John, a Florida influencer, has garnered attention by consuming raw chicken for over 25 days, blending it with various ingredients. Documenting his experiment on Instagram's Raw Chicken Experiment, he plans to continue until he experiences stomach discomfort.
Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, John expressed that the potential gnarliness of the experiment might prompt him to stop if he gets scared due to a tummy ache.
How John Avoided Food Poisoning Despite a Raw Chicken Diet
Despite the food poisoning risk of eating raw chicken, John seems to have avoided it. But how did he not get sick from his unconventional and potentially deadly diet?
John claims to have sought advice from doctors about the safety of his raw chicken consumption, leading to speculation about the possible use of prophylactic antibiotics to safeguard against infections.
Inherent protective mechanisms against food poisoning are common to all humans, with the stomach's highly acidic fluids, featuring a pH level between 1.5 and 2, serving as a primary defense. Notably, John's distinct practice of blending his chicken may amplify the efficacy of stomach acid, given the increased surface area.
Additionally, the choice of the chicken source and the use of various seasonings by John could contribute to his protection. By obtaining chicken from a specific farm, John likely ensures freshness, potentially reducing the risk of common pathogens like salmonella and campylobacter that may be more prevalent in commercially sourced birds.
While the importance of freshness in minimizing germ counts is acknowledged, it is crucial to recognize that the safety of raw meat remains uncertain, and seemingly fresh items can still harbor harmful pathogens.
Moreover, John's mention of using seasonings such as soy sauce and herbs not only addresses the lack of flavor but may also play a role in safeguarding against foodborne bacteria.
Soy sauce, known to enhance stomach acid secretion in humans, contributes to digestion and exhibits direct antimicrobial effects against various bacteria. Similarly, chili sauces have inhibitory effects on food-poisoning bacteria, and numerous herbs contain antimicrobial compounds that have been utilized as preservatives for centuries.
Aromatic herbs like thyme, known for their potency in inhibiting germ growth, especially those found on poultry, further contribute to the protective aspects of John's diet.
Chicken Consumption: Balancing Nutrition, Minimizing Risks
Americans consume more chicken than beef, pork, or turkey, and while cooked chicken is a nutritious option, raw chicken carries the risk of contamination with germs like Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Clostridium perfringens.
Undercooked chicken or foods and beverages contaminated by raw chicken or its juices can cause foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially severe consequences, including hospitalization and death.
The stomach's natural defenses, including acidity, digestive enzymes, mucus entrapment, and the immune system, act as barriers against food poisoning germs, with the stomach emptying approximately every four hours to sanitize the consumed food. However, in cases of high bacterial loads, even in healthy adults, stomach acid and immune defenses may not sufficiently reduce bacterial numbers to a safe level.
While innate food poisoning defenses may be less effective in specific populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, regular use of antacids can increase the risk of food poisoning by neutralizing stomach acid.
RELATED ARTICLE: Listeria Outbreak Sickens Three People in Delaware, One Dead in Texas; CDC Links It to Pre-Cooked Chicken
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