Yes, you should drink water after throwing up, but slowly and in small sips to prevent dehydration, waiting 5-10 minutes after vomiting before starting, and choosing clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions (ORS) over sugary drinks. This helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes, with gradual reintroduction of bland foods like crackers as you feel better.
Avoid eating and drinking for two hours after the last episode of vomiting. Start with small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ice, popsicles, sports drinks, clear broth or Jell-O for the first 24 hours. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and fruit juice.
Drink plenty of clear fluids or oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids — take small sips if you feel sick. Avoid fruit juice, cordial and sugary drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Adjust your diet until you get back to normal — eat bland foods, such as rice, pasta and crackers.
The vomiting reflex is mediated by both the autonomic and somatic systems, and consists of two phases:
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. Resting in a fully flat position could trigger vomiting.
Symptoms of dehydration
Make an appointment with your doctor if: Vomiting lasts more than two days for adults, 24 hours for children under age 2 or 12 hours for infants.
Dehydration can happen quickly when you are throwing up or have diarrhea. Remember to start with small sips often, use oral rehydration solutions, avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks and eat bland foods when ready. If you're unsure what to do or symptoms worsen, trust your gut and call your provider.
Should I keep drinking water if I throw it up? Yes. Vomiting can cause your body to become dehydrated very quickly, so it's important to keep up your water intake as much as possible. Your body absorbs water better through these solutions because they contain salts and glucose.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
We grab a bottle of water and guzzle it down, often in one go, to satisfy that thirst. But that's not really the best way to hydrate, says Lindsay Baker, PhD, a senior principal scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. “In general, it's best to sip a little bit throughout the day,” Baker says.
Viral stomach flu usually lasts 12 - 60 hours, and can often be self-managed by following these guidelines, including the gastro diet. Gastroenteritis cases arising after travel may involve different organisms, bacterial, viral, parasitic, and are managed case by case depending on history.
How to Treat Nausea and Vomiting
Drink lots of fluids if possible, but start slowly with 1–2 sips every 5 minutes. If you become nauseated, wait 20–30 minutes and then begin again. Wait 20–30 minutes to be sure you don't have more vomiting or diarrhea.
9 healthy and hydrating alternatives to water
The Worst Foods for Your Gastrointestinal System
Six common signs of norovirus are vomiting, watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain/cramps, headache, and fever/chills, often appearing suddenly and lasting 1-3 days, though symptoms like muscle aches and tiredness are also frequent.
While drinking soft drinks like Sprite can be soothing to the stomach for some, its carbonation can be irritating for others. Soda's high sugar content means it's maybe not the healthiest or best drink for nausea, but it can provide quick relief.
If you have an upset stomach, try to lie with your upper body upright or prop up your head, neck and chest with pillows.
Certain foods make an upset stomach worse
Gulp it down - Instead of grabbing a glass of water and only taking a few sips, take 5-10 gulps every time you reach for that glass. You will consume more water throughout the day than if you only drink a sip or two each time.
The 7 common signs you're not drinking enough water include thirst and dry mouth, dark, infrequent urine, fatigue and headaches, dizziness, dry skin, constipation, and bad breath, all signaling your body needs fluids for functions like toxin flushing, nutrient transport, and maintaining energy, with urine color (pale yellow is ideal) being a great self-check.