How to Avoid Throwing Up

Whether your upset stomach is caused by exercise, overeating, or even a medical condition, nausea can make you feel awful. If you're already feeling nauseous, try tips and tricks to relieve queasiness. If nausea and vomiting are ongoing problems, adjusting your diet and making changes to your normal routine may help you avoid stomach issues in the future. For persistent or severe symptoms, discuss anti-nausea medications with your doctor.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Getting Immediate Relief

  1. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 1
    1
    Sit and try to relax if you feel nauseous. Moving around can make nausea worse, so take a few minutes to sit still. It might feel hard, but try to think about something other than your nausea, which can help make you more comfortable and less likely to throw up.[1]

    Staying Still and Relaxing

    Sit upright, in a comfortable position. Avoid lying down, especially if you’ve just eaten.

    Take slow, deep breaths into your nose and out through your mouth. This can help calm anxiety and keep motion sickness in check.

    Get your mind off your queasiness. Think about a calm, soothing place, like a comfortable place from your childhood, or imagine yourself sitting in a picturesque field on a perfect spring day.

  2. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 5
    2
    Drink a hot cup of water or soothing tea such as chamomile tea. Heat a cup of water, or if possible, brew a hot cup of tea, and sip it slowly. Chamomile has been used to relieve nausea and a variety of other health issues for centuries. It relaxes the digestive system, lowers stomach acid, and may help calm nervousness or anxiety.[2]
    • Go with a caffeine-free herbal chamomile tea. Caffeine could make your upset stomach worse.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 2
    3
    Open a window or go outside to get fresh air. If you can make it outside and the weather allows, try sitting on your porch or patio. You could also sit by an open window if you can’t make it outside.[3]
    • Fresh air could help, but keep in mind hot, humid weather or bright, direct sunlight might make matters worse.
  4. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 3
    4
    Take an antacid or anti-nausea medication. An over-the-counter medication can offer relief from nausea, and you can even take one before an activity that you think might cause queasiness[4] . If nausea is an ongoing problem, your doctor might recommend a prescription anti-nausea medication. Remember to take any medications as directed by the doctor or the label’s instructions.

    What Medications Should I Try?

    Brands like Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, which are bismuth salicylate, can help settle your stomach right away.

    Use dramamine 30-60 minutes before an activity that might cause nausea or motion sickness, like going on a rollercoaster or a twisting road.

    Avoid taking multiple anti-nausea medications at the same time, and never take more than the recommended dosage amount.

  5. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 22
    5
    Try using ginger to settle your stomach. Sip ginger tea, or chew or suck on natural ginger candy to calm your stomach.[5] Ginger contains substances that may promote digestion and relieve nausea.[6]
    • You could peel and slice a 2 in (5.1 cm) piece of ginger root, then boil the slices in 1  c (240 mL) of water to make a tea. Strain out the slices or, if you’d like, chew on them once they’ve cooled.
    • Low-sugar natural ginger ales can also help settle a queasy belly[7] . However, be sure to avoid soft drinks that contain caffeine.[8]
  6. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 8
    6
    Suck on hard candies with pleasant aromas. Try lemon, ginger, or peppermint hard candies to take the edge off your nausea. Hard candy is also helpful if you have a bad taste in your mouth that's aggravating your queasiness.[9]
    • Essential oils in these flavors may also have some anti-nausea properties.[10]
    • Look for natural candy options at your local health food store.
  7. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 15
    7
    Distract yourself with your favorite book, podcast or TV show. Wait out your nausea by using the power of distraction. Put on comfortable clothes and perform a relaxing, sedentary activity you enjoy. You may find that after about 20 or 30 minutes, your nausea has passed.[11]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making Dietary Adjustments

  1. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 5
    1
    Choose bland foods that are easy on your stomach. You might not feel like eating when you’re nauseous, but swallowing some plain-tasting food may help absorb stomach acids and calm your stomach. If nothing else, you should avoid overly sweet, spicy, and fatty foods, which can trigger nausea.[12]

    Settle your stomach with bland, calming foods like:

