Water is the primary source of hydration, though other foods and drinks can aid hydration too. Healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other liquids when thirsty. For some,8 cups of water do the magic, while more cups of water are needed per day for others.
But, “why do I feel nauseous after drinking water?” you may ask. This could be a major concern for people who seriously want to drink water but feels like puking right after taking a sip.
According to Healthline, nausea is a symptom of dehydration, which brings discomfort to the stomach and comes with the feeling of wanting to vomit.
Nausea and Water on an Empty Stomach
Nausea is an unpleasant feeling of the need to puke. It occurs when the vomiting center of the brain is activated. You may say, “drinking water makes me nauseous during pregnancy.” That is just one cause of morning sickness. Some people experience nausea after drinking water in the morning, and there are many causes of that.
If you have this feeling, you are not alone. Sometimes, after drinking water on an empty stomach, the nauseous feeling may be a temporary problem. But, it may also be a sign of a severe health condition that needs immediate medical attention.
A burning sensation and nausea may occur when water is taken on an empty stomach. This could be because your body is low on energy, and you are hungry.
Nausea Due to Aggravated Digestive Disorders
People that are suffering from a digestive disorder may feel nauseous after drinking water on an empty stomach.
Drinking water on an empty stomach can affect the effectiveness of the acids in the stomach. Acids in the stomach help in breaking down food and liquids for easier digestion. Much water in the stomach will weaken those acids so they won’t be able to work effectively.
Again, heartburn and indigestion may worsen digestive disorder symptoms when water is taken on an empty stomach. If you suffer from stomach-related issues, the symptoms may worsen when you drink water and without eating.
Nausea Due to Your Body Processing the Water You Just Drank
Do you experience an upset stomach after drinking water? Sometimes, you may feel so hungry right after waking up in the morning that you down lots of water quickly. Chugging water will set the engine of your stomach in a quick motion and make you feel dizzy.
So, you may experience nauseous effects when your stomach begins to process the water you just drank. But, this will soon pass. Try sipping the water slowly for subsequent times, no matter how tempted you may be to gulp it.
Nausea Due To Diluted Stomach Acid
If you experience nausea after drinking water, this could be the reason. Acid reflux is a digestive disease that causes stomach acid to irritate food pipelining. People who have acid reflux may experience a bitter taste in their mouths.
The bitter taste comes along with other symptoms like coughing, burping, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, which may be worse on an empty stomach.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the stomach acid flows up to the esophagus, a pipe that connects the mouth to the throat. So, when you have this disease, and you drink water, there will be a regurgitation of a bitter taste in your mouth. This can cause a nauseous feeling and actual vomiting if the case is severe.
Nausea Due to a Lack of Energy
When you are dehydrated for long, you certainly feel thirsty, and that may make you drink water very fast. It is recommended that no matter how hungry or thirsty you are, go slowly when drinking water. You will rehydrate over time.
Per Mayo Clinic asserts that drinking too much water can cause loss of energy, dizziness, and fatigue. This can be the result of electrolyte imbalance within the body.
Also, try to get some hydration from food instead of getting it all from the water. Fruits are also an excellent rehydrating option as they are a source of natural water.
Why Do I Feel Nauseous After Drinking Water?
Usually, nausea is a symptom of dehydration. However, taking too much water can make your stomach feel very uncomfortable, and this can worsen nausea.
If natural or plain water makes you feel nauseous, take infused water. Infused water makes water tastier and can make you drink more water to stay hydrated. Also, to feel less nauseated when drinking plain water, sip it gently.
Additionally, consuming too much water can lead to hyponatremia, a health condition when your body holds a lot of water, leading to nausea, vomiting, cramps, fatigue, etc.
Ways to Getting Rid of Nausea
Most times, it may be difficult to ascertain why you may feel nauseous. Regardless of why you feel sick, making it go away can make you feel better.
Here are things you can do to make nausea go away after drinking water:
- Do not crunch your stomach- When you crunch after taking water, the gastric juice may rise and cause nausea. So, try moving around as little as possible.
- Get some air- Fresh air has a way of easing nausea symptoms. Try sitting under a fan once you feel like vomiting.
- Use a Cool Compress- Nausea increases body temperature. You can relieve nausea by holding a cold towel at the back of your neck for some minutes.
- Apply Pressure- The pressure point for nausea is on the inner wrist. So, to ease nausea, press this pressure point for some minutes.
- Take Deep breaths- Deep breathing is a method of easing nausea. Just breathe slowly through your nose and hold your breath for seconds before breathing. Continue until you feel less nauseous.
- Distract Yourself- When next you fell nauseous, read a book or watch television to take your mind off it.
- Go for Lemons- Lemon has citric acid that aids digestion and has a soothing effect on the stomach. Drink some warm lemon juice to stimulate bowel movement.
- Try taking Ginger- Ginger is antiemetic. This means it can prevent nausea and vomiting. To feel less nauseous, eat a small piece of ginger, or drink some ginger tea.
Why Does Water Make Me Nauseous After Gastric Sleeve?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Get Rid of Nausea Fast?
There are several ways to relieve nausea. Try drinking cold water and eating slowly and light. Also, avoid engaging in any activity after eating like brushing your teeth.
How Do You Sleep When You Feel Nauseous?
The feeling to vomit can occur at any time of the day. You can relieve nausea so you can sleep better by drinking a little sweet liquid, taking peppermint, or lying down with your head on a high pillow to keep acid from moving up to your throat.
Is There Any Other Liquid I Can Drink Apart From Water When I Feel Nauseous?
Drinking liquids is one good way to fight nausea. Try taking in liquids like cola, ginger tea, coconut water, and even lemon tea.
How Can I Stop Overhydration?
One of the best ways to treat overhydration is by treating the condition that caused it. Overhydration is an imbalance of fluid in the body that occurs when your body holds too much water that the kidney can remove. So, to effectively treat it, first reduce the amount of water intake.
What Does Drinking Too Much Water Do?
Drinking too much water can lead to overhydration, which is dangerous because it leads to water intoxication. This also reduces sodium concentration in the blood and causes the brain to swell.
Conclusion
After drinking water on an empty stomach, having a nauseous feeling has many causes. This is common with many people and can be avoided.
Most people ask themselves, “why do I feel nauseous after drinking water?”. Knowing why this happens is the first step to preventing it from reoccurring over and over again.
To avoid the sick feeling that comes with drinking a lot of water, sip water gradually rather than taking it in a quick gulp.
Sarah J. Gregory
352 Hershell Hollow Road
Anaheim, CA 92805
