How to Stop Vomiting and Prevent Dehydration

Vomiting is never pleasant, but when it hits, it’s important to act quickly and gently. Whether it's from a stomach bug, motion sickness, or another trigger, knowing how to calm your stomach and protect yourself from dehydration can make all the difference.

From what to eat (and avoid) to natural remedies and when to call the doctor, here’s how to stop throwing up and give your body the support it needs to recover.

Start by Resting Your Stomach

When you’ve just thrown up, the best first step is often to do nothing. Give your stomach time to calm down by avoiding food or drinks for at least an hour. Once the nausea starts to ease, you can begin to rehydrate slowly.

Sip Fluids Carefully to Rehydrate

Vomiting causes fluid loss, and even mild dehydration can worsen nausea and delay recovery. Focus on taking small, frequent sips of clear, non-acidic, low-sugar fluids:

• Water – best for hydration

• Electrolyte drinks – such as Pedialyte or Gatorade

• Clear broths – chicken or vegetable-based

• Flat ginger ale – helps with nausea and adds fluids

• Diluted fruit juice – less acidic when watered down

• Coconut water – a natural source of electrolytes

• Ice chips or popsicles – good for very sensitive stomachs

Aim for a few teaspoons every 5–10 minutes. Using a straw may help you control the intake and reduce swallowed air, which can trigger more nausea.

According to the CDC, dehydration can begin quickly in vomiting episodes, especially in children and older adults, leading to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

Try Soothing Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can both hydrate and calm your stomach:

• Ginger tea – contains compounds that may reduce nausea

• Peppermint tea – relaxes stomach muscles and supports digestion

• Chamomile tea – eases tension and promotes calm

• Fennel or clove tea – helps relieve bloating and mild nausea

Brew them lightly and let cool to room temperature for gentler sipping.

Use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

If you're unable to hold down fluids, oral rehydration solutions may help. These contain specific ratios of sugar and salt that help your body absorb fluids more efficiently. You can buy them at most pharmacies or make your own:

• 4 cups water

• ½ tsp table salt

• 2 tbsp sugar

Stir well and sip slowly over the course of several hours.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Seek medical attention if you notice:

• Dry mouth or dry skin

• Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination

• Muscle cramps or dizziness

• Sunken eyes or rapid heartbeat

Even mild dehydration can significantly impair your recovery.

Reintroduce Food Slowly with Bland Choices

Once vomiting has stopped and fluids are tolerated, introduce food gradually. Stick to bland, easy-to-digest options like:

• Bananas

• Rice

• Applesauce

• Toast

• Plain crackers

• Boiled potatoes

• Plain pasta or oatmeal

• Grilled chicken (no seasoning)

This is often referred to as the BRAT diet. While effective short-term, it’s low in protein and other nutrients, so begin expanding your diet as soon as you feel stable.

Use Acupressure for Nausea Relief

Acupressure on the P-6 (Neiguan) point located three finger widths below your wrist crease between two tendons has been shown to ease nausea in some cases. Apply steady pressure for 2–3 minutes in circular motions. Repeat as needed.

Try Aromatherapy with Essential Oils

Some essential oils can help calm your stomach via scent:

• Peppermint or spearmint – calming, cooling

• Ginger or cardamom – used for motion and post-surgery nausea

• Lemon or lavender – effective for stress-related symptoms

Diffuse them in a room or inhale via a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Never ingest essential oils.

Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

Controlled breathing helps reduce nausea, especially when caused by anxiety or stress. Try this simple method:

1. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds

2. Hold your breath for 7 seconds

3. Exhale gently through your mouth for 8 seconds

4. Repeat for several minutes

This helps reset your body’s stress response and relax digestive muscles.

Avoid Common Triggers

To prevent nausea from worsening:

• Steer clear of fatty, spicy, or acidic foods

• Skip carbonated drinks and alcohol

• Don’t lie down after eating

• Avoid strong smells and eat in quiet, calm environments

• Drink fluids between meals not during

When to See a Doctor

Most episodes resolve within a day or two, but contact a healthcare provider if:

• Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours

• You can’t keep fluids down

• You see blood in vomit

• You have a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration

• Vomiting is accompanied by confusion, stiff neck, or a severe headache

Pregnant individuals with persistent vomiting and weight loss should be evaluated for hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition.

Medications Can Help

If home remedies aren’t enough, both prescription and over-the-counter options may offer relief:

• OTC meds – Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), meclizine, Pepto-Bismol (note: not for children under 12)

• Prescription – Ondansetron, promethazine, or metoclopramide

Always consult a provider before starting any medication, especially for children or during pregnancy.

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