Have you ever bitten into a delicious meal and ended up with food poisoning while your dinner companions remained unscathed? It’s perplexing, right? You might even doubt your own symptoms. However, there's a fascinating explanation as to why one person can suffer while others do not, even after sharing the same dish.

Dr. Justin Mazur, a board-certified emergency physician, frequently encounters patients who insist they can’t be suffering from food poisoning because they are the only ones with symptoms. "Patient education is crucial here. It's actually very common for just one person to get sick from what we call garden variety food poisoning," he explains.

So, what is food poisoning? It encompasses a variety of unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—all typically linked to food contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or occasionally, parasites.

Why Do Some People Get Sick While Others Don’t?

It boils down to the individual’s body and immune response. Each person’s immune system and gut microbiome—home to trillions of microorganisms that impact digestion and overall health—are unique.

When food poisoning strikes, it can wreak havoc on your gut microbiome, explaining the intense discomfort. If you and a friend eat the same undercooked burger, but your gut microbiome is weaker and theirs is robust, you may find yourself running to the bathroom while they feel fine.

Dr. Mazur shares that those with an inadequately functioning microbiome frequently face food poisoning, citing factors like poor dietary choices that lead to low levels of beneficial bacteria and low microbial diversity. High levels of harmful bacteria also contribute significantly to the likelihood of getting sick.

But that’s not the whole story. Two other factors play a crucial role: the quantity of the contaminated food consumed and the overall dietary context of that day. If you’ve indulged in a few drinks beforehand, your gut microbiome may already be compromised, making you more vulnerable to illness.

The Takeaway: Protect Your Gut!

Ultimately, the health of your diet directly influences the state of your gut microbiome. By nourishing your body with wholesome foods, you can help bolster your defenses against foodborne illnesses. Stay mindful of your eating habits, as they could be the key to not just enjoying your meals but safeguarding your health.