Whether it’s from the flu, food poisoning, or other illness, vomiting is never fun — and certain foods may make it even worse.
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of issues, including an infection, consuming food or medication that may aggravate your stomach, drinking alcohol, motion sickness, morning sickness, or migraine, according to the Mayo Clinic. It often happens alongside other digestive symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever.
Here are some foods and beverages you should avoid when treating an upset stomach.
Don’t Eat Fast Food
It’s often difficult to even think about food right after throwing up. That’s why it’s recommended that you stay away from eating solid food for a few hours after vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, be sure to take sips of water or clear liquid during this time to help prevent dehydration. Afterward, when your stomach is able to tolerate it, continue to drink fluids and try eating foods that are easy on the digestive system like the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
There’s a reason why the BRAT diet is commonly cited as the best approach to calming an upset stomach: Things like bananas and plain toast are bland, simple foods, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Instead of ordering a greasy hamburger or turning to baked goods like cookies or cupcakes, maintain a diet of bland food rather than fatty foods. Severe vomiting may cause dehydration, so oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks can help restore hydration, notes Ohio State University.
Steer Clear of Dairy
Drinking milk or consuming other dairy products is usually not a good idea after a bout of vomiting. 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 can have a hard time 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 to Stanford Medicine, these are types of carbohydrates or sugars that can be found in certain foods, such as fructose (found in fruit and honey), lactose, galactans (found in beans and lentils), and polyols (found in some fruits like apricots and nectarines). FODMAPs can cause digestive problems in people who are sensitive to them, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome.
Monash University notes that following a low-FODMAP diet may be beneficial when recovering from vomiting caused by a stomach bug. FODMAP foods tend to bring more water into your intestines, which may contribute to diarrhea and bloating, so temporarily avoiding them may help alleviate symptoms.
Avoid Alcohol and Coffee
While this may seem like a given, don’t drink alcohol when you’re recovering from nausea or vomiting. In some cases, alcohol may actually be the cause of vomiting. Also steer clear of coffee or other caffeinated drinks after you vomit because they might contribute to dehydration.
Stay Away From Other Possible Triggers
If certain foods or drinks sometimes make you feel queasy, stay away from them until you feel better. Foods and beverages that are too hot may also be a trigger when you’re recovering from an illness with vomiting, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Strong cheeses like blue or Roquefort should also be avoided if you’re trying to maintain a bland diet to treat vomiting or stomach nausea, according to MedlinePlus.
Finally, spicy foods and strong seasonings like garlic and hot pepper should not be eaten until you’ve fully recovered.
When to See a Doctor for Vomiting
If vomiting lasts for more than two days or you’ve experienced frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting for longer than a month, call your doctor. You might have an underlying condition that needs further treatment. If you experience signs of dehydration, including excessive thirst, infrequent urination, dizziness or lightheadedness, weakness, or dark-colored urine, seek medical attention right away.
