{"id":343592,"date":"2025-06-02T00:36:50","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T00:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=343592"},"modified":"2025-06-02T00:36:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T00:36:50","slug":"why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do I feel better after throwing up?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#The_Relief_After_the_Retch_Why_Do_I_Feel_Better_After_Throwing_Up\" title=\"The Relief After the Retch: Why Do I Feel Better After Throwing Up?\">The Relief After the Retch: Why Do I Feel Better After Throwing Up?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_1_What_is_the_best_thing_to_do_immediately_after_throwing_up\" title=\"### 1. What is the best thing to do immediately after throwing up?\">### 1. What is the best thing to do immediately after throwing up?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_2_Does_vomiting_always_make_you_feel_better_when_nauseous\" title=\"### 2. Does vomiting always make you feel better when nauseous?\">### 2. Does vomiting always make you feel better when nauseous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_3_What_happens_to_your_body_when_you_throw_up_on_purpose\" title=\"### 3. What happens to your body when you throw up on purpose?\">### 3. What happens to your body when you throw up on purpose?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_4_Should_I_brush_my_teeth_right_after_vomiting\" title=\"### 4. Should I brush my teeth right after vomiting?\">### 4. Should I brush my teeth right after vomiting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_5_How_can_I_use_acupressure_to_relieve_nausea\" title=\"### 5. How can I use acupressure to relieve nausea?\">### 5. How can I use acupressure to relieve nausea?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_6_Is_it_better_to_hold_it_in_or_throw_up_if_I_feel_nauseous\" title=\"### 6. Is it better to hold it in or throw up if I feel nauseous?\">### 6. Is it better to hold it in or throw up if I feel nauseous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_7_What_is_the_best_position_to_be_in_when_I_feel_nauseous\" title=\"### 7. What is the best position to be in when I feel nauseous?\">### 7. What is the best position to be in when I feel nauseous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_8_How_should_I_sleep_after_vomiting_Is_it_safe\" title=\"### 8. How should I sleep after vomiting? Is it safe?\">### 8. How should I sleep after vomiting? Is it safe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_9_What_foods_should_I_avoid_eating_after_throwing_up\" title=\"### 9. What foods should I avoid eating after throwing up?\">### 9. What foods should I avoid eating after throwing up?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_10_What_usually_causes_sudden_vomiting\" title=\"### 10. What usually causes sudden vomiting?\">### 10. What usually causes sudden vomiting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_11_Should_I_lie_on_my_back_or_my_side_after_vomiting\" title=\"### 11. Should I lie on my back or my side after vomiting?\">### 11. Should I lie on my back or my side after vomiting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_12_Does_humming_actually_help_with_nausea\" title=\"### 12. Does humming actually help with nausea?\">### 12. Does humming actually help with nausea?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_13_Is_Sprite_or_other_sodas_good_for_nausea\" title=\"### 13. Is Sprite or other sodas good for nausea?\">### 13. Is Sprite or other sodas good for nausea?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_14_Why_do_I_feel_like_throwing_up_but_I_dont\" title=\"### 14. Why do I feel like throwing up but I don\u2019t?\">### 14. Why do I feel like throwing up but I don\u2019t?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/#_15_Why_do_I_feel_so_weak_and_shaky_after_vomiting\" title=\"### 15. Why do I feel so weak and shaky after vomiting?\">### 15. Why do I feel so weak and shaky after vomiting?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Relief_After_the_Retch_Why_Do_I_Feel_Better_After_Throwing_Up\"><\/span>The Relief After the Retch: Why Do I Feel Better After Throwing Up?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>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\u2019s your body\u2019s way of saying, &#8220;Crisis averted!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>At its core, feeling better after throwing up is about removing the offending substance that\u2019s causing the nausea. This could be anything from a <strong>foodborne illness<\/strong> or <strong>excessive alcohol<\/strong> to <strong>motion sickness<\/strong> or even <strong>pregnancy-related hormones<\/strong>. Once that trigger is expelled, your body can begin to normalize. But the story doesn\u2019t end there. Here\u2019s a more in-depth look at the processes involved:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Removal of Irritants:<\/strong> This is the most direct reason for feeling better. If you&#8217;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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lowering Stomach Pressure:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vagal Nerve Stimulation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Endorphin Release:<\/strong> Vomiting can trigger the release of <strong>endorphins<\/strong>, your body&#8217;s natural painkillers and mood elevators. This is similar to the &#8220;runner&#8217;s high&#8221; that athletes experience. While the endorphin release isn\u2019t as significant as with intense exercise, it can contribute to the feeling of relief.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Psychological Relief:<\/strong> The mental aspect cannot be ignored. The anticipation of vomiting can be incredibly stressful. Once it&#8217;s over, there&#8217;s a sense of accomplishment and release from that anxiety. This is particularly true for individuals with <strong>emetophobia<\/strong>, the fear of vomiting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rehydration (eventually):<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In short, the relief you feel after throwing up is a combination of physical and mental factors working together to restore your body&#8217;s equilibrium. It is your body responding to a threat and working to regain control.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_1_What_is_the_best_thing_to_do_immediately_after_throwing_up\"><\/span>### 1. What is the best thing to do immediately after throwing up?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The absolute best thing is to <strong>avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours<\/strong>. This gives your stomach a chance to settle. Then, <strong>sip small amounts of water or suck on ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours<\/strong>. Avoid gulping, as this can re-trigger nausea. After that, you can slowly introduce clear liquids like broth, diluted juice, or sports drinks.