In many cases, nausea and vomiting are symptoms of less serious conditions and often will resolve over time, but you can still become dehydrated if you do not manage your diet carefully. For an hour or so after you finish vomiting, do not eat or drink anything to give your stomach a chance to rest, advises Central Connecticut State University. If the vomiting does not start again, you can start adding foods gradually.
Clear, Cold Liquids
During the first 24 hours, drink only clear, cold liquids. Start with sips to lessen the risk of additional vomiting and work your way up to 2 to 3 liters of fluid each day, advises the University of Wisconsin. Do not drink large amounts at once and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Examples of clear liquids include sports drinks, clear sodas, clear broth, fruit punch and apple juice. You can also eat ice pops and gelatin. If you throw up again while drinking clear liquids, start the process again with a period of rest and then sips of clear liquids. If you are unable to keep any liquids or food down for 24 hours, contact your health care provider for guidance.
Bland Foods
If you have not thrown up for 24 hours while on clear liquids, you can start eating some solid foods while continuing fluids. One diet of bland foods is the BRAT diet which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Other bland foods include saltine crackers or cooked cereal without milk. You can also add cultured dairy products, like yogurt or cottage cheese -- other dairy products may upset your stomach again.
Regular Diet
Once you tolerate a bland diet for at least 24 hours, work toward a regular diet. Continue to drink fluids and add foods like soft, cooked eggs, white meat chicken or turkey and sherbet. Be careful with your diet because it takes several days for your intestine to fully recover.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods tend to cause stomach irritation and can lead to nausea and vomiting if you are already feeling ill. Uncultured dairy products, like milk, cheese and ice cream, can be problematic, notes the University of Wisconsin. Fried or spicy foods can also cause issues and the smell of greasy foods cooking can also cause nausea for some people. Start incorporating these types of foods in your diet a day or two after you start a regular diet, but only if you feel well enough to do so.
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