Should You Drink Water If You Can't Keep It Down? What Experts Say

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

During illness, the body can lose fluids rapidly through vomiting and fever, increasing the risk of dehydration. So, should you drink water if you can't keep it down? The short answer is that forcing large quantities can be counterproductive and even cause more vomiting.

Quick Summary

Hydrating when vomiting requires a strategic approach of taking small, slow sips of clear fluids instead of chugging large amounts. This article outlines the best methods and alternatives to avoid further stomach irritation and prevent dehydration.

Key Points

Sip Slowly: The most effective way to stay hydrated is by taking small, frequent sips of fluid, rather than drinking large quantities at once.
Rest Your Stomach: After vomiting, wait for 30-60 minutes before reintroducing any liquids to give your digestive system time to settle.
Electrolytes are Key: Plain water alone is insufficient during significant fluid loss; oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte-rich drinks are more effective for restoring balance.
Use Cold and Bland Alternatives: If water triggers nausea, try ice chips, popsicles, or clear broths, which are often easier to tolerate and less likely to cause irritation.
Recognize Danger Signs: Persistent vomiting or signs of severe dehydration like confusion, rapid pulse, or lack of urination require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of sugary, caffeinated, fatty, or spicy beverages and foods, as they can further irritate the stomach and hinder recovery.

The Risks of Forcing Fluids

When experiencing severe nausea or repeated vomiting, the immediate instinct might be to drink as much water as possible to rehydrate. However, medical experts advise against this approach. The reasons are rooted in how the body reacts during illness:

Overwhelming the stomach: A large volume of liquid can distend or stretch the stomach, which can directly trigger the body's gag reflex and induce more vomiting.
Irritation: The digestive tract is likely already inflamed or irritated due to the underlying cause of the vomiting, such as a stomach virus or food poisoning. Rapidly introducing a large quantity of water can exacerbate this irritation.
Electrolyte imbalance: While plain water is essential, it doesn't contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for fluid balance and are lost during vomiting and diarrhea. Drinking only large amounts of plain water can dilute the remaining electrolytes in the body, which can be dangerous.

A Better Approach: Slow Sips and Smart Alternatives

The key to successful rehydration when you can't keep water down is to take in small, frequent amounts of liquids that are easy on the stomach. The goal is to prevent the stomach from getting overwhelmed.

Wait It Out, Then Start Slowly

After an episode of vomiting, it's wise to rest your stomach completely for 30 minutes to an hour. Once the nausea has subsided slightly, you can begin to reintroduce fluids. Starting with a tablespoon of liquid every 15 minutes is a good rule of thumb and can be gradually increased if tolerated.

Alternatives to Plain Water

If plain water isn't staying down, or if you need to replenish lost electrolytes, several other options are gentler on the stomach and more effective for rehydration:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These pre-mixed solutions, like Pedialyte, or powdered sachets contain the optimal balance of water, glucose, and electrolytes to maximize absorption. This is often the best choice for moderate dehydration.
Ice Chips or Popsicles: Sucking on ice chips or freezing an electrolyte solution into popsicles can provide hydration in a very slow and gentle manner, which is often easier for an upset stomach to handle.
Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broth is a good source of sodium and can be soothing when warm.
Ginger Ale (Flat): Some people find the mild flavor of flat ginger ale, or ginger tea, helps with nausea. The carbonation in fresh soda can be irritating, so letting it go flat first is recommended.

Comparison of Rehydration Options

When you're ill and need to hydrate, choosing the right liquid is crucial for recovery. Here is a comparison of common options:


Option	Best For	Key Benefit	Potential Drawback
Plain Water	Mild dehydration, maintaining hydration.	Readily available, easy to sip.	Lacks electrolytes, large amounts can trigger vomiting.
Oral Rehydration Solution	Moderate to severe dehydration, prolonged vomiting/diarrhea.	Optimal balance of electrolytes and sugars for absorption.	Can be expensive, some find the taste unappealing.
Clear Broth	Mild rehydration, soothing the stomach, replacing sodium.	Gentle on the digestive system, provides warmth and sodium.	Can be high in sodium, lacks other key electrolytes.
Sports Drink (Diluted)	Replenishing electrolytes after significant fluid loss.	Contains electrolytes, sweet taste may encourage drinking.	High sugar content can worsen diarrhea or dehydrate further if not diluted.
Ice Chips	Constant nausea, difficulty with swallowing liquids.	Delivers hydration very slowly, can be soothing.	Doesn't replace electrolytes efficiently, temporary solution.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild vomiting and nausea usually resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms warrant a doctor's visit. Ignoring serious dehydration can lead to complications such as kidney stones, seizures, or low blood volume shock. Seek professional medical advice if you experience any of the following:

Vomiting for more than 24-48 hours.
Being unable to keep any fluids down for over 12 hours.
Signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, dizziness when standing, little to no urination, or a rapid heart rate.
Vomit that contains blood or resembles coffee grounds.
Accompanying symptoms like severe headache, stiff neck, or intense abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Forcing large amounts of water when you can't keep it down is ineffective and may worsen nausea. The proper strategy is to rest your stomach and then reintroduce fluids slowly using small, frequent sips. Consider using oral rehydration solutions, broths, or ice chips to replenish lost electrolytes and soothe your stomach. If vomiting is prolonged or severe, or if you show signs of significant dehydration, consult a healthcare professional immediately to prevent serious complications. Learning to listen to your body and choosing the right fluids can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

For more detailed information on dehydration and its symptoms, visit the Mayo Clinic's Dehydration page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way is to take small, slow sips of clear liquids like water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), or clear broth. Avoid forcing large amounts of fluid, as this can trigger more vomiting.

Drinking too much water too quickly can overwhelm and distend an already irritated stomach, which can trigger more nausea and vomiting. It is a sign from your body that it needs a gentler approach.

Try sucking on ice chips or frozen electrolyte popsicles, which provide hydration very slowly. Clear broths or diluted, flat ginger ale can also be gentler on the stomach than plain water.

You should seek medical attention if you can't keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours, if vomiting persists for more than 48 hours, or if you show signs of severe dehydration like confusion, low urination, or dizziness.

Sports drinks can help replace electrolytes, but their high sugar content can sometimes worsen diarrhea. It is often recommended to dilute them with water or opt for a proper ORS, which has a more balanced formula.

Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dark yellow urine, infrequent urination, dizziness or lightheadedness, and dry mouth and lips. Severe symptoms include confusion or rapid heartbeat.

An Oral Rehydration Solution is a drink designed to treat dehydration by providing a precise balance of water, sugar, and salts (electrolytes) that the body absorbs more effectively than plain water.