How can just witnessing someone else be sick create such a strong reaction in someone, even if they haven’t eaten the same food etc.?
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We have “mirror neurons” in our brain that make us feel a smaller version of the feelings that other people are feeling. That’s why seeing someone cry makes you sad and watching someone laugh makes you smile. Unfortunately this extends to feelings of disgust and nausea as well and for some people the feeling is strong enough to trigger the actual gag reflex.
In ancient times this would’ve been advantageous because you’re likely eating the same food as your peers which means you also consumed whatever made your peer throw up
Interestingly, [this article](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/if-you-barf-when-you-see-barf-congrats-youre-empathetic-flna994124) correlates sympathetic vomiting with being more empathetic which would make sense
We have “mirror neurons” in our brain that make us feel a smaller version of the feelings that other people are feeling. That’s why seeing someone cry makes you sad and watching someone laugh makes you smile. Unfortunately this extends to feelings of disgust and nausea as well and for some people the feeling is strong enough to trigger the actual gag reflex.
In ancient times this would’ve been advantageous because you’re likely eating the same food as your peers which means you also consumed whatever made your peer throw up
Interestingly, [this article](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/if-you-barf-when-you-see-barf-congrats-youre-empathetic-flna994124) correlates sympathetic vomiting with being more empathetic which would make sense
We have “mirror neurons” in our brain that make us feel a smaller version of the feelings that other people are feeling. That’s why seeing someone cry makes you sad and watching someone laugh makes you smile. Unfortunately this extends to feelings of disgust and nausea as well and for some people the feeling is strong enough to trigger the actual gag reflex.
In ancient times this would’ve been advantageous because you’re likely eating the same food as your peers which means you also consumed whatever made your peer throw up
Interestingly, [this article](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/if-you-barf-when-you-see-barf-congrats-youre-empathetic-flna994124) correlates sympathetic vomiting with being more empathetic which would make sense
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