Why Does Water Make Me Nauseous?
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated August 18, 2024
Your typical response is probably to reach for a glass of water when you’re thirsty. Water is a great way to relieve thirst because it does not contain any
calories or chemicals that cause the body to lose water. Do you, however, ever notice that, after a few gulps, sometimes, your stomach feels a little
queasy, as if you are going to throw up?
Let’s talk about a few potential causes of this as well as preventative measures. In this manner, you can drink water without being concerned that it will
make you sick.
What Is Nausea?
The feeling of being sick to your stomach is called nausea. You feel like you might throw up because of that painful feeling in the back of your throat or
in your stomach. Additionally, you might feel weak, perspiring, and have a build-up of saliva in the mouth.
Your body is alerting you that something is “off” in your digestive system when you feel queasy. Usually, food poisoning, motion sickness, morning sickness
during pregnancy, stomach viruses, etc. cause it. However, drinking water could also be a hidden culprit.
Water Pollution and Sickness
There are a number of
contaminants that can be found in drinking water, and they can produce nausea. These other substances, in addition to the contaminants previously mentioned, may also cause nausea.
Chemicals Pollutants
Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and industrial chemicals can end up in drinking water sources. If ingested in excessive amounts, they can
cause nausea and other health problems.
It is a wise choice to invest in a
reverse osmosis system to ensure the
water that you drink is clean and safe. Waterdrop X Series Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter is the best choice for families to get easy access to
filtered water at home.
Chlorine and Byproducts of Chlorination
Trihalomethanes, also known as THMs, and
halo acetic acids (HAAs) are examples of chlorination byproducts
that can be produced by chlorine, which is frequently used as a disinfectant in water treatment. Water containing high concentrations of these byproducts
may cause nausea and other gastrointestinal problems.
Parasites and Microorganisms
Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are examples of untreated or inadequately treated water sources that may contain parasites and microorganisms that are
carried by the water, such as Giardia and
Cryptosporidium. These toxins have the potential to induce
gastrointestinal disorders, which manifest as cramping in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additional Principal Causes of Nausea Associated with Water Intake
Acid Reflux
It is possible to experience nausea if you have acid reflux. The esophageal sphincter, which keeps your throat and esophagus apart, becomes loose and causes
acid reflux. You might experience nausea if this occurs because stomach acid may end up refluxing into your throat.
There are a few strategies to deal with this problem, but you might want to avoid lying down right away after consuming water because this will facilitate
acid reflux into your throat. You should discuss your treatment options with a doctor if you have acid reflux.
Related:
Does Drinking Water Help Heartburn?
The Tummy Is Empty
This one is not as simple. After all, there really ought to be no explanation for why feeling sick on an empty stomach occurs. The body should desire more
food if anything. But hunger can also cause an accumulation of stomach acid, which can lead to acid reflux. While adding liquid to the mixture could dilute
the acid, it also will not have anything to absorb and break down.
You have just increased the amount of liquid in your already highly acidic stomach, and you’re probably feeling sick to your stomach from the empty stomach
trying to digest something that isn’t there. Eating some food is an effortless way to solve this problem. Water should flow smoothly after you’ve done that.
Electrolyte Disproportion
I am sure you have seen this term prominently displayed on sports drinks wherever you go, but what exactly are electrolytes? Calcium, chloride, magnesium,
phosphate, potassium, and sodium are the minerals that make up this group. The body needs these minerals in order to keep its natural energy and the
electrical levels in the environment at a constant level. An
electrolyte imbalance brought on by an
excess or deficiency of these minerals at one time can cause nausea.
While increasing your intake of electrolytes can sometimes help with this, it is also possible that an electrolyte imbalance is a sign of something much
more serious. You might need to think about visiting an immediate care facility to be tested for an underlying condition if, even after replenishing your
electrolytes, you are still having symptoms like nausea, numbness and tingling, convulsions, cramping and weakness in your muscles, and confusion.
Nausea and Cold Water
Overindulging in icy water can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and even an upset stomach. The main cause of this reaction is the stark difference in
temperature between the digestive tract and the cold water. The abrupt temperature change may irritate the gastric mucosa, resulting in pain and possibly
inducing an upset stomach.
Increased stomach contractions, or peristalsis, can be brought on by the stimulation of cold water on the healthy gastric mucosa and may cause nausea. The
body is more vulnerable to the disagreeable side effects of drinking cold water when these effects take place.
How Can I Avoid Feeling Nauseous After Having Water?
It is not necessary to stop drinking water if you want to prevent getting uncomfortable afterward. There are a few things you can do to reduce nausea and
enhance your enjoyment of water.
Water Should be Taken Slower
Drinking a glass of water gradually over a few minutes will assist your body in acclimating to the intake of liquid. Small sips can help reduce nausea that
you might have experienced from drinking more quickly.
Timing of Water Intake
By diluting stomach acids, consuming copious amounts of water right before, during, or after meals can cause digestive problems. Indigestion and unpleasant
feelings may result from this.
To ensure that your digestive system works as best it can, try to have a glass of water at least 30 minutes before or after meals. Take tiny sips of water
during meals if you must, as opposed to big gulps.
Proper Hydration Balance
The electrolyte balance in your body can occasionally be diluted by drinking plain water, particularly after vigorous exercise or perspiration.
Electrolytes—such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium—are necessary for healthy muscle function and adequate hydration. If you find that drinking water
alone makes you sick, think about incorporating an electrolyte drink or solution into your routine. Coconut water or electrolyte drinks with specific
ingredients can be suitable substitutes.
Seeking Medical Help
An infection, gastritis, or acid reflux are some examples of underlying medical conditions that may be the cause of your frequent nausea after drinking
water. Any persistent symptoms should be discussed with a medical expert. They can identify any potential problems and offer the right course of action,
including dietary advice, to help you effectively manage your symptoms.
Round Up
Most of us are aware that nausea is a sensation that makes one want to throw up. Drinking tap water at home is one of the many potential causes of it. We
have covered a lot of the probable causes of your nausea after drinking water in this blog post. We sincerely hope you will find our blog to be helpful.
Contaminants Detected in Fruitland Water
Special
Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
30 Total Contaminants in Your Water
Water Provider
Fruitland Water Special Service DistrictPopulation Affected
120,000Water Source
Ground waterExceeds Guidelines
Others Detected