There is ongoing heated debate over the benefits of cow's milk. Despite the differences between scientists, this product forms the basis of the diet of millions of people. In addition, milk is the main food for young children. This is due to its high nutritional rate and rapid digestibility. Nevertheless, the use of milk can sometimes provoke the development of a strong intoxication process in the body. In some cases, even hospitalization is required.
The benefits of cow's milk
Regular use of this product has the following positive effects on the body:
- The condition of the stomach improves. Milk has been proven to promote the healing of ulcers. In addition, with its regular use, the clinical manifestations of gastritis disappear. It is useful for people suffering from heartburn. Milk helps to reduce the acidity of the stomach, due to which the unpleasant symptom recedes.
- The work of the organs of the cardiovascular system improves. Milk is one of the main sources of calcium. The latter is an essential trace element that positively affects the elasticity of blood vessels and the work of the heart muscle. According to studies, consuming 200 ml of cow's milk daily by 40% reduces the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction.
- The work of the nervous system is normalized. People who drink milk regularly are less likely to suffer from psycho-emotional instability. The level of their performance remains at a high level all day, and also they do not have problems with sleep.
- The body weight decreases. According to studies, people who include milk in a diet lose weight faster than those who exclude this product from the menu.
- Headaches disappear.
- The blood pressure indicator is normalized.
In addition, milk is used in the modern world as the main component of masks designed to eliminate inflammation and acne.
How to identify a stale product
If the milk is sour, it is unacceptable to use it. It is only allowed to use it as an ingredient for the dough. If, after opening the container, a sharp specific smell appears, this already indicates that the milk has turned sour.
In addition, serum can be visualized on the surface of a stale product. If milk is poured, balls formed from fat will remain at the bottom of the container.
If in doubt about the freshness of the product, it can be heated. If lush foam forms in the process, this suggests that milk can be drunk. If it curls up, it is undesirable to use it.
It also happens that consumers find flakes in the product. This indicates that milk producers have added components of plant origin to it.
Causes of poisoning
The product has a high nutritional value. This advantage is also a disadvantage. This is because such a medium is favorable for the active reproduction of various pathogenic microorganisms. If milk producers violate the rules of manufacture and storage of the product, this contributes to a rapid increase in the number of bacteria.
The most likely causes of poisoning:
- Cows have any kind of disease.
- Inadequate or improper care is organized for the animals.
- In the production process, sanitary standards are violated.
- The staff caring for the animals have pathologies of a dermatological nature.
- During storage, the norms were violated.
Most often, a staphylococcus is present in a low-quality product. However, milk poisoning can occur if there are other pathogenic microorganisms in the latter.
Symptoms
Immediately after using the product, there are no signs of intoxication. As a rule, they appear during the first day.
Symptoms of milk poisoning:
- nausea turning into vomiting;
- pain in the abdomen of a spastic nature;
- frequent episodes of diarrhea;
- fever;
- general weakness;
- migraine;
- dry mucous membranes;
- severe thirst.
In most cases, the above symptoms disappear after 3 days. As a rule, milk poisoning has a mild or moderate severity.
It is necessary to call an ambulance team if a person has the following symptoms:
- very frequent episodes of vomiting;
- severe diarrhea (defecation occurs more than 10 times a day);
- acute pain in the abdomen;
- blood impurities in feces;
- a significant decrease in the amount of urine excreted.
In addition, the indication for hospitalization is the long-term preservation of signs of food poisoning with milk.
First aid
If symptoms of intoxication occur, appropriate measures must be taken. In case of milk poisoning, all actions are aimed at replenishing the lost fluid and removing toxic compounds from the body.
First Aid Algorithm:
- Make the patient drink about 1 liter of warm water. In the absence of urges, it is necessary to put pressure on the root of his tongue, thereby causing vomiting. Gastric lavage is prohibited for children at home.
- Give the patient any absorbent. The active components of these drugs absorb toxic compounds and remove them from the body naturally. In addition, absorbents can be used as a quick treatment for diarrhea at home. Examples of preparations: Activated Carbon, Filtrum, Enterosgel, Polysorb.
- In order to prevent dehydration, it is necessary to offer the patient weak tea or water as often as possible. The rehydration process also involves taking medication. Most often, doctors recommend Reosolan and Regidron.
If milk poisoning occurred in a pregnant woman or an elderly person, you do not need to take wait-and-see tactics. The ambulance crew must be called in immediately.
Therapy
The treatment regimen for food poisoning in an adult includes taking sulfonamides or antibiotics. In addition, doctors carry out infusion therapy, during which the water-electrolyte balance is restored, and intoxication is eliminated.
Treatment also involves the normalization of the digestive system. For this purpose, the patient is prescribed enzyme agents.
Prevention
In most cases, milk poisoning does not have far-reaching consequences. However, it is better to prevent it.
Preventive measures include the following:
- When buying a product, you should always pay attention to the expiration date.
- When choosing milk, it is recommended to give preference to the one on the packaging of which it is written that it is ultra-pasteurized.
- Often, buyers purchase a product from farmers in the market. In such cases, milk must be boiled for 10 minutes before use.
- The product is recommended to be stored in a glass container. It is advisable to pour milk from tetrapacks into cans.
- The product should only be stored in the refrigerator. At the same time, it is allowed to be used only in the first 3 days.
If you constantly follow these tips, the risk of developing an intoxication process will significantly decrease.
Finally
Cow's milk is an extremely healthy product. With its regular use, the work of many organs and systems is normalized. However, milk poisoning is not excluded. The development of the intoxication process occurs when the product is seeded with pathogenic microorganisms. If the first signs of poisoning occur, it is necessary to rinse the patient's stomach and give him any absorbent. The latter is also suitable for the rapid treatment of diarrhea at home. If unpleasant symptoms persist for 3 or more days, you must call an ambulance team. Hospitalization is carried out in the infectious ward of the hospital.