Why you shouldn’t hold back vomiting episodes. The doctor explained

certified clinical geneticist, nutritionist, expert of the UniProf Academy of Physicians

Why is it better not to hold back vomiting?

Both nausea and vomiting are the body’s defense mechanism to prevent damage to the stomach. The reasons for its occurrence can be very diverse: from stomach upset to diseases.

What can cause nausea

The most common causes of nausea and vomiting are:

• Infection of the digestive tract and as a consequence – disruption of its work.
• Toxins (alcohol, drugs, medications, etc.).

But there are others.

Intestinal obstruction – causes vomiting, because food and liquid return to the stomach.

The vomiting center can be activated by certain diseases of the brain or central nervous system, including infections (such as meningitis and encephalitis), migraine headaches, and disorders that cause increased intracranial pressure.

The balance organs of the inner ear (vestibular apparatus) are also connected to the vomiting center. This connection is the cause of nausea when driving a boat, car, or airplane, and in some inner ear disorders (such as labyrinthitis and positional vertigo).

Nausea and vomiting can occur with metabolic changes in the body, such as early pregnancy, severe uncontrolled diabetes, or severe liver or kidney failure.

An even rarer condition is chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome. That is, they are not caused by a specific physical or psychological disorder, but may be the result of a problem in the communication system between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. In sufferers of this syndrome, unpleasant symptoms occur at least once a week for at least six months and have no clear identifiable cause after analyzing.

Nausea and vomiting associated with certain psychological problems also occur. This type can be intentional, provoked by the person themselves. For example, people with bulimia induce vomiting to lose weight. Or it can be unintentional, involuntary; for example, children who are afraid to go to school vomit in response to psychological stress.

Vomiting is a natural reflex that often occurs as a form of defense against intoxication, swelling, severe imbalance of neurotransmitters and the production of excessive breakdown products.

But every body works differently, and sometimes it takes longer for vomiting to occur. For example, if we eat heavy foods at 10 PM, it may take the body 3-4 hours to try to digest and excrete them. But if we’re groggy – or if the body interprets a substance as a threat (like bacteria or hallucinogens), it won’t take long for the sensation that indicates vomiting is imminent.

Why vomiting makes you feel better after vomiting

Why does vomiting sometimes almost magically make us feel better? And is it worth holding it back?

There are processes in the body that can create the illusion of well-being that we sometimes experience after a bout of vomiting. But this depends directly on the cause of the vomiting. At this moment, endorphins are produced – substances that occur during excitement, falling in love, eating certain foods.

It is because of endorphins in certain situations that we feel relief after an attack. In addition to the release of endorphins, there is also hyperventilation of the body. This affects blood pressure and heart rate, causing a feeling akin to euphoria. This happens after sports, when breathing and blood pressure stabilize and the blood is oxygenated.

Is it worth holding back vomiting

By calling to vomit, the body reports that something overloads it, be it toxins, alcohol, excess fluid or others. And if it happens regularly, it is worth thinking about going to the doctor – perhaps there are some serious disorders in the body.

In addition to the release of endorphins, vomiting helps:

• oxygenate the body;
• cleanse the body of toxins or excess metabolic waste;
• equalize blood pressure.

It is important to remember that any vomiting causes loss of water and minerals (electrolytes). A severe attack can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, upset the balance of sodium and potassium in neurons. And in some cases even lead to a pseudoepileptic seizure.