    Plain crackers (such as Saltines)
    Bananas
    Rice
    Apples
    Toast

  2. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 2
    2
    Drink water with your meals to promote digestion. Help your body dilute acidic digestive juices and absorb nutrients by drinking a glass of water 1-2 hours before you eat. Then, sip some water with each meal if you continue to feel nauseous. This helps create softer bowel movements, which can ease constipation-related nausea.[13]
  3. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 7
    3
    Eat cool or room temperature foods. Let your food cool slightly or opt for raw fruits and veggies instead of hot foods when you’re feeling ill. Hot foods can have strong smells, which may worsen nausea or vomiting if you have a sensitive stomach.[14]
    • Foods with minimal smells, such as crackers, may be more palatable to you than foods with strong odors.
  4. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 4
    4
    Get tested for food intolerance and allergies. Talk to a doctor about allergy testing if you notice that certain foods consistently make you feel nauseous. Skin testing can help pinpoint any food allergies that may be setting off your sickness.[15]
    • Typically an allergist performs a scratch test to determine your sensitivity to different foods. It’s best to avoid taking antihistamines before your appointment for the most conclusive testing.
    • Your doctor may also have you try a food elimination diet to see if you are sensitive to certain foods such as gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, eggs, and corn.
  5. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 9
    5
    Switch to a low-fiber diet before any nausea-inducing activity. Opt for low-fiber foods, such as refined hot cereals or juices, if you notice your nausea worsens while working out.[16] These foods digest quickly, moving out of your stomach faster.
    • Most people experience less nausea on an empty or partially-full stomach than a filled one.
    • For example, if you’re prone to vomiting during track practice, try swapping a protein shake for your regular turkey sandwich. Your liquid lunch will get digested more quickly and is less likely to nauseate you.
  6. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 6
    6
    Drink your recommended intake of fluids daily to stay hydrated. Water and other healthy fluids promote good digestion, which can help you avoid vomiting. Staying hydrated is especially important if you’ve been vomiting a lot, or are experiencing nausea. Dehydration can make nausea worse and, in turn, persistent vomiting can make dehydration worse.

    Drinking Fluids to Avoid Vomiting

    If you’re a man, drink 15 1⁄2  c (3.7 L) of fluids per day.
    If you’re a woman, drink 11 1⁄2 cups (2.7 L) of fluids per day.[17]

    Avoid drinking electrolyte or sports drinks frequently. The high amounts of sugar can actually cause nausea for some people.

    Other fluids to try: ginger ale, mint tea, lemonade, or sucking on ice chips.

  7. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 11
    7
    Gravitate towards appealing foods as needed. Stick to whatever foods sound best to you if you find you’re feeling very nauseous. Sometimes comforting foods can be more palatable and agreeable to your stomach.[18]
    • For example, choosing a bland food you love, say mashed potatoes, may ease your nausea more than choking down a piece of toast for the sake of eating something plain.
    • It’s still a good idea to avoid overly sweet, spicy, or fatty foods, which can cause stomach upset.
  8. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 13
    8
    Eat a few crackers before getting out of bed for morning nausea. Keep a sleeve of plain cracker on your bedside table if you often feel sick upon waking up. Having something plain in your belly before waking can increase your blood sugar and keep nausea at bay.[19]
    • This is a great technique for mothers suffering from morning sickness or patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  9. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 14
    9
    Sit upright for an hour after eating a meal. Encourage your food to settle by sitting up and letting gravity aid digestion after eating. Avoid performing intense exercise or lying down right after a large meal, as these can bring on nausea.[20]
    • If you already feel nauseous and lying down feels best to you, try lying on your left side, which increases blood flow, rather than lying on your right side.[21]
    10. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Establishing Stomach-Settling Habits

  1. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 11
    1
    Reduce your stress level by meditating. Meditate to reduce your adrenaline and anxiety levels, which can both cause nausea and vomiting. Sit or lie down comfortably with your eyes closed, focusing only your breathing for 10 minutes. Try to clear your head of any thoughts causing you stress and release physical tension in your body.
    • Try a guided meditation app, such as Relax By Andrew Johnson, if you’re just starting out with meditation.
  2. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 12
    2
    Avoid using NSAIDS before exercise. Take NSAID medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, after you exercise rather than before. Using these medications before exercise can trigger vomiting, as they are hard on your stomach.
    • This is especially true if you participate in endurance sports, such as marathons or triathlons.
  3. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 17
    3
    Take breaks on long drives. Settle your stomach by pulling over at a rest stop once every hour if you tend to get nauseous in the car. Taking a break from the blurring scenery and putting your feet on firm ground for 5 minutes can decrease nausea and help you feel normal again.[22]
  4. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 18
    4
    Warm up and cool down from your workouts. Spend 15 minutes performing gentler exercises before and after your main workout to help your stomach adjust to your movements. Abruptly stopping or starting intense exercise can bring on nausea and vomiting.
    • Walking or jumping rope are great ways to ease into or out of your workout.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Medications and Alternative Therapies