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_2_Does_vomiting_always_make_you_feel_better_when_nauseous\"><\/span>### 2. Does vomiting always make you feel better when nauseous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, vomiting doesn&#8217;t always provide relief. Sometimes, especially if the nausea is related to conditions like migraines or anxiety, vomiting can actually worsen the feeling. It&#8217;s most effective when the nausea is caused by something that needs to be expelled, like food poisoning.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_3_What_happens_to_your_body_when_you_throw_up_on_purpose\"><\/span>### 3. What happens to your body when you throw up on purpose?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Deliberately inducing vomiting, especially regularly as seen in conditions like <strong>bulimia<\/strong>, can have serious consequences. It can lead to <strong>electrolyte imbalances<\/strong>, particularly low potassium, which can cause <strong>heart problems<\/strong>. It can also damage your <strong>teeth enamel<\/strong> due to the stomach acid, and cause <strong>esophageal problems<\/strong>. Never make yourself throw up as a weight loss method.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_4_Should_I_brush_my_teeth_right_after_vomiting\"><\/span>### 4. Should I brush my teeth right after vomiting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>No!<\/strong> Wait at least <strong>30 minutes<\/strong> before brushing. The stomach acid weakens your tooth enamel. Brushing immediately after vomiting can rub the acid against your teeth, causing further damage. Instead, <strong>rinse your mouth with water containing a small amount of baking soda<\/strong> to neutralize the acid.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_5_How_can_I_use_acupressure_to_relieve_nausea\"><\/span>### 5. How can I use acupressure to relieve nausea?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One common acupressure point for nausea is the <strong>P-6 or Nei Guan point<\/strong>. It&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_6_Is_it_better_to_hold_it_in_or_throw_up_if_I_feel_nauseous\"><\/span>### 6. Is it better to hold it in or throw up if I feel nauseous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Generally, <strong>it\u2019s better to let yourself vomit naturally if you feel ill<\/strong>. Trying to suppress it can prolong the feeling of nausea and discomfort. However, don&#8217;t force yourself to vomit if you don&#8217;t feel the urge; that can be harmful.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_7_What_is_the_best_position_to_be_in_when_I_feel_nauseous\"><\/span>### 7. What is the best position to be in when I feel nauseous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Rest either in a sitting position or propped up lying down<\/strong>. Avoid sudden movements and activity, as these can worsen nausea.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_8_How_should_I_sleep_after_vomiting_Is_it_safe\"><\/span>### 8. How should I sleep after vomiting? Is it safe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Before lying down, ensure the nausea has subsided. When you do sleep, <strong>elevate your head and sleep on your side<\/strong> to prevent choking if you vomit again in your sleep.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_9_What_foods_should_I_avoid_eating_after_throwing_up\"><\/span>### 9. What foods should I avoid eating after throwing up?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and acidic fruit juices<\/strong>. These can irritate your stomach. Stick to bland, easily digestible foods.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_10_What_usually_causes_sudden_vomiting\"><\/span>### 10. What usually causes sudden vomiting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sudden vomiting is often caused by a <strong>viral or bacterial infection<\/strong>, like norovirus or Salmonella. It can also be a symptom of <strong>food poisoning<\/strong> or other medical conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_11_Should_I_lie_on_my_back_or_my_side_after_vomiting\"><\/span>### 11. Should I lie on my back or my side after vomiting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s best to <strong>lie on your side<\/strong> to prevent choking if you vomit again. A slight elevation of the head is also helpful.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_12_Does_humming_actually_help_with_nausea\"><\/span>### 12. Does humming actually help with nausea?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Interestingly, <strong>humming can help some people with nausea<\/strong>. It&#8217;s thought to interfere with the gag reflex and may have a calming effect. However, its effectiveness varies from person to person.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_13_Is_Sprite_or_other_sodas_good_for_nausea\"><\/span>### 13. Is Sprite or other sodas good for nausea?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While some people find relief from Sprite or ginger ale, the <strong>high sugar content can sometimes worsen nausea<\/strong> or diarrhea. Choose these options cautiously and consider alternatives like water or clear broth first.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_14_Why_do_I_feel_like_throwing_up_but_I_dont\"><\/span>### 14. Why do I feel like throwing up but I don\u2019t?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The sensation of nausea without vomiting can be caused by several factors, including <strong>stress, anxiety, infections, and motion sickness<\/strong>. It&#8217;s your body preparing for the possibility of vomiting, even if it doesn&#8217;t actually occur.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_15_Why_do_I_feel_so_weak_and_shaky_after_vomiting\"><\/span>### 15. Why do I feel so weak and shaky after vomiting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Weakness and shakiness after vomiting are common due to <strong>dehydration, electrolyte loss, and not having eaten recently<\/strong>. Your body has expended significant energy during the vomiting process, and replenishing fluids and electrolytes is essential for recovery.<\/p>\n<p>Learning how we learn new things is a complex system, so visit the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> to discover more! You can find out more information at <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &#8230; <a title=\"Why do I feel better after throwing up?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/why-do-i-feel-better-after-throwing-up\/\" aria-label=\"More on Why do I feel better after throwing up?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-343592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=343592"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343592\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=343592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=343592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=343592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}