just been a tainted batch in the can. It is all I had for that meal so nothing else is suspect.
DeleteThings like salad dressings or mayo have ingredients that can spoil more quickly. Leaving raw chicken out for too long is also a big non-no.
To prove my braveness, or foolhardiness, I bought 2 cans of the same chilli last week, but put them in the front of the shelf. And, their expiration dates are February, 2026.
I've read that too, Tamara, and I eat many products that have expired dates on them. I've never had a problem. Diane
ReplyDelete