Home Blog Home and Wellness Why Does Water Make Me Nauseous?

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.
a girl looks uncomfortable

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.
dirty drinking water

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.

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.
a woman drinking a glass of water

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.
 a glass of cold water

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.
 balanced diet at the right time

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.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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