What causes nausea and vomiting at the mere thought of eating?

Feeling nauseous or like vomiting at the mere thought of eating may be caused by pregnancy reaction, reflux esophagitis, gastritis, or other conditions. It is recommended to visit a hospital for diagnosis to identify the specific cause.

1. Pregnancy Reaction

During early pregnancy, increased levels of gonadotropin hormones and heightened brain excitability can trigger pregnancy-related symptoms. This often leads to nausea or vomiting when thinking about food, along with fatigue and dizziness.

2. Reflux Esophagitis

Poor dietary and lifestyle habits, heavy physical labor, excessive body weight, and other factors may increase intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure can impair the esophagus's ability to move food downward and cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in reflux esophagitis. Patients may experience nausea or vomiting at the thought of eating, heartburn, and acid regurgitation.

3. Gastritis

An overproduction of stomach acid or a reduction in protective mucosal lining may allow gastric acid to damage the stomach wall, potentially leading to gastritis. Persistent inflammation can cause symptoms such as nausea or vomiting when thinking about eating, stomach pain, and acid reflux.