  1. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 16
    1
    Talk to your doctor about prescription anti-nausea medications. Discuss Odansetron, Promethazine, and other anti-nausea medications with your doctor to see if these can ease your sickness or vomiting. Whether your nausea is caused by chemo or morning sickness, many of these can take the edge off your queasiness and help you go about your day.[23]
    • Always tell your doctor what other medications and supplements you are taking so they can manage your medication regimen. Do not take multiple anti-nausea medications at the same time, as this can have serious side effects.
    • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing so they can weigh the benefits and risks of using prescription anti-nausea medications.
  2. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 17
    2
    Use Dramamine for occasional seasickness. Take 1 pill of over-the-counter anti-nausea medication, such as Dramamine, about half an hour before participating in any activities that make you feel motion-sick. Adults and children over 12 can take Dramamine every 4-6 hours as needed to reduce sickness after nausea has set in.[24]
    • Talk to your child’s pediatrician to determine if Dramamine is safe for your child under 12.
  3. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 23
    3
    Wear acupressure bands on your wrists. Stimulate the P6 acupressure point—thought to relieve nausea—by wearing acupressure cuffs, such as Sea Bands. These bands have no known side effects and are safe to wear throughout the day, if they help you.[25]
    • You can also stimulate this pressure point without a band by pressing about 2 finger-widths down from the crease on the inside of your wrist.
  4. Image titled Avoid Throwing Up Step 24
    4
    Take a probiotic. Probiotic supplements may help in the treatment of acute nausea and vomiting[26] . These work by helping to restore the microbial ecosystem in your GI tract. There are many types of probiotics available from most pharmacies and drug stores, and each may be formulated to help with specific issues. Take the supplement as indicated on the packaging, or as otherwise directed by your doctor.[27]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    How do I stop throwing up in bed?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you're in bed, lie on your side to prevent inhalation of your vomit. Keep a bucket nearby. After vomiting stops try to stay hydrated by taking small sips of liquid. Increase liquid intake slowly as tolerated. Try liquids in the form of ice or frozen juice chips. Contact your health care provider if your condition does not improve or you vomit more than 3 times an hour for 3 or more hours or vomit blood or become weak, dizzy, confused or have dark yellow urine.
  • Question
    What do I do if I throw up constantly, but in small amounts?
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If this has been going on for some time you need to see your primary care provider to evaluate all underlying causes of your symptoms.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Keep a Dog From Throwing Up
How to
Keep a Dog From Throwing Up
Clean Pet Vomit from Carpet
How to
Clean Pet Vomit from Carpet
Vomit While Driving
How to
Vomit While Driving
Throw up As Comfortably As PossibleHow to Throw up More Comfortably When You Are Sick
Cure Hangover Nausea
How to
Cure Hangover Nausea
Make an Oral Rehydration Salts Drink (ORS)
How to
Make an Oral Rehydration Salts Drink (ORS)
Get Rid of Nausea FastWhat Helps with Nausea? 15+ Expert Strategies
Stop VomitingHow to Stop Throwing Up: Home Remedies & Medications
Overcome Nausea at Night
How to
Overcome Nausea at Night
Induce Vomiting
How to
Induce Vomiting
Wear Sea Bands
How to
Wear Sea Bands
Fight Nausea
How to
Fight Nausea
Alleviate Nausea from Medicine
How to
Alleviate Nausea from Medicine
Stop Nausea With Acupressure
How to
Stop Nausea With Acupressure
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000122.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
  3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000122.htm
  4. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/treating-heartburn-over-counter-medicine
  5. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/ginger
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2205121
  7. ↑ https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/feb/does-ginger-ale-actually-help-with-a-stomachache/
  8. ↑ https://uhs.umich.edu/diarrheavomiting
  9. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html
  1. ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil
  2. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html
  3. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/digestion/faq-20058348
  5. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html
  6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-tests/about/pac-20392895
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/low-fiber-diet/art-20048511
  8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
  9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea--vomiting/care-and-treatment
  10. ↑ http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/morning-sickness-relief/
  11. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html
  12. ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/04/19/healthiest.sleep.position/index.html
  13. ↑ https://www.parents.com/health/stomach-ache/vomiting/
  14. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/nausea-and-vomiting/nausea-and-vomiting.html
  15. ↑ https://familydoctor.org/antiemetic-medicines-otc-relief-for-nausea-and-vomiting/
  16. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motion-sickness/
  17. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19083380/
  18. ↑ https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2016/08/15/probiotics-side-effects-adverse-reactions-list/
  19. ↑ https://www.prevention.com/health/15-stomach-soothing-nausea-remedies

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 2,344,605 times.
61 votes - 78%
Co-authors: 194
Updated: July 4, 2021
Views: 2,344,605
Categories: Nausea and Vomiting

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To avoid throwing up, try to sit down and relax if you feel nauseous, since moving around can make nausea worse. Additionally, sit up as straight as possible and take deep breaths, which can help with motion sickness. You should also try opening a window or going out to get fresh air. If you can, take an over the counter antacid, like Pepto-Bimsol, to help settle your stomach. Alternatively, drink a cup of hot water or caffeine-free herbal tea, or suck on a hard candy. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to make dietary changes to avoid feeling nauseous, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement