Whether it’s the flu, food poisoning, or another illness, vomiting is never fun, and certain foods can make it even worse.
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of problems, including an infection, consuming foods or medications that can aggravate the stomach, drinking alcohol, dizziness, morning sickness or migraine, depending on the Mayo Clinic. It often occurs along with other digestive symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever.
Below are some foods and drinks to avoid when treating an upset stomach.
Don’t eat fast food
It is often difficult to even think about food immediately after vomiting. That is why it is recommended to avoid eating solid foods for a few hours after vomiting, depending on the Mayo Clinic. However, be sure to sip water or clear liquid during this time to help prevent dehydration. Then, when your stomach can tolerate it, continue drinking fluids and try to eat foods that are gentle on the digestive system, such as the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
There’s a reason the BRAT diet is commonly cited as the best approach to calming an upset stomach: Things like bananas and toast are simple, bland foods, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Instead of ordering a greasy burger or turning to baked goods like cookies or pastries, stick to a diet of soft foods instead of fatty foods. Severe vomiting can cause dehydration, so oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks can help restore hydration, notes Ohio State University.
Stay away from dairy
Drinking milk or consuming other dairy products is usually not a good idea after a vomiting attack. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the lactose found in dairy can be difficult to digest when recovering from vomiting related to a stomach infection. Some people may have difficulty digesting lactose for up to a month or more after the infection has cleared.
Consider low FODMAP foods
When you’re throwing up, think BRAT, not FODMAP. FODMAP refers to fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. According Stanford MedicineThese are types of carbohydrates or sugars that can be found in certain foods, such as fructose (found in fruits and honey), lactose, galactans (found in beans and lentils), and polyols (found in some fruits such as apricots and nectarines). FODMAPs can cause digestive problems in people sensitive to them, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome.
Monash University notes that following a low FODMAP diet may be beneficial in recovering from vomiting caused by a stomach virus. FODMAP foods tend to draw more water into the intestines, which can contribute to diarrhea and bloating, so temporarily avoiding them may help relieve symptoms.
Avoid alcohol and coffee
While this may seem like a given, do not drink alcohol while you are recovering from nausea or vomiting. In some cases, alcohol may be the cause of vomiting. Also stay away from coffee or other caffeinated drinks after vomiting because they can contribute to dehydration.
Stay away from other possible triggers
If certain foods or drinks sometimes make you nauseous, stay away from them until you feel better. Foods and drinks that are too hot can also be a trigger when you’re recovering from an illness with vomiting, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Strong cheeses such as blue or Roquefort should also be avoided if trying to maintain a soft diet to treat vomiting or stomach nausea, according to MedlinePlus.
Lastly, spicy foods and strong condiments such as garlic and hot pepper should not be consumed until you have fully recovered.
When to see a doctor about vomiting
If vomiting lasts more than two days or if you have experienced frequent attacks of nausea and vomiting for more than a month, call your doctor. You may have an underlying condition that needs additional treatment. If you experience signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, infrequent urination, dizziness or lightheadedness, weakness, or dark-colored urine, seek medical attention immediately.
