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Episode Transcription
From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.
Older adults are more likely to die from a foodborne illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, physiological changes increase risk of foodborne illness, the severity of symptoms, and more often lead to hospitalization for older adults.
- Food moves more slowly through your gastrointestinal tract allowing harmful bacteria to multiply. Some disease-causing bacteria produce toxins as well.
- Liver and kidney function may decline making it more difficult to rid your body of toxins.
- Reduced stomach acidity allows more disease-causing bacteria to stay in your intestinal tract.
- Finally, older adults often have chronic illness, surgeries, and may take certain medications affecting your immune system.
Listen next week for good news, how you can prevent foodborne illness and stay healthy.
For Food Safety in a Minute, this is Susie Craig.