What to eat after vomiting NHS?

If you’ve ever experienced a bout of diarrhoea and vomiting, chances are you’ve had gastroenteritis. Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK, but has no specific treatment. An attack of vomiting will generally subside 6 to 24 hours after it starts but can be a terrible experience that can leave you feeling drained, dehydrated and in need of replenishment. After vomiting, your body needs nutritious foods and fluids to help you recover. In this blog post we’ll discuss some of things you should do after vomitting and some of the best foods to eat after vomiting.

Eat Simple Plain Foods

After vomiting, you should start with simple foods that are easy to digest. These could be foods like toast, crackers, bananas, rice or applesauce. These foods are known for their bland taste and easy-to-digest properties, which make them the perfect foods to eat after vomiting. They can also help to settle your stomach and prevent you from feeling nauseous. You should avoid eating spicy or greasy foods as they can worsen your vomiting.

Plenty of rest

After a bout of vomiting, the body needs time to rest and recover. Rest is essential because vomiting takes a lot out of us. It can leave us feeling weak and drained. During vomiting the stomach muscles and other muscles surrounding the abdomen contract vigorously, this can leave us feeling sore and tired. It is essential that we give ourselves time to recover from the experience. Enough rest will give the body a chance to replenish its fluids and regain strength. Therefore, plenty of rest allows us to recuperate and makes it easier for our system to get back to its normal state.

Plenty of Fluids

One of the biggest risks of vomiting is dehydration. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice and should be taken in small sips to avoid overhydration. Dehydration can be a serious condition, so it is important to stay vigilant. It is important to recognise the signs of dehydration in your body:

• Dry mouth or throat, which can cause difficulty in swallowing even saliva
• Thirst
• Decreased urine output
• Sunken eyes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue or confusion, as these can also be signs of dehydration

If you want to avoid water, other viable options include cordials (not sugar free) and non-fizzy drinks. Special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies can be used if you have signs of dehydration. Do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks as they can make episodes of diarrhoea worse. Ice lollies can be useful with young children to replenish fluids.

Avoid Dairy and Spicy Foods

After vomiting, avoiding dairy and spicy food is important as it can impair your digestion. While it’s essential to replenish your body with the right foods after vomiting, it’s also crucial to know what foods to avoid. Dairy products, spicy foods, and acidic foods such as citrus fruits are likely to be too harsh on your stomach after vomiting. Adding some good quality yoghurt in at a later date can be helpful, but problematic initially, due to the higher fat content.

Ginger

Ginger has antiemetic properties that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Ginger is a time-tested remedy for nausea and vomiting. You can consume ginger tea, ginger biscuits or ginger root to ease the stomach. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can also speed up digestion and prevent bloating.

Bananas

Bananas are a great food to eat after vomiting due to their high potassium and calorie content. They are also gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Additionally, bananas contain natural sugars that help replenish energy levels. You can eat them whole or blend them in a smoothie for a more palatable option.

Chicken Broth

Another great food to eat after vomiting is chicken broth. It is easily digested and can help replace the fluids lost during vomiting. Furthermore, chicken broth contains electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Toast

Toast is an excellent food to eat after vomiting due to its bland taste and ability to absorb excess stomach acid. Eat plain, white toast without any toppings or spreads to avoid any potential stomach irritation.

Crackers

Crackers are a good choice to eat after vomiting. They are easy to digest and can help absorb excess stomach acid. Saltine crackers are particularly effective due to their high salt content, which can help stimulate the thirst for water.

Lean Proteins

Once your stomach has settled after vomiting, it’s essential to refuel your body with lean proteins. Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, or tofu are great options. These foods have the added advantage of being low in fat and easy to digest, making them perfect for refuelling your body after vomiting. You can also choose plant-based alternatives like lentils or beans, which provide a good source of protein and other vital nutrients.

Replenish Lost Vitamins

Vomiting can cause your body to lose vital vitamins that are essential for your body’s proper functioning. These could be vitamins like B Complex and vitamin C, or electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Therefore, after vomiting, it’s crucial to replenish these lost vitamins by eating fruits and vegetables or taking supplements. Foods like berries, spinach, bananas, or sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamins and minerals that can replenish your body after vomiting.

If you’ve ever had a stomach bug or a case of food poisoning, then you know just how miserable gastroenteritis can be. Fortunately, pharmacists are available to offer advice and guidance to help you feel better. In fact, pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses.

So if you’re experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, don’t hesitate to speak with a pharmacist. They can help you understand what’s happening in your body and recommend over-the-counter medications to help you feel better fast. With their help, you can get back on track and start feeling like yourself again in no time. Also for general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service and walk-in-centres.

Sources

• Diarrhoea and vomiting – NHS
• Caring for your child with gastroenteritis – Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Diarrhoea And Vomiting Emergency Department Leaflet – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust