[eli5] What actually is food poisoning and what is happening in our bodies that make them respond so violently to it?

Question

[eli5] What actually is food poisoning and what is happening in our bodies that make them respond so violently to it?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Food poisoning is a catch-all term for bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal problems. We associate them with food, but that’s not the only source. Generally anything contaminated with fecal matter or handled by someone already sick with whatever version of it can cause food poisoning. The physical mechanism that makes you sick varies with the cause.