When the stomach sensors detect something bad, they send a signal to the nervous system, which then sends a signal to your brain. The command to throw up actually comes from your brain, not your stomach.
A certain area of the brain is triggered and sends signals to other parts of the body. Certain areas of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), stomach, small intestine, and large intestine are triggered. These triggers activate a reflex pathway that leads to nausea and vomiting.
Common problems that may cause nausea and vomiting include: Food allergies. Infections of the stomach or bowels, such as the "stomach flu" or food poisoning. Leaking of stomach contents (food or liquid) upward (also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD)
Other signs that you are about to vomit include gagging, retching, choking, involuntary stomach reflexes, the mouth filling with saliva (to protect the teeth from stomach acid), and the need to move or bend over.
FACT: Research has shown that vomiting cannot get rid of all the calories ingested, even when done immediately after eating. A vomit can only remove up to about half of the calories eaten - which means that, realistically, between half to two thirds of what is eaten is absorbed by the body.
Second, just before throwing up your body produces extra saliva, which helps protect your teeth from the strong acid. Third, the vomiting process releases chemicals in your body to make you feel better. So that “I feel better” feeling after throwing up is not just your imagination — it's your biology working.
Your body starts absorbing calories from the moment you put food in your mouth. If you vomit right after a very large meal, you typically eliminate less than 50 percent of the calories you consumed. Laxatives get rid of 10 percent of the calories you eat.
Nausea — before vomiting, a person usually experiences nausea. Nausea is the unpleasant feeling that you are about to vomit and is known as 'feeling sick'. Once you have vomited, the feeling of nausea may ease or go away. Mouthwatering — your mouth will often start to water if you are about to vomit.
Many of us will try to prevent vomiting if we're feeling nauseated. But if you're feeling ill, it's best to let yourself vomit naturally. But don't force it, says Dr. Goldman.
First, most of the time your brain will give you that sick feeling to warn you that something is going to happen. Second, just before throwing up your body produces extra saliva, which helps protect your teeth from the strong acid. Third, the vomiting process releases chemicals in your body to make you feel better.
Do not eat or drink anything for several hours after vomiting. Sip small amounts of water or suck ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Next, sip clear liquids every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Examples include water, sports drinks, flat soda, clear broth, gelatin, flavored ice, popsicles or apple juice.
Sympathetic activation is a sign that your body is in distress. Your heart will beat faster and you will start to sweat. Though it might not look like much, nausea associated with both vomiting and sweating may cause dehydration.
Struggling with the stomach flu
If you are really sick, keep a bucket and lots of water by your bed just in case. Remember, sleeping on your side will make it easier to throw up if and when the time to purge arrives.
Allow yourself to rest. Resting propped up in a seated position with the head elevated at least twelve inches above the feet is ideal. Remain in this seated rested position for a minimum of an hour, or until you are no longer experiencing nausea. Do not lie down all the way.
In addition to poisoning, there might be other scenarios in which a person wants to induce vomiting. For instance, they may have an eating disorder or feel nauseated due to a stomach virus. Vomiting always carries risks, and there is no medical reason for a person to induce vomiting just because they feel nauseated.
When appearing shortly after a meal, nausea or vomiting may be caused by food poisoning, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), an ulcer, or bulimia. Nausea or vomiting one to eight hours after a meal may also indicate food poisoning.
Electrolyte and water loss
Excessive vomiting, especially over a prolonged period of time, leads to excess loss of water and electrolytes from the body. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates and chloride ions are essential for normal bodily functions.
Contrary to how yucky it may feel, it's not great to brush your teeth right after vomiting. It's best to swish water around your mouth with a touch of baking soda after vomiting. We recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing immediately after rubs the stomach acid on teeth.
Sleeping on your side with your head raised can ease symptoms and keep you from choking on your vomit, if you're unable to make it to the bathroom in time.