Quick Answer
Yes, you can eat oatmeal after throwing up in most cases. Oatmeal is easy on the stomach and contains nutrients that can help replenish electrolytes lost from vomiting. However, you may want to wait an hour or two before eating solid foods like oatmeal to allow your stomach to rest. Eating bland, low-fiber foods and sipping clear liquids is recommended after vomiting until you feel better.
When to Eat Oatmeal After Vomiting
It’s generally best to wait about 1-2 hours after vomiting before eating solid foods like oatmeal. This allows your stomach time to rest and settle. Some tips on when to eat oatmeal after throwing up:
- Wait until vomiting has stopped completely before eating solid foods. Consuming oatmeal too soon may trigger more vomiting.
- Start with small amounts of oatmeal and slowly increase portion size over 24 hours as tolerated.
- Stick to plain oatmeal without add-ins, spices or sweeteners at first which are harder to digest.
- Make sure you are adequately hydrated by sipping water, herbal tea, diluted fruit juice or broth before having oatmeal.
- Avoid oatmeal if you are nauseous. Stick to liquids until nausea passes.
If vomiting persists for over 48 hours or you notice blood, seek medical attention. Extended vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Why Eat Oatmeal After Vomiting
Here are some reasons why oatmeal is a good food choice after vomiting:
- Gentle on the stomach – Oatmeal is easy to digest and high in soluble fiber which can help soothe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract after vomiting.
- Rehydrates – Oatmeal contains electrolytes like potassium, phosphorus and magnesium which are depleted after throwing up. The fiber helps absorb fluid.
- Provides energy – The carbohydrates and protein in oatmeal provide energy when the body may be feeling fatigued and weak after vomiting.
- Bland flavor – The mild taste of plain oatmeal is unlikely to irritate the stomach when feeling nauseous or upset after vomiting.
- Nutrient-rich – Oatmeal offers important vitamins and minerals like thiamin, iron, zinc and folate that the body may have lost through vomiting.
Oatmeal is easy to digest, making it a good first food as you ease back into eating after vomiting. Start with about 1/2 cup serving of plain oatmeal after vomiting and gradually increase portions as tolerated.
Best Ways to Prepare Oatmeal After Vomiting
It’s best to keep oatmeal preparation simple, bland and low in fiber at first when eating after vomiting. Here are some tips:
- Opt for traditional rolled or old-fashioned oats which are easy to digest vs steel cut or Irish oats.
- Cook oatmeal in water instead of milk, which can be hard to digest.
- Avoid added fruits, nuts or seeds, which add fiber.
- Flavor with a pinch of salt or small amount of honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Cook oatmeal until soft; al dente oats may be hard to digest.
- Start with broth or thin oatmeal and slowly progress texture as tolerated.
Give your stomach time to recover by eating soft, well-cooked low fiber oatmeal for the first 24 hours after vomiting. Then slowly reintroduce your regular oatmeal toppings.
What to Eat With Oatmeal After Vomiting
It’s best to eat plain oatmeal with little added fiber or fat at first. But here are some simple items you can mix in after the first 1-2 days:
- Fruit purees like applesauce, mashed banana or avocado
- Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Low-fat milk, yogurt or kefir
- Peanut or almond butter
- Pure maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
Avoid foods high in fat, added sugars and excess fiber at first which could irritate the GI tract. Slowly reintroduce nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruit and brown sugar over time.
Foods to Avoid After Vomiting
While oatmeal is generally gentle and well-tolerated, there are some foods you’ll want to avoid immediately after vomiting including:
- High-fat, greasy or fried foods which are hard to digest.
- Spicy seasonings that can irritate the stomach.
- High-fiber cereals, granola, raw fruits/veggies.
- Caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks which can upset the stomach.
- Dairy products if lactose intolerant.
Stick to the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast – before working oatmeal back into your diet. Go slow reintroducing high fiber, gas-producing foods.
