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Healthy Habits for Fallbrook & Bonsall Folks: Nausea and vomiting – the stomach's enemies

Megan Johnson McCullough

Special to the Village News

Vomiting is the body's way of getting rid of something it does not like. It is a natural, protective reflex. Nausea is the feeling right before the body does this release. This is an unpleasant feeling, but because vomiting is typically involuntary, it is the body's warning system.

Nausea and vomiting are not a sickness themselves, but are brought on by an underlying cause. This can be from a virus, food poisoning, bacteria, parasites or the norovirus. It can also be caused by pregnancy, motion sickness or even stress.

Vomiting is controlled by the brain's vomiting center, which is called the chemoreceptor trigger zone. It is called postrema. The CTZ is located outside of the blood-brain barrier which means that substances in the bloodstream can access it. Because of this access, certain medications can trigger or stop vomiting.

There are certain parts of the body that stimulate the CTZ, communicating that that body needs to vomit. These include the inner ear (vestibular system), which is usually brought on by motion sickness; the cranial nerve that runs down the brainstem to the abdomen, called the vagus nerve, can trigger the gag reflex and vomiting; stress activates the dopamine system, which lead can lead to vomiting.

There are three phases of vomiting.

1. Nausea, sweating, and salivation: the parasympathetic nervous system causes excess salivation which is the body's way of protecting the tooth's enamel from the stomach's acid. This leads to sweating and the heart rate starts to increase.

2. Retching.

3. Expulsion: the gastric contents come out of the mouth. The abdomen forcefully starts to contract and as pressure builds, the lower esophagus's sphincter opens to release this pressure.

This process is normal but there could be some causes for concern. Vomit that is strangely colored might mean it is time to see a doctor. Green vomit can be from bile which is caused by blockage to the digestive system. Red vomit might be from blood which could be from an ulcer. Intense pain while vomiting might be caused by appendicitis. Vomiting after an injury could be the sign of a concussion. Vomiting after waking up in the morning can be caused by a brain tumor.

One of the best natural remedies for nausea is ginger. Ginger is potent but can be drunk as a tea. It can also be taken quickly with about ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger. No one likes the feeling of vomiting when it is happening, but sometimes the body needs the release to get rid of whatever is causing discomfort or trouble to functioning.

Our bodies are incredible and know what to do to protect us. For most people, vomiting is just an occasional, next to never problem, but at any sign of more than this, a doctor's help should be sought out.

Megan Johnson McCullough holds a master's degree in physical education and health science, is a candidate for her doctorate, is a professional natural bodybuilder and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine master trainer.

 

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