Why Does Drinking Water Make You Feel Nauseous

Water is important for a healthy life. It keeps us healthy, regulates body temperature, and makes sure that every organ and cell in our body works properly. Usually, we all hear the advice “Drinking 8 glasses of water in a day” or “Stay hydrated.”

However, for many people, drinking water too quickly, specifically in the early morning or on an empty stomach can cause nausea. This might seem strange because drinking water is supposed to make you feel better not sick. But if you have ever felt nauseous after drinking water, then you are not the only one.

In this Frizzlife blog post, we are going to cover some of the most common reasons behind the nauseous feeling just after the consumption of water.

Also, read our blog post about Everything You Need to Know About Artesian Water

Common Reasons Why Drinking Water Makes You Feel Nauseous

There could be some potential reasons why drinking water makes you feel nauseous, some of the common ones are discussed below in detail along with their possible solution.

1.      Drinking Water on an Empty Stomach:

When you wake up in the early morning, your stomach has been completely empty for hours. Drinking a large amount of water immediately can completely disturb your digestive system.

Generally, your stomach produces digestive acids to break down food, but when no food is present in your stomach, then the water can mix with these digestive acids and weaken them. For some people, this results in a strange sensation and even cause nausea.

• Solution to Try: You should try sipping water slowly instead of drinking water all at once, especially in the early morning when your stomach is empty. You can also pair water with a light snack to comfort your stomach.

2.      Drinking Large Amounts of Water Immediately:

Your stomach is just like a balloon, it can stretch your stomach, but it has its limits. Drinking water all at once can cause your stomach to expand too quickly, leading to discomfort and nausea. This condition is more common during or after intense physical activity when individuals drink water in a rush to quench their thirst.

• Solution to Try: Take your time when drinking water. Drink small sips of water instead of drinking all at once. This helps your body and stomach to absorb water easily.

3.      Over-hydration:

Normally, over-hydration happens when you drink more water than your body can handle, disturbing the entire balance of electrolytes such as sodium in your blood. Drinking more water can also cause nausea and in extreme cases, it can cause life-threatening complications.

• Solution to Try: Always, listen to your body’s thirst signals. Don’t force yourself to drink more water when you do not feel like it. You should drink water when you are thirsty and stop drinking water when you have had enough water in your body.

4.      Sensitive Stomach or Acid Reflux:

If you have a sensitive stomach or a condition such as acid reflux which is also known as GERD, then drinking enough water can sometimes create the problem.

For individuals with acid reflux, drinking water might increase the volume of their stomach, which can cause the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to nausea.

• Solution to Try: Take small sips of water and try not to lie down immediately after drinking water. If this happens often, then it is recommended to consult with a doctor.

5.      The Temperature of the Water:

The temperature of the water you usually drink may play an important role in how you feel. Extremely cold water can disturb your system, leading to discomfort or nausea, especially when your body is in a warm state from exercise or the weather.

For some individuals, cold water can slow down the digestion process, making the stomach uneasy.

• Solution to Try: If you find cold water disturbing your stomach system, then try drinking warm or room-temperature water for better results.

6.      Water with Contaminants:

In several cases, the quality of water could be the key reason for nausea. Home tap water might contain traces of chemicals, minerals, and bacteria that do not sit well with your stomach. Similarly, bottled water with added minerals or flavors may cause a bad reaction if your body is sensitive to them.

• Solution to Try: Drink clean and filtered water to make sure that it is completely free of contaminants. If bottled water makes you nauseous, then try switching certified brands to see if it helps.

7.      Drinking Water Right or After Meal:

Drinking enough water during your meals can also cause your stomach to feel swollen. This can potentially lead to serious issues such as nausea and indigestion, especially if you eat heavy food.

Solution to Try: Try drinking water at least 25 to 30 minutes before or after your meal rather than during the meal. This step gives your body time to digest food easily without disturbing your stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it common to feel nauseous?

While it is not extremely common, but still many people around the globe still suffer from this specific health condition.

Can water quality contribute to feeling nauseous?

Definitely! The overall quality of your water contributes to making the person feel nauseous immediately after the consumption.

What should I do if I start feeling nauseous?

First of all, there is no need to panic as it is not dangerous. All you need to do is sit and rest for a sometime until you start feeling well again.

Conclusion:

Feeling nauseous right after drinking water can happen in several such as drinking water all at once, drinking with an empty stomach, and consuming water right before or after your meal. It can also happen if you have a sensitive stomach, drink cold water, and drink water with contaminants.

However, the basics to avoid nausea are to listen to your body, sip water slowly, drink hot water or room temperature if needed, and make sure it is clean and safe. Also, avoid drinking too much water during meals or when you are not thirsty.