Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS): Dietary Triggers to Avoid

CVS triggers vary individually, but common dietary culprits include:

Frequently Reported Triggers

• Dairy: Lactose intolerance or milk protein sensitivity can provoke episodes.
• Gluten-containing grains: Wheat, rye, barley—may trigger via inflammation or sensitivity (celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity).
• Soy products: Isoflavones may have estrogenic effects that increase nausea in some.
• Citrus fruits: High acidity irritates gastric mucosa.
• Tomatoes/tomato products: Acidic and contain tomatine, a potential irritant.
• Caffeine: Stimulates gastric acid, increases gut motility, promotes dehydration.
• Alcohol: Gastric irritant, dehydrating, triggers vomiting reflex.

Identifying Personal Triggers

1. Keep a detailed food-symptom diary.
2. Elimination diet under dietitian guidance.
3. Reintroduce foods systematically.

General Dietary Principles for CVS

• Small, frequent, low-fat meals.
• Adequate hydration between episodes.
• Avoid known personal triggers.
• Consider coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, or amitriptyline prophylaxis (per specialist).

CVS management is multidisciplinary; dietary modification is one pillar.