Can I eat rice during vomiting? A complete guide

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 63,000 food poisoning cases annually are linked to a specific type of bacteria found in improperly stored rice. When managing symptoms, many wonder, 'can I eat rice during vomiting?' The answer is yes, plain white rice can be a beneficial part of your recovery, provided it's prepared and handled correctly.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the role of plain white rice in recovery from vomiting and nausea. It covers the best time to reintroduce solids, how to prepare rice for easy digestion, and important food safety precautions. Learn what to avoid and discover a complete list of suitable bland foods to aid recovery.

Key Points

Start with Clear Liquids: Before attempting solid food, ensure you can tolerate clear fluids like water or broth for several hours to rehydrate safely.
Choose Plain White Rice: Plain white rice is recommended because it is bland, low in fiber, and easy to digest for a sensitive stomach.
Avoid High-Fiber Grains: Steer clear of high-fiber options like brown or wild rice, as they can be hard to digest and may worsen digestive upset.
Practice Rice Safety: To prevent food poisoning, cool cooked rice quickly and refrigerate it within one hour. Never leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
Eat Slowly and in Small Portions: Reintroduce food in small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
Expand Your Diet Gradually: Once you tolerate rice, slowly add other bland foods like crackers, toast, and lean proteins, moving away from overly restrictive diets.
Consult a Professional: If vomiting is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical advice.

Vomiting is the body's protective response to expel irritants, and it's essential to give your digestive system time to rest before reintroducing solid foods. Once you can tolerate clear liquids, bland foods like plain white rice are a staple of recovery diets because they are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach lining. The following sections will guide you through the process of safely reintroducing rice and other foods.

The Recovery Timeline: When to Eat Again

Reintroducing food too soon after vomiting can trigger another episode. A phased approach ensures your stomach is ready for solids.

Phase 1: Resting and Rehydrating

Immediately after vomiting, the primary focus should be rehydration. Stop eating and drinking for a few hours to let your stomach settle. Once the vomiting is under control, start sipping clear liquids in small amounts every 10-20 minutes. Good choices include water, clear broth, and electrolyte solutions. This helps replenish lost fluids and minerals without irritating your sensitive stomach.

Phase 2: Introducing Bland Solids

After successfully tolerating clear fluids for several hours, you can cautiously introduce bland, low-fiber foods. This is where plain white rice becomes a valuable part of your diet. Its low-fat, low-fiber content makes it gentle on the digestive tract. Other options in this phase include toast, crackers, and applesauce. The key is to start with small portions and eat slowly.

Phase 3: Expanding Your Diet

As you continue to feel better, you can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods. This includes soft-cooked vegetables, lean proteins like plain chicken or fish, and other easy-to-digest items. Slowly work your way back to a normal, well-balanced diet. A balanced diet is crucial for a complete recovery, as the restrictive BRAT diet is not recommended for long-term use.

The Best Rice for an Upset Stomach

Not all rice is created equal when it comes to soothing a sensitive stomach. Choosing the right type is important for smooth digestion.

Plain White Rice: This is the best option for an upset stomach. As a refined carbohydrate, it is low in fiber, which can help firm up stools if you also have diarrhea. It's bland, has a neutral flavor, and is easy to digest.
Brown Rice (Avoid): While nutritious for general health, brown rice is high in fiber. This can be difficult for a sensitive digestive system to process and may worsen symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.
Wild Rice (Avoid): Similar to brown rice, wild rice has a tougher texture and higher fiber content, making it a poor choice during recovery.

Crucial Food Safety for Rice

Improperly stored rice is a common source of food poisoning, which can cause severe vomiting. A bacterium called Bacillus cereus can form heat-resistant spores on uncooked rice. If cooked rice is left at room temperature for too long, these spores can multiply and produce toxins.

Comparison: Safe vs. Unsafe Rice Storage


Feature	Safely Stored Cooked Rice	Unsafely Stored Cooked Rice
Cooling Time	Cooled quickly, ideally within one hour.	Left at room temperature for over two hours.
Storage Temperature	Stored in the refrigerator.	Left on the counter or in a warm environment.
Reheating Method	Reheated thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.	Reheated inadequately, leaving some parts lukewarm.
Associated Risk	Minimal risk of bacterial growth and food poisoning.	High risk of bacterial growth and toxin production.

Conclusion

When recovering from vomiting, plain white rice can be a helpful and safe food to reintroduce once you have stopped throwing up and can tolerate clear liquids. It is a bland, low-fiber carbohydrate that is easy for a sensitive stomach to digest. However, strict adherence to food safety, especially with cooked rice, is paramount to avoid further illness from food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus. Always remember to cool cooked rice quickly and store it properly in the refrigerator. Listen to your body and reintroduce other foods gradually as your symptoms improve. If vomiting persists or is severe, consult a healthcare professional.

For additional support and medical advice, consider consulting the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on gastroenteritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait a few hours after your last episode of vomiting to ensure your stomach has settled. Start by sipping clear liquids. Once you can tolerate liquids without issue, you can try introducing a small amount of bland food like plain white rice.

Plain white rice is low in fiber, making it easier for a sensitive digestive system to process. Brown rice is higher in fiber, which can be irritating to an upset stomach and may worsen symptoms like diarrhea.

Yes, improperly stored cooked rice can cause food poisoning due to the growth of Bacillus cereus bacteria. The key is to cool cooked rice quickly and refrigerate it promptly to prevent bacterial multiplication.

'Fried rice syndrome' is a colloquial term for food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus bacteria, which often contaminates cooked rice that has been left out at room temperature for too long.

Yes, rice is one of the foods in the traditional BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). While the diet is no longer recommended for prolonged use due to its lack of nutrients, its component foods are still considered good options for short-term recovery.

Other bland, easy-to-digest foods include toast, crackers, applesauce, bananas, plain chicken, and clear broth.

Prepare plain white rice without any spices, butter, or oil. Boiled or steamed rice is best. Serve it in small portions and avoid adding anything that might irritate the stomach.