Botulism – Symptoms, causes and home remedies

Botulism is also called as botulism poisoning, it is a rare but very serious illness which transmits through food, contact with contaminated soil, or through an open wound. Without early treatment, botulism can also lead to paralysis, breathing difficulties, and death.

This is of fatal conditions that can happen to a person. Whether it is an infection or some kind of poisoning is a matter of deep insight, but the fact is that it can be both.

There are three main types of botulism

• Infant botulism
• Foodborne botulism
• Wound botulism.

Causes of Botulism

Infant botulism causes

Babies generally get infant botulism after consuming spores of the bacteria, which then grow and multiply in their intestinal tracts and make toxins. The source of infant botulism may be honey, but it is likely to be exposure to soil contaminated with bacteria.

Food borne botulism causes

The source of foodborne botulism is often home-canned foods that are low in acids, such as green beans, corn, and beets. A common source of the illness is fermented seafood. However, the disease has also occurred from few chili peppers, foil-wrapped baked potatoes.

When you eat food containing the toxin, it disrupts nerve function, causing paralysis.

Wound botulism causes

Botulinum toxin can invade the body through an infected wound. This type of botulism occurs most frequently in drug addicts, particularly heroin addicts. Heroin is made from the opium poppy, a plant usually grown in the Middle East or Asia. If the poppies are contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria may not be killed during the preparation process. Addicts who inject heroin directly into the muscle are at highest risk for botulism.

Symptoms of Botulism

Foodborne botulism

Signs and symptoms of foodborne botulism typically begin between 12 and 36 hours after the toxin gets into your body.

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Dry mouth
• Facial weakness on both sides of the face
• Blurred or double vision
• Paralysis
• Drooping eyelids
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Wound botulism

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Blurred or double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Trouble breathing
• Facial weakness on both sides of the face
• Paralysis.

Infant botulism

• Constipation
• Floppy movements due to muscle weakness and trouble controlling the head
• Irritability
• Drooling
• Drooping eyelids
• Tiredness
• Weak cry
• Difficulty sucking or feeding
• Paralysis.

Home remedies for botulism

Garlic

Garlic is an effective natural treatment which is against botulism because of its anti-viral and anti-bactericidal properties.  Garlic contains a lot of sulphur products which is a potent natural detoxifier and the antibacterial element that additionally destroys bacteria in the colon. Therefore, take  1-2 clove of garlic every day to recover from botulism fast. Take Kyloic garlic (2 capsules, three times daily, with meals)

Ginger

Ginger cures almost every type of digestive tract problem by including botulism and also all other forms of food poisoning. Take to tiny pieces of ginger and boil it and add sugar to it and have it thrice a day.

Yogurt and fenugreek seeds

Yogurt is an anti-bacterial in nature and it helps in combating bacteria which is associated with the digestive System. it also helps in curing botulism. Mix the fenugreek seeds in the yogurt and you can have directly one tablespoon of it daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This can treat botulism as it disinfects your complete digestive system.it’s alkaline nature alleviates various symptoms of food poisoning. Apple cider vinegar gives instant relief. Before having any solid meals, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and drink it.

Milk Thistle

More popular as a liver tonic, milk thistle has the active ingredient of silymarin, which can repair the damage caused by toxins. This toxin can be effectively removed by this herb. Milk thistle is known as a cleanser. It is helpful in cleansing the liver as well as the bloodstream. The threat of botulism emanates mainly from the neurotoxin gave off by the bacteria in the digestive system. To treat botulism use as directed on label.You can make the powder of milk thistle and have it directly.

It is absolutely essential to seek emergency medical assistance as soon as any of the signs and symptoms of Botulism become evident. This is because early treatment improves the chances of survival. Preventing the botulinum bacteria is also the best way to avoid this disease. However, even if it occurs, with fast treatment, it can be treated well.