What Causes Vomiting?
Vomiting, or “throwing up,” happens when your body forces food or liquid out of your stomach through your mouth and it can happen for various reasons, such as:
- Food poisoning or stomach infections.
- Motion sickness or vertigo.
- Digestive issues, like acid reflux or gastritis.
- Side effects of medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy.
- Overeating or drinking too much alcohol.
Home Remedies to Help
If you’re vomiting, these tips can help you recover and feel better:
- Stay Hydrated: Sip small amounts of clear liquids, like water, clear broth, or an electrolyte drink. Avoid drinking large amounts at once.
- Follow the BRAT Diet: Once the vomiting stops, ease back into eating with bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
- Avoid Strong Smells and Heavy Foods: Stay away from greasy, spicy, or heavily flavored foods that can trigger more vomiting.
- Rest Your Stomach: Give your stomach a break by avoiding solid foods for a few hours after vomiting.
- Try Ginger or Peppermint: These natural remedies can help calm your stomach. Sip ginger tea or chew on peppermint leaves.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While vomiting usually resolves on its own, you should call your healthcare provider if:
- Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or is severe.
- You can’t keep liquids down and are showing signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine).
- There’s blood in your vomit, or it looks like coffee grounds.
- You have severe abdominal pain, a high fever, or other concerning symptoms.