The Relief After the Retch: Why Do I Feel Better After Throwing Up?
The simple answer is that feeling of relief you experience after vomiting is a complex interplay of physiological and psychological factors. While the act itself is unpleasant, your body is essentially hitting a reset button, alleviating immediate triggers and activating compensatory mechanisms designed to make you feel, if not fantastic, at least significantly better. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Crisis averted!”
At its core, feeling better after throwing up is about removing the offending substance that’s causing the nausea. This could be anything from a foodborne illness or excessive alcohol to motion sickness or even pregnancy-related hormones. Once that trigger is expelled, your body can begin to normalize. But the story doesn’t end there. Here’s a more in-depth look at the processes involved:
- Removal of Irritants: This is the most direct reason for feeling better. If you’ve ingested something toxic or irritating, vomiting eliminates it from your system, stopping the irritation of your stomach lining and preventing further absorption into your bloodstream.
- Lowering Stomach Pressure: Nausea often comes with increased pressure in the stomach. The physical act of vomiting releases this pressure, providing immediate relief. Think of it like releasing the pressure valve on a boiling pot.
- Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Ironically, the vagal nerve, which is heavily involved in triggering vomiting, can also contribute to feeling better afterwards. While overstimulation of the vagal nerve causes nausea and vomiting, the subsequent decrease in stimulation after the event can have a calming effect.
- Endorphin Release: Vomiting can trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. This is similar to the “runner’s high” that athletes experience. While the endorphin release isn’t as significant as with intense exercise, it can contribute to the feeling of relief.
- Psychological Relief: The mental aspect cannot be ignored. The anticipation of vomiting can be incredibly stressful. Once it’s over, there’s a sense of accomplishment and release from that anxiety. This is particularly true for individuals with emetophobia, the fear of vomiting.
- Rehydration (eventually): While you may not feel immediately hydrated, the advice that you may have heard from medical professionals to eventually hydrate yourself will help you feel better. Vomiting causes dehydration, and dehydration can cause nausea.
In short, the relief you feel after throwing up is a combination of physical and mental factors working together to restore your body’s equilibrium. It is your body responding to a threat and working to regain control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
### 1. What is the best thing to do immediately after throwing up?
The absolute best thing is to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours. This gives your stomach a chance to settle. Then, sip small amounts of water or suck on ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Avoid gulping, as this can re-trigger nausea. After that, you can slowly introduce clear liquids like broth, diluted juice, or sports drinks.
### 2. Does vomiting always make you feel better when nauseous?
No, vomiting doesn’t always provide relief. Sometimes, especially if the nausea is related to conditions like migraines or anxiety, vomiting can actually worsen the feeling. It’s most effective when the nausea is caused by something that needs to be expelled, like food poisoning.
### 3. What happens to your body when you throw up on purpose?
Deliberately inducing vomiting, especially regularly as seen in conditions like bulimia, can have serious consequences. It can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium, which can cause heart problems. It can also damage your teeth enamel due to the stomach acid, and cause esophageal problems. Never make yourself throw up as a weight loss method.
### 4. Should I brush my teeth right after vomiting?
No! Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. The stomach acid weakens your tooth enamel. Brushing immediately after vomiting can rub the acid against your teeth, causing further damage. Instead, rinse your mouth with water containing a small amount of baking soda to neutralize the acid.
### 5. How can I use acupressure to relieve nausea?
One common acupressure point for nausea is the P-6 or Nei Guan point. It’s located on the inside of your wrist, about three finger-widths down from your wrist crease, between the two large tendons. Apply firm, circular pressure to this point for a few minutes.
### 6. Is it better to hold it in or throw up if I feel nauseous?
Generally, it’s better to let yourself vomit naturally if you feel ill. Trying to suppress it can prolong the feeling of nausea and discomfort. However, don’t force yourself to vomit if you don’t feel the urge; that can be harmful.
### 7. What is the best position to be in when I feel nauseous?
Rest either in a sitting position or propped up lying down. Avoid sudden movements and activity, as these can worsen nausea.
### 8. How should I sleep after vomiting? Is it safe?
Before lying down, ensure the nausea has subsided. When you do sleep, elevate your head and sleep on your side to prevent choking if you vomit again in your sleep.
### 9. What foods should I avoid eating after throwing up?
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and acidic fruit juices. These can irritate your stomach. Stick to bland, easily digestible foods.
### 10. What usually causes sudden vomiting?
Sudden vomiting is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, like norovirus or Salmonella. It can also be a symptom of food poisoning or other medical conditions.
### 11. Should I lie on my back or my side after vomiting?
It’s best to lie on your side to prevent choking if you vomit again. A slight elevation of the head is also helpful.
### 12. Does humming actually help with nausea?
Interestingly, humming can help some people with nausea. It’s thought to interfere with the gag reflex and may have a calming effect. However, its effectiveness varies from person to person.
### 13. Is Sprite or other sodas good for nausea?
While some people find relief from Sprite or ginger ale, the high sugar content can sometimes worsen nausea or diarrhea. Choose these options cautiously and consider alternatives like water or clear broth first.
### 14. Why do I feel like throwing up but I don’t?
The sensation of nausea without vomiting can be caused by several factors, including stress, anxiety, infections, and motion sickness. It’s your body preparing for the possibility of vomiting, even if it doesn’t actually occur.
### 15. Why do I feel so weak and shaky after vomiting?
Weakness and shakiness after vomiting are common due to dehydration, electrolyte loss, and not having eaten recently. Your body has expended significant energy during the vomiting process, and replenishing fluids and electrolytes is essential for recovery.
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