Vomiting
Symptoms
Symptoms
of vomiting include upset stomach, nausea, sweating,
turning white, general ill feelings. Dry heaves can
also occur even after there is no more food to expel,
so that what is brought up is liquid, whitish and sour,
and nausea continues.
Causes
The
most common causes of vomiting are early-stage pregnancy,
chemical poisoning, food allergies, food poisoning,
parasites, emotional upset, alcoholic binging, anesthesia,
and exercising excessively after eating too much food.
Note
Vomiting may also be due to gastric disease
(ulcers or inflammation), appendicitis, reaction to
microbial toxins, pharmaceutical drug use, excess mineral
consumption (most commonly zinc and iron), radiation,
motion sickness, obstruction somewhere in the gastrointestinal
tract, or a metabolic disorder such as diabetes or liver
disease. It may also be symptomatic of psychological
disorders such as eating disorders and bulimia (self-induced
vomiting).
All
of the above factors must be screened for and addressed
if bouts of vomiting persist.
Caution
When vomit is persistent and/or contains blood
contact a physician at once.
Self-Care
Tips
Aromatherapy
Massage or place a compress of black pepper,
chamomile, fennel, camphor, lavender, peppermint, or
rose essential oils over your stomach.
Diet
Force fluids (pure, filtered water, fresh-squeezed
organic vegetable juices, and/or broths), but avoid
solid food and especially dairy. After vomiting subsides,
start with a light vegetable broth and toasted whole-grain
bread, and then slowly reintroduce more solid foods,
such as plain organic yogurt, potatoes, soups, brown
rice, and steamed vegetables. After two to three days,
resume a normal organic, whole foods diet.
Flower
Essences
Rescue Remedy for accompanying stress. Crab
Apple and Olive can also be helpful.
Herbs
Ginger, peppermint, and spearmint are all
useful for soothing the urge to vomit. They can be taken
as teas or as tinctures.
Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Ipecac.,
Phosphorus, Arsen alb., and
Nux vom.
Juice
Therapy
Any organic, fresh vegetable juice with ginger
can be helpful.
Nutritional
Supplementation
Wait one day after the vomiting has stopped before taking
supplements and then take very light doses for the first
few days. Useful nutrients include acidophilus, vitamin
A, vitamin B complex, vitamin B1, vitamin C, folic acid,
and deglycerrhized licorice.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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