How to Choose Seafood and Avoid the Rare Ciguatera Poisoning I Contracted

In this toxic fish tale episode, I share my personal experience with ciguatera poisoning – a rare form of food poisoning that landed me on the bathroom floor of a Bahamas resort and changed how I think about seafood forever. While this isn’t our typical “age with grace and strength” content, it’s an important story about advocacy, awareness, and making informed choices about the fish we eat.

What Happened

During a 2019 family vacation in the Bahamas, I ordered the “fish of the day” at a resort steakhouse while my family had steak. That night, I became violently ill with what would later be diagnosed as ciguatera poisoning – a rare condition listed on rarediseases.org.

Understanding Ciguatera Poisoning

Ciguatera poisoning predominantly affects large predatory fish like grouper, snapper, and barracuda. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological issues, such as the sensation of hot objects feeling cold and vice versa. In my case, I experienced these along with intense itching, fatigue, and muscle pain.

Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment

Upon returning home, I utilized a list of symptoms for self-diagnosis, as ciguatera has no specific medical test. Unfortunately, there is no antidote, but early diagnosis may lead to some treatments. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments become crucial.

Dietary Changes and Support

For recovery, I made significant dietary changes including avoiding alcohol, fish, nuts, and caffeine. These restrictions were supported by online research and advice from medical professionals familiar with long-term ciguatera effects.

Resources and Recommendations

I also leveraged resources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch to make informed seafood choices. This guide provides valuable information on choosing sustainable and safer seafood options.

Conclusion

While this experience was challenging, it taught me the importance of self-advocacy, informed decision-making, and the strength found in facing our food fears. I continue to enjoy seafood responsibly, armed with the knowledge of what to avoid and how to choose safer options. I hope sharing my story helps you make educated decisions and enjoy seafood safely.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you a graced day ahead.

Links Mentioned:

Ciguatera Poisoning: How I Manage my Symptoms with Food, Supplements, and Exercise (YouTube)

Ciguatera Experience: Updates and Encouragement After Six Years (YouTube)

Article from Cleveland Clinic about ciguatera

Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide