That sudden wave of nausea, the watery mouth, and then it hits – you’re about to puke. Whether it’s from a stomach bug, food poisoning, or too much fun the night before, vomiting is an unpleasant experience. But have you ever wondered why our bodies react this way, especially the strange phenomenon of excessive salivation right before we vomit?
It might seem counterintuitive; saliva is usually associated with delicious food and the start of digestion. However, this drooling episode is actually a crucial part of your body’s defense mechanism when things go south in your stomach. Let’s dive into the science behind why we puke and the surprising role saliva plays in this process.
The Digestive Chain Reaction and Salivation
Our bodies are incredibly complex systems designed to protect us. Vomiting, or emesis, is one such protective reflex. It’s a forceful expulsion of stomach contents, and it’s triggered when your body senses something harmful needs to be eliminated. This “harmful” trigger could be anything from toxins in bad food to viral infections.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz, an expert in integrative medicine, explains that the process starts in your mouth, surprisingly. “The body is attempting to solve the problem of whatever is causing the nausea and (in a sense) digest it,” he states. Digestion begins with saliva, which is rich in amylase, a vital enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. So, when nausea strikes, your body initiates increased salivation as part of this digestive process, regardless of whether there’s actually digestible food involved.
This might seem like a misfire, but it’s actually a smart move by your body. The increased saliva production serves several purposes in the vomiting process.
The Nervous System’s Role: Vagus Nerve and Parasympathetic Response
Nausea is a key signal that sets off a cascade of physiological responses. One crucial player is the vagus nerve, a long nerve extending from your brain down through your neck and into your abdomen. This nerve acts as a communication highway, relaying information about the state of your organs back to your brain. When your stomach is upset, the vagus nerve sends signals to your brainstem, which houses the vomiting center.
Simultaneously, nausea also activates your parasympathetic nervous system. This system, often dubbed the “rest and digest” system, governs functions like digestion, salivation, and even crying and urination. When activated, it ramps up digestive processes, including – you guessed it – salivation.
Essentially, your brain and stomach are in a flurry of communication during nausea. The increased salivation is a physiological response orchestrated by your nervous system as it prepares for the unpleasant event of vomiting.
Why Saliva Right Before Vomiting? Protection and Preparation
So, why all the extra drool right before you puke? It’s not just a random side effect; it’s a protective mechanism. The copious amount of saliva produced is rich in bicarbonate, which is alkaline. Vomit, on the other hand, is highly acidic due to stomach acid.
The alkaline saliva helps to neutralize the acidity of the vomit as it comes up, protecting your mouth, throat, and esophagus from the harsh stomach acid. Think of it as a pre-emptive strike to minimize damage from the corrosive nature of vomit. This explains why your mouth waters excessively – it’s your body’s way of lining and lubricating the upper digestive tract with a protective, neutralizing fluid.
A Potential Tip: Spit it Out?
While understanding the science is helpful, can we do anything to ease the discomfort or even prevent vomiting once the salivation starts? Ken Beckstead, a Las Vegas resident, shared an interesting tip: “Whenever I start to salivate excessively and feel like I am going to vomit, I start spitting the excess saliva.” He believes that “Swallowing the saliva actually makes you vomit. Spitting it out until the saliva stops filling your mouth will help you not vomit.”
Dr. Eliaz offers a possible explanation for this anecdotal relief, drawing from traditional Chinese medicine. He suggests that in some cases, nausea is linked to “the accumulation of phlegm and mucus in the stomach.” In such instances, spitting out saliva might indeed alleviate the condition.
While scientific evidence for this specific technique might be limited, spitting out excess saliva is unlikely to cause harm and might be worth trying when nausea strikes. However, if you are feeling nauseous and about to vomit, it is crucial to listen to your body and let the vomiting reflex run its course if needed to expel harmful substances.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Vomiting is often a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own. However, it’s essential to know when it might be a sign of a more serious issue. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Dehydration: Signs include decreased urination, dizziness, and extreme thirst.
- Blood in vomit: This could indicate internal bleeding.
- Severe abdominal pain: Could be a sign of appendicitis or other serious conditions.
- Persistent vomiting: Vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours (or 12 hours in children).
- Vomiting accompanied by fever, headache, stiff neck, or confusion: These could be symptoms of meningitis or other serious infections.
Understanding why we puke, including the role of salivation, can make this unpleasant experience a little less mysterious. While there’s no foolproof way to prevent vomiting in all situations, recognizing it as a protective mechanism and understanding the body’s responses can be reassuring. And perhaps, next time you feel that watery mouth sensation, you might consider spitting out the excess saliva – it’s a low-stakes tip that might just offer a bit of relief.
