How to Prevent Yourself from Throwing Up

You start feeling overheated, your stomach turns, and a weird taste fills your mouth. The inevitable is coming—you’re about to throw up. But is there any way to stop it or at least make it more bearable? Whether it's morning sickness, food poisoning, or a stomach bug, here's what you can do when you're on the verge of a vomit episode.

Head to the bathroom, if possible

Typically, solving any issue starts with identifying the cause and doing a self-check. Not in this case! Your top priority should be to make your way to the bathroom, regardless of whether you succeed in preventing the vomit. Let go of your usual germaphobe tendencies for a moment and settle onto the cold tile floor. This is where you’ll be for a while, regardless of how things unfold.

Try to prevent vomiting

Here's some good news: In certain situations, you might be able to stop yourself from throwing up. Just keep in mind that vomiting is often your body’s way of clearing out something harmful, so while it might be uncomfortable, it can actually be beneficial.

Start by taking deep breaths. Scientific studies have shown that this can help prevent nausea. Known as “controlled diaphragmatic breathing,” it’s commonly used to counter motion sickness. Here's how: Breathe in deeply through your nose, letting the air fill your belly. Tighten your abs, then slowly exhale through pursed lips. Repeat this several times.

You could also try wrist acupressure, as suggested by Healthline: Look for the Neiguan (P-6) pressure point, located on the inner forearm near your wrist. Place three fingers across your wrist with your thumb under your index finger, and gently rub the spot in a circular motion for about two to three minutes before switching wrists. It may not always work, but if deep breathing doesn’t help, it’s worth giving it a try.

As mentioned by Insider, once the worst has passed, getting some fresh air, eating ginger, or snacking on plain crackers can help calm your stomach, if these options are available to you.

What to do once the worst is over

You may not have been able to stop the first wave with deep breathing or acupressure, but now your goal is to prevent it from happening again. Begin by sipping fluids to replace what you've lost, but don’t rush. Drinking too quickly could trigger another round of vomiting. Try small sips every five to ten minutes. Water, electrolyte drinks, ginger ale, mint tea, or lemonade are good choices to help soothe your stomach.

Wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after vomiting before consuming anything. In fact, according to VeryWell Health, it’s recommended that you can hold down fluids for eight to 12 hours before attempting solid foods. Of course, you might be tempted to nibble on a few bland crackers, but keep in mind that pushing too much liquid or a large meal too soon will only make things worse. Your body will decide when it’s ready to eat again.