Is Sugar and Water Good for Vomiting? The Truth About Rehydration

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

While the loss of fluid and electrolytes during vomiting can lead to dehydration, the common folk remedy of using simple sugar water is not the most effective approach. Instead, a carefully balanced oral rehydration solution (ORS) is often recommended by medical experts to ensure proper fluid absorption.

Quick Summary

A simple mix of sugar and water is not the ideal solution for rehydrating after vomiting. An effective oral rehydration solution requires a precise balance of sugar and electrolytes to maximize fluid absorption and prevent worsened dehydration.

Key Points

Electrolyte Balance is Crucial: Effective rehydration after vomiting requires a balance of electrolytes (salt) and glucose (sugar), not just sugar water.
Excess Sugar Worsens Dehydration: Drinks with a high sugar content can pull water into the intestines, potentially worsening dehydration and diarrhea.
Homemade ORS is a Safe Option: A carefully measured mixture of water, sugar, and salt can be an effective homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
Sip Fluids Slowly: To prevent triggering further vomiting, sip fluids very slowly in small, frequent amounts, especially after a bout of nausea.
Know When to Seek Help: If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or signs of severe dehydration appear, it is essential to seek medical attention.
Avoid Highly Sugary Drinks: Skip sodas, concentrated juices, and other high-sugar beverages when recovering from vomiting.

Understanding the Risk of Dehydration

Vomiting causes a rapid loss of fluids and essential electrolytes from the body. These electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are critical for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance. Relying on plain water alone can sometimes dilute the remaining electrolytes, while a solution with the correct balance is needed to help the body effectively absorb and retain fluid. Overly sugary drinks, such as soda or undiluted juices, can exacerbate diarrhea and fluid loss, making dehydration worse. The key to safe and effective rehydration is a solution with the right ratio of sugar, salt, and water, not just a simple sugar-water mix.

The Proper Alternative: Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

For effective rehydration, especially in cases of moderate dehydration, an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the recommended standard. This solution contains specific amounts of glucose (sugar) and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) that work together to maximize fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The glucose helps the body's sodium-glucose cotransporters pull water into the system more effectively. Commercial ORS products, like Pedialyte, are readily available, but a homemade version can be made following a precise recipe.

How to Make a Homemade ORS

To prepare a homemade oral rehydration solution, you must be very precise with the measurements to ensure it is effective and safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following mixture:

1 liter of clean water (boiling and cooling it first is recommended)
6 level teaspoons of sugar
1/2 level teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

Mix the sugar and salt thoroughly into the clean water until fully dissolved.
Sip the solution slowly and in small amounts (1-2 sips every 5-10 minutes) to avoid triggering more nausea.
Start with small sips and gradually increase intake over a few hours if the solution is tolerated.

The Role of Salt and Sugar

In an ORS, the sugar provides energy and helps the body's cells absorb the sodium. The sodium is a vital electrolyte that is lost during vomiting and is necessary to re-establish the body's fluid balance. Without the correct ratio of both, the solution is much less effective. Plain sugar water lacks the crucial electrolytes, and a mixture with too much sugar can have a negative osmotic effect, drawing water from the body into the intestine and worsening dehydration.

Comparison of Rehydration Solutions


Solution Type	Is it Recommended?	Pros	Cons
Plain Sugar Water	No	Easy to make with common ingredients	Lacks essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium); can worsen dehydration if too concentrated
Homemade ORS	Yes, with caution	Inexpensive, effective for mild to moderate dehydration; provides necessary electrolytes and sugar	Must be mixed precisely; inaccurate measurements can be ineffective or harmful
Commercial ORS	Yes	Pre-measured, balanced, and convenient; most effective for rehydration	Can be more expensive than homemade alternatives
Sports Drinks	Sometimes, with caution	Provide some sugar and electrolytes; may be more palatable for some people	Often too high in sugar, which can worsen dehydration; should be diluted with water (50/50 mix)
Plain Water	Yes, with caution	Hydrates the body	Lacks electrolytes needed to fully replenish body's stores; should be taken in small sips

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild, occasional vomiting can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical care. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Inability to keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours
Signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, dark urine, or extreme thirst
Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
Severe abdominal pain
High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
Confusion or lethargy

Conclusion

While the thought of using a simple sugar and water mixture for vomiting is a common home remedy, it is not the most effective or safest option for rehydration. A proper oral rehydration solution, whether commercial or homemade, provides the essential balance of electrolytes and glucose needed to maximize fluid absorption and restore the body's balance. Always prioritize drinking slowly and in small sips to avoid further nausea. Understanding the difference between a simple sugar-water mix and a properly balanced ORS is key to recovering safely and effectively from an episode of vomiting. For a deeper dive into recovery and hydration, review this detailed guide on Verywell Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple sugar water lacks the vital electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that are lost during vomiting. Without these electrolytes, the body cannot effectively absorb and retain fluids, making plain sugar water a poor choice for rehydration.

A proper oral rehydration solution (ORS) requires a specific balance of sugar and electrolytes. The sugar (glucose) is needed to facilitate the absorption of water and sodium (salt) into the body, which helps restore proper fluid levels.

While sports drinks contain some electrolytes, they often have a very high sugar content. This high concentration of sugar can actually worsen dehydration by drawing water into the gastrointestinal tract. They should be diluted with water (e.g., 50/50 mix) to be a safer option.

After vomiting, it is best to let your stomach settle for a short period. When you begin drinking, take very small, frequent sips (1-2 sips every 5-10 minutes) of clear, cool fluids. Avoid drinking large amounts at once, as this can easily trigger more vomiting.

For infants and young children, it is often best to use a pre-formulated commercial ORS, as the precise balance of ingredients is critical and easier to achieve. If a homemade solution is necessary, ensure absolute precision with the measurements and consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns.

After throwing up, give your stomach a rest and wait a little while before trying to drink anything. Then, begin with small sips of clear liquids like water, clear broth, or a proper ORS. Avoid solid foods and strong odors that might trigger a gag reflex.

You should see a doctor if vomiting lasts for more than 24-48 hours, is accompanied by a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or shows signs of significant dehydration like dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness. Other warning signs include vomiting blood or having a stiff neck.