Why do we Puke? + more videos | #aumsum #kids #science #education #children

Puking or vomiting is the forcible emptying of stomach contents through our mouth. Though disgusting, it is actually our body’s protective mechanism to get rid of toxic foods, that we might have ingested.

Vomiting is generally controlled by a part of the brain called area postrema. When it instructs our stomach to purge, several things happen in our body. The teeth get coated with excess saliva to protect them from stomach acid. Our heart rate and breathing increases as we retch. Finally, the stomach and other abdominal muscles forcefully push the contents upwards and we puke.

Now, there are various reasons why we puke. Common reasons include food poisoning, motion sickness, stomach flu, pregnancy, etc. However, there are some other reasons as well, such as overeating, stress, head injury, ear problems, excess consumption of alcohol, drugs, etc.