In many cases, throwing up is a protective reflex to rid your body of viruses, bacteria, or parasites in your digestive system. “If you were to eat something that was spoiled or poisoned, your body would get a signal that something was wrong,” says Bruno Chumpitazi, MD, of Texas Children's Hospital.

Does throwing up make you feel better?

First, most of the time your brain will give you that sick feeling to warn you that something is going to happen. Second, just before throwing up your body produces extra saliva, which helps protect your teeth from the strong acid. Third, the vomiting process releases chemicals in your body to make you feel better.

What does throwing up do to your body?

Vomiting is the body's way of protecting you from threats. When it detects a harmful substance or something irritating, your body actually thinks you're being poisoned. The body's natural reaction is to rid the body of that threat, causing it to expel the contents of the stomach. There are many causes of vomiting.