6 Ways to Treat Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom that can result from pregnancy, medication use, inflammation of the digestive system, and even stress. Fortunately, there are dietary steps you can take to treat nausea.
1. What to Avoid
- Sugary, fatty and spicy foods
- Dairy products
- Caffeine
- Strong smells
2. Stay Hydrated
- It is important to stay hydrated, especially when feeling ill. Drink clear liquids throughout the day. Recommended liquids include:
- Chicken broth
- Water
- Herbal tea
- Apple juice
- Gatorade, Pedialyte, or similar
3. Eat Small and Frequent Meals
- Keeping meals small and frequent, especially during pregnancy, can reduce gastrointestinal distress leading to nausea. A large meal can overwhelm the digestive system. But a completely empty stomach can cause distress too.
4. Use Ginger
- Ginger – a long-time remedy for nausea and other digestive symptoms – is safe for anyone over 2 years old, with your doctor’s approval. Even safe in small doses during pregnancy, ginger is available in many forms including tea, ginger flavored snacks and capsules.
5. The BRAT Diet
- Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) can ease moderate gastrointestinal distress, including nausea. Bland and low-fiber containing foods like toasted bread can help settle the stomach. Bananas also help replace nutrients that may have been lost during illness, like potassium.
6. Vitamin B6 and Pregnancy
- Morning sickness during the first trimester of a pregnancy can stem from low vitamin B6 levels. This vitamin is used in many important bodily functions, for both mom and baby, from stabilizing blood glucose levels to development of the nervous system.
- Foods containing Vitamin B6 include:
- Chickpeas
- Chicken breast
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Boiled potatoes
For more information, see related articles and resources here:
- The Mediterranean Diet: What to Eat and What to Limit
- Whole Grain: Why You Need It + Recipes
- Treating and Preventing Malnutrition with Oral Nutrition Supplements
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: How to Reduce Inflammation with Nutrition
- For Heart Health, Eat More of These
Sources:
- American Pregnancy Association
- FamilyDoctor.org
- MedlinePlus
- National Institutes of Health
- Nguyen P, Einarson A (2006) Managing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. Womens Health 2:753–760. doi: 10.2217/17455057.2.5.753
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- University of Puget Sound
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