Why You Might Throw Up After Fasting Periods

Why You May Throw Up After Fasting

Fasting, or going an extended time without food, can provide certain health benefits when done safely and in moderation. However, fasting can also lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting afterwards when you break your fast and resume eating.

Causes of Vomiting After Fasting

There are a few reasons why someone may throw up after fasting including:

• Eating too much or too quickly when breaking the fast
• Consuming something the stomach wasn't ready for
• Underlying condition like gastroparesis or acid reflux
• Severe hunger and depleted blood sugar
• Dehydration

Overeating

When fasting for an extended period, the stomach shrinks and digestive enzymes are reduced. Eating large portions or rich, fatty foods on an empty stomach can overwhelm the digestive system.

This sudden influx of excess food paired with a sluggish digestive system can trigger nausea, discomfort, and vomiting.

Consuming Triggers

Certain foods and beverages may irritate the stomach when breaking a fast, including:

• Coffee, alcohol
• Very sugary or fatty meals
• Spicy foods
• Dairy products

It's best to break a fast gradually with gentle foods like broth, plain oatmeal, boiled eggs or banana to help wake up digestion.

Gastroparesis

This condition causes delayed emptying of the stomach due to weakened digestive muscles. Fasting can aggravate gastroparesis symptoms like nausea, bloating and vomiting.

Diabetes is a common cause, although gastroparesis may also result from:

• Nervous system disorders
• Abdominal surgery
• Medications that slow motility
• Autoimmune conditions

Those with diagnosed gastroparesis need to resume meals very gradually after fasting to prevent vomiting.

Acid Reflux

Fasting can increase stomach acid production in anticipation of eating. Consuming food suddenly may cause acidic stomach contents to reverse back up into the esophagus.

Heartburn, sore throat, nausea and vomiting could result. Those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are most susceptible.

Low Blood Sugar

Going too long without nutrients can severely drop blood sugar levels. The longer someone fasts, the more starved the body becomes.

Consuming food after prolonged deprivation may trigger insulin surges, rapid glucose fluctuations and sickness in response.

Dehydration

Fluid intake typically decreases while fasting. Becoming significantly dehydrated concentrates digestive juices and slows motility. Attempting eating when very dehydrated may induce vomiting.

Avoiding Vomiting When Breaking a Fast

Strategies to help prevent getting sick after fasting periods include:

Refeed Slowly

Gradually break fasts with small portions of gentle foods and fluids, allowing time for the digestive tract to wake back up. Ideas:

• Sip water, herbal tea, broth, diluted juice
• Slowly introduce bland carbs like rice, toast, apple
• Eat small, balanced meals with lean protein
• Wait 2+ hours before introducing dairy, fat, spices

Avoid Overeating

It’s tempting to overindulge when ending a fast, but limit portions. Stop eating at the first feelings of fullness, which may not take much initially.

Stay Hydrated

Drink increased non-caffeinated, non-carbonated fluids when stopping a fast. Proper hydration supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

Manage Health Conditions

Those with gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or gastroparesis should be extra cautious with fasting and resume food slowly under medical guidance.

Supplement Carefully

While electrolytes, vitamins and minerals may help some fasters feel better on refeed, improperly dosed supplementation could backfire with nausea or vomiting if the digestive tract isn’t ready.

What to Do if You Throw Up After Fasting

To help recover if you vomit after ending a fast period:

Rest and Rehydrate

Sip small amounts of water or electrolyte drinks every 5-10 minutes to restore fluids without overburdening the stomach.

Try Gentler Foods/Fluids

Let your body reset for a few hours with clear broth, herbal tea, applesauce, rice porridge or diluted juice.

Ease Back In

Attempt eating mild, low-fiber foods in very small quantities. Stop at the first feelings of nausea or fullness.

Consider Supplements

Ginger, mint, lemon or anti-nausea agents may relieve upset stomach when restarting meals after fasting periods.

Seek Medical Help

If vomiting persists more than two days after fasting, seek medical support to check for dehydration or an underlying disorder.

Who Shouldn’t Fast

While most healthy adults may safely fast in the short term, the following groups are better off avoiding extended fasting:

• People with diabetes or blood sugar disorders
• Those with active gastric ulcers or acid reflux
• People taking medications that must be taken with food
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Anyone underage or with nutritional deficits
• Those recovering from surgery or illness
• People with active eating disorders or disordered eating

Such individuals may require consistent nutrition and should clear any fasting with their healthcare provider first.

Setting Yourself Up for Fasting Success

If considering fasting, prepare properly to minimize side effects like vomiting afterwards:

Consult Your Doctor

Discuss fasting plans with your physician, especially if having any medical conditions or taking medications.

Select Type of Fast

Choose intermittent fasting or a partial fast allowing some food over extended zero-calorie fasts to decrease vomiting risk.

Stock Up On Supplies

Have gentle breaking-the-fast foods/fluids on hand like broth, rice, applesauce and hydration support.

Listen To Your Body

Stay alert to signals like lightheadedness, weakness or nausea indicating it's time to end your fast.

Break Fasts Slowly & Gradually

Resume food/drinks in small amounts every 1-2 hours, discontinuing immediately if feeling sick.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While vomiting after fasting may subside on its own, prompt medical help is warranted if you experience:

• Frequent vomiting lasting over 48 hours
• Inability to keep down any foods or liquids
• Signs of severe dehydration like dizziness on standing or minimal urination
• New fever, stomach pain or blood in vomit

Such symptoms could reflect fluid/electrolyte imbalances, infections or other complications requiring treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.