Quick Answer
No, you should not make yourself vomit or induce vomiting if you feel sick. While it may seem like throwing up will help relieve nausea or get toxins out of your body, it can actually do more harm than good. Self-induced vomiting is dangerous and can lead to tearing of the esophagus, tooth decay, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications. It’s best to avoid purging and only vomit if your body naturally needs to. Seek medical help for severe nausea, vomiting, or poisoning.
When You Should Not Make Yourself Throw Up
There are very few instances when purposely vomiting is appropriate. Here are some of the main times when you should not make yourself throw up:
- When you’re experiencing mild to moderate nausea or an upset stomach
- After overeating or eating something that disagrees with you
- If you drank alcohol to excess
- After taking medications, supplements, or other drugs
- To try to control your weight or shape
- As part of an eating disorder or disordered eating behaviors
- If you ingested poisonous chemicals, strong acids, or other hazardous materials – seek emergency medical help instead
In most cases of mild illness, food disagreements, or overindulgence, your body can naturally process and get rid of any toxins without forced vomiting. Throwing up won’t necessarily make you feel better.
Dangers of Self-Induced Vomiting
While vomiting when sick is your body’s natural defense, making yourself vomit can be very dangerous. Here are some of the dangers and side effects of self-induced vomiting:
- Tearing or rupturing of the esophagus from repeated forceful vomiting. This can require emergency surgery.
- Tooth decay and erosion from frequent exposure to stomach acid.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from loss of fluids and minerals.
- Potential for asphyxiation if vomit is accidentally inhaled.
- Headaches, dizziness, weakness from dehydration and mineral loss.
- Swollen salivary glands from repeated vomiting.
- Irregular heartbeat from electrolyte disturbances.
- Calluses or scarring on knuckles from using fingers to trigger gag reflex.
- Erosion of tissues in the digestive tract.
These risks make self-induced vomiting an extremely dangerous habit.
Healthy Ways to Deal with Nausea
If you’re feeling nauseated, there are many healthier and safer ways to get relief other than self-induced vomiting:
- Take slow, deep breaths to help calm your stomach.
- Drink small sips of water to stay hydrated.
- Rest and sleep to allow your body time to recover.
- Apply a cool compress to the forehead or back of the neck.
- Distract yourself with relaxation techniques, music, reading, etc.
- Eat bland foods like toast, rice, applesauce, or crackers.
- Avoid trigger foods, strong smells, bright lights.
- Try natural ginger ale, peppermint tea, or lemon water.
- Take OTC anti-nausea medication as directed.
- Practice proper food hygiene and food safety habits to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Let your body purge itself naturally if needed. Visit a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse.
When Vomiting May Occur Naturally
While you should not force yourself to throw up without medical cause, in some cases vomiting occurs on its own to rid the body of toxins or during illnesses. Some examples include:
- Food poisoning or stomach flu – pathogenic bacteria or viruses irritate the digestive system, triggering vomiting.
- Morning sickness during pregnancy – hormonal changes may cause nausea and vomiting.
- Migraines – severe headaches can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach ulcers – excessive stomach acid damages the stomach lining, eliciting vomiting.
- Appendicitis – inflammation of the appendix, often accompanied by vomiting.
- Concussion – a head injury that affects the brain can lead to vomiting.
- Chemotherapy – cancer patients often experience “chemo sickness” with vomiting.
In these cases, it’s best not to resist the urge to vomit as the body is doing so for protective reasons. Seek medical care for any severe, persistent nausea or vomiting.
When to Get Medical Help
While occasional motion sickness or stomach bugs may pass without medical help, you should seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- Severe, persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
- Fever over 101 F with vomiting
- Signs of dehydration – dizziness, dry mouth, infrequent urination
- Vomit that appears bloody or contains blood
- Bad headache or abdominal pain with vomiting
- Recently hit your head and are now vomiting
- Eaten something poisonous or overdosed on medication or drugs
- Regular use of self-induced vomiting for weight control
Seek emergency medical help if vomiting is accompanied by:
- Chest pain, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Blood in the vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe abdominal pain or swelling
- Signs of shock like pale, cold, clammy skin; confusion
- Fever over 103 F
These symptoms can indicate a serious underlying problem requiring prompt medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services if you have any concerns.
Self-Induced Vomiting and Eating Disorders
Those with eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia may engage in self-induced vomiting as a misguided weight control mechanism. This is very unhealthy.
Key Facts
- Up to 4% of women struggle with bulimia in their lifetimes.
- Nearly 1% of the population may have bulimia nervosa.
- Bingeing and purging is seen in around 50-75% people with anorexia.
- 25% of those with bulimia eventually develop anorexia.
- Inducing vomiting is one of the most common purging behaviors.
- Laxatives are also commonly abused to purge.
Health Complications
Those with eating disorders like bulimia face increased risks of:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Esophageal tears
- Tooth decay
- Peptic ulcers
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
This highlights why it’s critical to avoid self-induced vomiting and address any disordered eating behaviors professionally. Prompt treatment saves lives.
Healthy Coping Strategies
There are many healthy ways to manage nausea, food issues, stress, and other triggers without resorting to self-harming behaviors like purging. Some positive coping strategies include:
- Counseling or therapy to address mental health and self-esteem
- Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, journaling
- Adequate sleep and physical activity
- Balanced, nutritious anti-nausea diet
- Joining support groups to reduce isolation
- Setting realistic expectations for yourself
- Avoiding triggers like scales, strict dieting, food obsessions
- Developing interests, hobbies outside of food
- Seeking professional help for suspected eating disorders
With support and smart strategies, disordered eating patterns can be overcome for good. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a quick fix when feeling sick or overfull, self-induced vomiting carries significant short and long-term health risks. For occasional nausea or overindulgence, safer remedies like hydration, rest, and OTC meds should be tried first. Vomiting should only happen naturally when your body needs to rid itself of toxins. Seek prompt medical care for any severe vomiting, especially with signs of dehydration, bleeding, or distress. Those purging as part of disordered eating require professional treatment. With care and smarter coping strategies, the urge to self-induce vomiting can be overcome. Trust your body and reach out for support when needed.