The Truth Why Some People Get Food Poisoning and Others Don’t

If you’ve ever been the only person at dinner who ends up clutching your stomach later, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. According to BuzzFeed contributor Sydney Wingfield, referencing emergency physician Dr. Justin Mazur, it’s actually common for just one person to get food poisoning from a shared meal. The reason? Our bodies—and especially our gut microbiomes—are all different.

Food poisoning typically strikes when we consume food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or occasionally parasites. While the symptoms—like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—are universally unpleasant, whether or not you get sick can depend on the health of your gut microbiome. That’s the collection of trillions of bacteria and microorganisms in your digestive system, which plays a major role in protecting you from pathogens.

Dr. Mazur explains that someone with a less diverse microbiome, lacking in beneficial bacteria, is more likely to fall ill after eating contaminated food. What you eat regularly—especially if you’re loading up on processed meat, dairy, and alcohol—can damage your microbiome and make you more vulnerable. On the flip side, a plant-based, whole food diet helps foster microbial diversity and resilience.

Even factors like the amount of contaminated food you ate and what else was in your system—say, a few too many drinks—can increase your risk. Simply put, meat-heavy and junk-filled diets are working against your gut, while fibre-rich, plant-based meals are doing it a favor.

Want fewer nights spent hovering over the toilet? Choose fresh, plant-based foods and cut back on animal products and alcohol. Your gut—and the animals—will thank you.

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