Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

How can my diet help prevent or relieve cyclic vomiting syndrome?

Your diet will not help prevent or relieve episodes but will help you recover and keep you healthy.

Your doctor may recommend coenzyme Q10, levocarnitine (L-carnitine), or riboflavin as dietary supplements to help prevent episodes.

What should I eat and drink if I have cyclic vomiting syndrome?

When your nausea and vomiting stop, you can generally go back to your regular diet right away. In some cases, you may want to start with clear liquids and go slowly back to your regular diet. You should eat well-balanced and nutritious meals between your episodes. Your doctors will recommend that you not skip meals in between episodes. If you are dehydrated, drink plenty of liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes, such as

  • broths
  • caffeine-free soft drinks
  • fruit juices
  • sports drinks
  • oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte
Family cooking together.
You should eat well-balanced and nutritious meals between your cyclic vomiting episodes.

What should I avoid eating if I have cyclic vomiting syndrome?

In between episodes, you should avoid eating foods that may have triggered past episodes. Eating certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, and foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), may trigger an episode in some people. Adults should avoid drinking alcohol.

Last Reviewed December 2017
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This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

The NIDDK would like to thank:
Thangam Venkatesan, M.D., Medical College of Wisconsin