Should I Keep Drinking Water If I'm Throwing Up? The Safe Way to Rehydrate

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, vomiting and diarrhea are the most common causes of dehydration in young children, highlighting the critical need for fluid management during illness. Knowing if and how you should I keep drinking water if I'm throwing up is crucial for safe recovery, as the answer involves careful timing and technique.

Quick Summary

The key to hydrating while vomiting is taking small, frequent sips of clear fluids and oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost electrolytes and prevent dangerous dehydration. Always rest the stomach first and avoid large gulps that can trigger more sickness.

Key Points

Sip Slowly: Avoid large gulps of water which can trigger more vomiting; instead, take small, frequent sips.
Rest Your Stomach: Give your stomach a 30-60 minute break after vomiting before trying to rehydrate.
Consider Oral Rehydration Solutions: For moderate dehydration or persistent vomiting, ORS is more effective than plain water as it replaces vital electrolytes.
Avoid Certain Fluids: Steer clear of high-sugar drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration and stomach irritation.
Recognize Dehydration Signs: Pay attention to symptoms like dark urine, dry mouth, and dizziness, and know when to seek medical help.
Use Ice Chips: If drinking liquid is difficult, sucking on ice chips or popsicles can be a gentle way to hydrate.

Why Hydration is Critical When Vomiting

Vomiting, often caused by a stomach virus, food poisoning, or other illnesses, leads to a rapid loss of fluids and essential minerals, known as electrolytes. This imbalance can quickly lead to dehydration, which impairs the body's ability to function properly. For young children and the elderly, dehydration is particularly dangerous and can lead to serious complications if not managed effectively. The reflex action of vomiting is the body's way of expelling harmful substances, but it requires a strategic response to replace lost fluids. The primary goal is to reintroduce fluids slowly and steadily to avoid shocking the stomach and triggering another episode of vomiting, which only worsens the problem.

The Right Way to Rehydrate

The correct way to approach hydration after vomiting is not to immediately chug a large glass of water. This is counterproductive and likely to lead to more vomiting. Instead, the process should be gradual and deliberate.

Step-by-Step Approach to Rehydration

Rest Your Stomach: Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after the last episode of vomiting before attempting to drink anything. This gives your stomach time to settle.
Start with Small Sips: Once your stomach is calm, begin with very small sips of water. Try taking 1 to 2 teaspoons (or sips) every few minutes.
Use Ice Chips or Popsicles: If water is not staying down, sucking on ice chips or popsicles can be an effective way to get fluids into your system slowly and steadily. This is often tolerated better than liquid.
Advance Fluid Intake: If the small sips are tolerated, you can gradually increase the amount and frequency. Continue to take small amounts every 15-20 minutes over the next few hours.

When to Choose Water vs. Electrolyte Solutions

While plain water is essential for rehydration, it does not replace the vital electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are lost through vomiting. For mild cases of dehydration, plain water is usually sufficient. However, for moderate to severe cases, especially if vomiting persists, an oral rehydration solution (ORS) is often recommended. Commercial ORS products like Pedialyte are specifically formulated to have the optimal balance of water, salt, and sugar for maximum absorption. In a pinch, a homemade ORS can be created.

Oral Rehydration Solution vs. Plain Water


Feature	Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Plain Water
Electrolyte Balance	Restores essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium)	Does not replace electrolytes
Sugar Content	Contains a precise amount of glucose for optimal absorption	Contains no sugar
Effectiveness	Highly effective for moderate dehydration and persistent vomiting	Effective for mild dehydration
Risk of Hyponatremia	Lower risk due to balanced electrolytes	Higher risk if too much consumed too quickly, potentially leading to low blood sodium
Absorption Rate	Absorbed more quickly and efficiently by the intestines	Absorbed more slowly and less efficiently when electrolytes are depleted

What to Avoid When You're Sick

Certain liquids and foods can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse. While tempting, it's best to avoid the following during the initial recovery period:

Sugary Drinks: High-sugar beverages like soda, juice, and some sports drinks can worsen diarrhea and upset your stomach.
Caffeinated Drinks: Caffeine can act as a diuretic, potentially increasing fluid loss.
Alcohol: Alcohol is also a diuretic and can further dehydrate you.
Dairy Products: For many people, dairy is difficult to digest when sick and can worsen symptoms.
Solid Foods: Wait several hours and reintroduce bland, easily digestible foods like crackers or toast only after fluids are tolerated.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of vomiting resolve on their own with proper at-home care, there are instances where medical intervention is necessary. You should seek professional medical help if:

You are unable to keep down any liquids for more than 24 hours.
You show signs of moderate to severe dehydration, such as dizziness, confusion, or dark urine.
Vomiting lasts for more than two days in adults, or 12 hours in infants.
You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
Vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high fever, or a stiff neck.

For more information on signs of dehydration, consult reliable medical sources like the Mayo Clinic's website.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body, Hydrate Smart

Yes, you should keep drinking water if you're throwing up, but the method is as important as the act itself. The key is to rehydrate slowly and steadily with small sips of clear fluids, ideally after resting your stomach for a period. For persistent vomiting or moderate dehydration, an oral rehydration solution is a better choice than plain water because it replenishes essential electrolytes. Avoid high-sugar drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. By listening to your body and rehydrating smartly, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications and aid your recovery. However, always be vigilant for signs of severe dehydration and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after the last episode of vomiting to allow your stomach to settle before you attempt to drink anything.

Take very small, frequent sips, a few teaspoons at a time. This approach is less likely to upset your stomach than taking large gulps.

For mild dehydration, water is fine, but for moderate dehydration or persistent vomiting, an ORS is better as it replaces lost electrolytes. Commercial solutions like Pedialyte are ideal, but you can also make a homemade version.

Avoid high-sugar drinks like soda and fruit juice, as well as alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can irritate your stomach and increase fluid loss.

You should see a doctor if you can't keep any liquids down for more than 24 hours, show signs of severe dehydration, vomit blood, have severe abdominal pain, or have a high fever.

Yes, drinking a large amount of fluid too quickly can overload your stomach, trigger contractions, and cause you to vomit again. A slow, steady approach is best.

Yes, some natural alternatives include clear broths, coconut water, or a specific homemade solution using water, salt, and a small amount of sugar. Consult a medical professional for guidance.

It is best to avoid solid food until you have been able to keep clear fluids down for several hours. When you do resume eating, start with bland, easily digestible foods like crackers or plain toast.