Is there anything worse than that feeling of nausea? When your stomach is churning, your head is spinning, and you just know that at any moment you're going to...well, let's say upchuck. But have you ever noticed that even though vomiting might be a truly unpleasant experience in the moment, afterward it often seems like all those nauseous feelings disappear? Is there actually some science behind why vomiting makes us feel better?
The Physiology of Nausea
To understand why throwing up can sometimes provide relief from sickness or discomfort, we first need to take a look at what exactly is happening when our bodies go into "nausea mode." Essentially, nausea occurs when something (usually food or drink) irritates the lining of our stomachs. This irritation triggers certain neurotransmitters in our brains which send signals throughout the body: "Hey! Something's not right down here!"
These signals activate muscles in the gastrointestinal tract which then start contracting rhythmically - this typically leads to either vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, other related symptoms may crop up like sweating, pale skin coloration due dilation of blood vessels,spinning world syndrome, and overall discomfort.
Vomiting as a Survival Mechanism
Believe it or not,puking has been critical for human survival since ancient times - before modern medicine was available to rid uncomfortable things from our systems. Back then ingesting toxic substances could be deadly without quick action. Thus humans learnt how quickly vomit after consuming harmful food substance increases chances of survival by preventing dangerous toxins from being absorbed into their bloodstream.
While today many forms of food poisoning can easily be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough,vomiting remains an incredibly effective method for keeping toxic substances out.
Additionally throwing up also helps protect fragile internal organs such as lungs,reduces pressure on brain reducing concussion injuries which can lead to long-term damages.
The Brain's Reward System
The act of vomiting might be uncomfortable and even painful at times, but there are a number of physiological responses that our bodies experience during the actual hurling. One of these is an activation of the brain's reward system - yes, you read that right.
When we eat something tasty or engage in a pleasurable activity like listening to music or having sex,dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure) activates certain regions in our brains which help create positive feedback loops. Similarly when vomiting ,the presence of dopamine released as result not only eases discomfort but also sends messages throughout body including stimulation g astrointestinal relaxation,muscle relief,and so on.The overall effect? We feel better just moments after being sick!
Even though it seems weird to associate throwing up with feeling good,the human body has evolved mechanisms over millennia for mitigating sickness while signaling necessary actions.Releasing dopamine and related endocrine changes helps us eliminate what was harmful while stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system calming heart rates down making sure we know pain will reduce soon enough.
Medical Situations Where Vomiting Makes Sense
While many situations call for seeking medical attention before resorting to vomit some cases where retching actually can prove beneficial include:
Choking
If foreign objects like solid foods or liquids get stuck somewhere between your windpipe(air pipe) and esophagus(food pipe),you need force open airway quickly.Vomiting may voluntary motions heave morsels out, creating space and alleviating pressures so that breathing can occur again without obstruction. Although this manoeuvre should never be done alone. A helper present devices abdominal thrusts under guidance by a healthcare professional.
Overeating
Overconsumption increases pressure gastric contents put on stomach walls making them less comfortable.Violent contractions churning food substance add more misery to body that is already overworked.Vomiting helps relieve pressure thus alleviating discomfort.
Poisoning
As mentioned earlier,vomiting can help rid the system of harmful substances.In an ideal world, victims of poisoning would be immediately put under a doctor's observation.Still if on may chemical gotten in quickly and unable reach hospital, induced vomiting may save your life.
Potential Dangers in Vomiting
Whilst throwing up can seem helpful there are real risks when it happens more than anticipated.People with eating disorders who force themselves to vomit regularly experience many adverse effects such as tooth decay from exposure to their stomach acid or digestive complications leading gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Overusing unique cases active muscle contractions could damage gullet walls leading injuries destroying ability accept food substance normally.Often people suffering from bulimia will attempt hide habits by brushing teeth using antacids which result in staining wearing enamel down through contact with harsh chemicals.
Conclusion: The Science Behind Why I Feel Better after Vomiting
Despite its unpleasantness inducing wave motions throughout my insides, you've learned how vomiting actually does make sense as part human survival cycle.From neuroscience efficacy activating brain reward mechanisms assisting in prevention further contamination; just about anybody likes being free from having sick feelings weighing one down. Yet while beneficial we should remember possible hazards which arise long-term abuse.Throwing up was always meant first line offense rather than solution seeking medical consultations urgently dealing issues at the roots.