Foods to Avoid When Vomiting

The causes of vomiting range from morning sickness to viral infections, migraines, chemotherapy treatment and food poisoning. Dehydration is a common risk factor when you experience a bout of vomiting. You should stay hydrated by regularly sipping small amounts of clear fluids such as water, or electrolyte solutions that replace lost glucose and sodium. You also should avoid spicy foods, sweet foods and foods that are high in fat, as well as some beverages, such as carbonated drinks, which can irritate the stomach lining.

Fatty Foods

• Consumption of foods that are high in fat increases bile production. Bile is required for the digestion of fats, but it can worsen vomiting by causing inflammation of the stomach lining. Avoid fatty meats, including beef, pork, lamb, venison, ham, bacon, sausages and hamburgers. You also should avoid full-fat dairy produce, fried foods, pastries, cakes and chocolate.

Spicy Foods

• Spicy foods increase inflammation of the esophagus and cause heartburn and increased belching, which can aggravate nausea and vomiting. Avoid spicy foods such as curries, which contain chili peppers and spices such as turmeric. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger is considered helpful for pregnancy-associated vomiting.Fresh ginger, however, may produce unpleasant effects, such as heartburn and belching. Avoid fresh ginger and take ginger supplements in capsules instead.

Sweet Foods

• Avoid foods that contain high amounts of sugar because if you raise blood sugar levels too quickly after a bout of vomiting, you may experience dizziness and further nausea. Avoid foods such as cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, candy, chocolate and desserts, such as ice cream and cheesecake.

Acidic Beverages

• Avoid highly acidic beverages such as alcohol and fruit juices because stomach acid can aggravate nausea and vomiting. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee and cola, and carbonated drinks because they stimulate stomach acid production. Carbonated drinks also can cause unpleasant acid reflux, and may contain high amounts of sugar, too.

Warnings

• Seek medical advice if vomit contains blood or bile, if you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours or if you experience other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, headache or stiff neck.