Eating something inedible by mistake is common. But have you wondered what happens if you accidentally eat aluminum foil? Do you think your digestive system can digest it? It all depends on the size of the aluminum foil that you accidentally consumed.
For elders, it is quite fewer chances of these types of incidents. But children and babies are more vulnerable to swallow such things and ultimately choking hazards occur. If you ever face such an issue, you must consult a doctor.
What is Aluminum Foil?
It is prepared in thin metal leaves with a thickness of less than 0.2 mm made from aluminum metal.
What are the Uses of Aluminum Foil?
- Food storage
- To cover baking surfaces
- To wrap foods; such as meats to prevent them from losing moisture while cooking
- Wrapping delicate foods like vegetables while grilling them
- Wrapping of chocolates
How can Aluminum Foil Accidentally Swallow?
As our food items are wrapped in aluminum foil and this metal is soft and brittle. Its sheets can be easily cracked. So tiny particles of aluminum foil can be consumed accidentally with the food.
What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Aluminum Foil?
If you accidentally eat aluminum foil, usually it is not at all dangerous. Unless the size of the foil is big, and the chances of choking are there. Similarly, a large piece of aluminum foil can be stuck into your intestine because it can not be digested in your digestive system.
But the advantage of swallowing a large piece of foil is that it can be seen in your stool and you become satisfied that the metal is no more in your body. While tiny microscopic pieces of aluminum in our food, can not be seen and counted. And consuming a large number of microscopic particles of aluminum with our food is very dangerous. According to the researchers, aluminum consumption can cause Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, kidney failure, and many other health problems.
What are the Health Hazards of Aluminum Foil?
The aluminum foil itself is not that much dangerous. But the heating process while cooking food in aluminum foil makes it hazardous for your health. The aluminum consumptions lead to the accumulation of this metal in your blood, muscles, and bones. That is not good for your overall health. And results in many serious diseases.
What Should you do If a Baby Swallows Aluminum Foil?
First, observe if your baby is choking or not. Because chances are there, that aluminum foil piece can be stuck in the throat. If the baby is choking, rush to a hospital emergency. In another case, you can give a banana to your baby, so the undigested metal foil can be easily removed with a banana through the stool of the baby.
Is It Safe to Use Foods Wrapped in Aluminum Foil While Pregnant?
Try to avoid using aluminum foil in preparing your foods while you are pregnant. Occasional use is fine, but the long-term use of food prepared in foil can accumulate an exorbitant amount of aluminum because metal in your body is not safe for your baby.
Consult Dr. Muhammad Nouman Anjum
Dr. Muhammad Nouman Anjum is one of the best general physicians in Lahore, with a patient satisfaction rate of 99%. Having over nine years of experience in the medical field, he is an expert at treating general health issues. You can book an online appointment with Dr. Muhammad Nouman Anjum for just 500/- PKR through Marham.
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FAQs
1. Is It Safe to Use Aluminum Foil in Cooking?
Occasionally it is fine to use aluminum foil. But long-term use should be avoided, as aluminum can cause severe health issues like kidney failure if consumed for a longer period.
2. What Happens when you Eat Aluminum Foil?
If you eat a small piece of aluminum foil, it will easily pass out in your stool. So it is not that much serious.
3. Is Aluminum Foil Toxic?
It is not toxic and can be used for food preparation. But long-term use should be avoided.
4. Is Eating a Small Amount of Aluminum Foil Safe?
Yes, to some extent.