Benefits of Oatmeal After Vomiting
Here is a summary of the main benefits of eating oatmeal after vomiting:
- Rich in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
- Provides easily digestible soluble fiber.
- Contains carbohydrates for energy and protein to repair tissues.
- Offers nutrients like zinc, selenium, iron, manganese and B vitamins.
- Low risk of allergic reaction or intolerance.
- Versatile, affordable and readily available.
Oatmeal is a great first food after vomiting due to its mild flavor, smooth texture and stellar nutritional profile that can help replenish important nutrients lost while throwing up.
Nutritional Content of Oatmeal
Here is the nutritional content of a 1 cup serving of cooked oatmeal made with water:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 166 | 8% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Carbs | 27g | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 1g | 1% |
| Fat | 3g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0% | 0% |
| Calcium | 2% | 2% |
| Iron | 11% | 11% |
| Potassium | 6% | 6% |
As shown, oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, protein, iron, potassium and manganese. It’s low in sugar and fat, making it easy to digest. Oatmeal offers key electrolytes like potassium that are lost during vomiting.
Tips for Eating Oatmeal After Vomiting
Follow these tips when eating oatmeal after vomiting:
- Start with 1/2 cup serving and slowly increase portion size.
- Cook oatmeal until soft and well done.
- Flavor with salt, cinnamon, honey or fruit puree.
- Drink fluids like water, broth or herbal tea with oatmeal.
- Avoid milk, dried fruits and nuts at first.
- Incorporate probiotic foods like yogurt after a few days.
- Focus on hydration and rest while recovering from vomiting.
Ease back into fiber-rich oatmeal toppings like fruit, coconut and granola over several days. Seek medical advice if vomiting doesn’t improve within 48 hours.
Sample Meal Plans With Oatmeal After Vomiting
Here are some sample meal plans with oatmeal for the first few days after vomiting:
Day 1
- Breakfast: 1/2 cup plain oatmeal made with water, pinch of salt, 1 tbsp honey.
- Lunch: Chicken broth, saltine crackers, ginger ale.
- Dinner: White rice, boiled chicken, applesauce.
Day 2
- Breakfast: 3/4 cup oatmeal with 1/4 cup almond milk, pinch cinnamon, half banana.
- Lunch: Plain rice cakes, chamomile tea, apple slices.
- Dinner: Baked potato no skin, steamed carrots, chicken noodle soup.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with 2 tbsp peanut butter, pinch nutmeg, 1/2 cup blueberries.
- Lunch: Whole wheat toast, poached eggs, herbal tea.
- Dinner: Brown rice, roasted turkey, avocado slices, miso soup.
Slowly reintroduce higher fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains over several days as your appetite and digestion improve after vomiting.
Precautions With Oatmeal After Vomiting
While oatmeal is generally well-tolerated, there are some precautions to be aware of after vomiting:
- Wait 1-2 hours after last vomiting episode before eating solid foods.
- Start with small portions of thin, well-cooked oatmeal and build up texture.
- Stop eating if oatmeal triggers nausea or further vomiting.
- Avoid oatmeal cooked in milk if lactose intolerant.
- Don’t add high fiber fruits, nuts or dried fruit at first.
- Stay hydrated by drinking frequent fluids when eating oatmeal.
- Seek medical help if vomiting persists more than 48 hours.
Introduce oatmeal slowly and discontinue if it worsens vomiting or diarrhea. Avoid dehydration by drinking oral rehydration solutions if vomiting continues.
Conclusion
Oatmeal is generally safe to eat 1-2 hours after vomiting stops. It provides key nutrients like electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein to help recover. Stick to plain, thin oatmeal without milk or add-ins at first. Slowly increase portion size and reintroduce more fiber over 2-3 days as tolerated. Oatmeal is easy to digest making it an ideal food to help get nutrition back on track after vomiting. Seek medical attention for ongoing vomiting.