Why Certain Bottled Waters Make Me Vomit: A Medical Inquiry

Drinking certain brands of water can cause vomiting?

Hello doctor, I have had a strange condition since childhood.
Since it does not affect my daily life and I didn't know which specialty to consult, I never went to see a doctor.
Recently, I noticed there are online medical consultation resources, so I would like to seek your advice.
Whenever I drink certain brands of mineral water (like brand X, etc.), or water from a family member's online-purchased water filter (which has been boiled after filtration), I experience discomfort and will vomit within 1 to 5 minutes.
The amount I drink correlates with the amount I vomit.
Initially, I didn't realize that certain types of water were the cause; after vomiting, I would rest for a while, feel thirsty, and drink water again, only to vomit immediately.
However, if I switch to water from a different dispenser or another brand of mineral water (I have experimented on myself), the discomfort disappears instantly, and I do not vomit.
The water I mentioned does not cause any issues for my family and friends, even if we drink from the same bottle or cup.
I later learned to avoid certain brands of mineral water and not to drink water from our home filter.
I would like to ask the doctor if I need to see a physician for these symptoms, and what possible factors could be causing them?

Jiu jiao ni cheng hao le, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/12

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine

Hello, thank you for your question.
Based on your description, if the source of the water has not deteriorated or been contaminated, and if this phenomenon is experienced only by you and can be self-adjusted, then it can be considered a personal constitution, and there is no need for medical consultation.
As for other factors, it cannot be determined.
Wishing you good health and happiness!

Reply Date: 2018/11/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a unique and concerning reaction to certain bottled waters and filtered water, which leads to vomiting shortly after consumption. This is indeed a situation that warrants further investigation, and I appreciate your proactive approach in seeking medical advice.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Water Composition: Different brands of bottled water and types of filtered water can have varying mineral compositions, pH levels, and even the presence of certain additives. For instance, some bottled waters are high in minerals like magnesium or calcium, while others may contain higher levels of sodium or sulfates. If your body is sensitive to any specific mineral or chemical, this could trigger a gastrointestinal reaction, including nausea and vomiting.

2. Contaminants: Although less likely, it’s possible that certain batches of bottled water or filtered water could be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, or other substances that your body reacts negatively to. This could happen during the bottling process or if the filtration system is not functioning properly.

3. Psychological Factors: Sometimes, the body can develop a conditioned response to certain stimuli. If you have had a negative experience with a specific type of water in the past, your body might react with nausea and vomiting even if the water is safe to drink. This is known as a conditioned reflex.

4. Food Intolerance or Allergy: While it’s rare, some individuals can have sensitivities or allergies to specific components found in certain bottled waters, such as flavorings or preservatives. If the water contains any additives, this could potentially lead to gastrointestinal distress.

5. Gastrointestinal Disorders: If you have an underlying gastrointestinal condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or a sensitivity to certain minerals, this could exacerbate your symptoms when consuming specific types of water.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given the severity of your symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a gastroenterologist. They can perform tests to determine if there are any underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms.

2. Keep a Diary: Maintain a diary of the types of water you consume, along with any symptoms you experience. This can help identify patterns and provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.

3. Hydration Alternatives: In the meantime, continue to drink water that you know does not cause you discomfort. You might also consider trying different brands of bottled water or using a different filtration system to see if that alleviates your symptoms.

4. Testing for Allergies or Sensitivities: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of testing for allergies or sensitivities to specific minerals or contaminants that may be present in the water.

5. Avoidance: Until you have a clearer understanding of what is causing your symptoms, it’s best to avoid the specific brands of water that trigger your vomiting.

Conclusion
Your experience is certainly unusual, and while it may not be a common issue, it is important to take your symptoms seriously. By consulting with a healthcare professional and keeping track of your reactions, you can work towards identifying the cause of your symptoms and finding a safe way to stay hydrated. Remember, your health is paramount, and seeking medical advice is always a prudent step when faced with unexplained symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Water Intoxication: Causes and Risks of Overhydration

What is water intoxication, and why can drinking water lead to poisoning?

Dr. Xie Yonghui reply Internal Medicine
Water intoxication may be caused by: (1) psychogenic polydipsia; (2) lesions in the thirst center; (3) administration of hypotonic IV solutions to patients who are unable to dilute their urine normally (e.g., postoperative patients or those with renal insufficiency). If the patie...

Can Drinking Water from Unknown Containers Lead to Hepatitis?

Recently, I discovered that the water I was drinking at home was filled by my father from an external water dispenser, and I realized that the bottles he used were all plastic bottles picked up from the roadside. (My father never informed me and filled them secretly, so I had bee...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hepatitis A is transmitted through food, but there are almost no cases of endemic Hepatitis A in Taiwan; most cases are imported from abroad. It is important to pay attention to food hygiene.

Why Do I Feel Nauseous and Vomit After Taking Thyroid Medication?

Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask you a question. This afternoon (July 13), while taking my medication for hyperthyroidism with warm water, I felt nauseous after drinking the water and ended up vomiting in the bathroom. Could you please advise if this is a gastrointestinal iss...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Amanda: 1. There are numerous causes of nausea and vomiting, including issues related to the nervous system, psychological factors, metabolic disorders, the digestive system, cardiovascular conditions, chronic lung diseases, fever, medications, and reflexes, among othe...

Dealing with Hiccups and Nausea: Tips for Relief

Sometimes when I drink water or eat things like tofu pudding, I feel like I want to vomit. Also, sometimes when I burp, I almost throw up. What should I do? My parents said I used to vomit easily when I was a child! How should I handle this situation?

Dr. Wu Fangcan reply Family Medicine
The causes of hiccups include irritation of the diaphragm, stimulation of the vagus nerve, central nervous system lesions, gastroesophageal reflux, irritation from smoking or alcohol, overeating, swallowing excessive air, consuming too many carbonated beverages, and psychological...