Immediate Relief: Quick Actions
When a wave of nausea hits, certain actions can provide immediate comfort. Hydration is key, as dehydration can worsen nausea. Sip small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale (with real ginger), or broth, rather than gulping large quantities. Sitting upright can help keep stomach acids down, so avoid lying flat. Instead, recline with your upper body elevated with pillows. Another simple trick is to get some fresh air by opening a window or stepping outside for a gentle walk, as a stuffy environment can aggravate the feeling. Sucking on hard candies, especially mint or lemon drops, can also distract your senses and soothe the stomach.
Dietary Adjustments for a Calm Stomach
Modifying your diet is one of the most effective ways to manage nausea. The goal is to eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent your stomach from becoming too full. Bland foods, which are easy to digest, are often the best choice when feeling queasy.
The BRAT Diet and Beyond
For centuries, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) has been recommended for nausea. These foods are low in fiber and easy on the digestive system. Beyond these four, other bland options include saltine crackers, plain noodles, and boiled potatoes. It is also important to eat foods at room temperature, as strong food smells from hot dishes can be a trigger for some people.
What to Avoid
Just as important as what you eat is what you avoid. Greasy, fatty, fried, and spicy foods are hard to digest and should be avoided. Overly sweet or high-sugar foods can also upset a sensitive stomach. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can both irritate the stomach lining.
Natural and Alternative Nausea Remedies
Beyond dietary changes, several natural and alternative treatments have shown effectiveness in calming nausea.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most well-known natural anti-nausea remedies. It works by acting directly on the stomach to help food move through faster, reducing bloating and discomfort. It can be consumed in various forms, including fresh ginger root, ginger tea, ginger candies, or capsules. Real ginger ale can also be effective, but check the label to ensure it contains genuine ginger, not just artificial flavoring.
Peppermint and Lemon
Both peppermint and lemon are noted for their soothing properties. Peppermint essential oil aromatherapy has been shown to reduce the frequency of nausea and vomiting in some studies. Sipping peppermint tea can also be beneficial. Similarly, the citrusy smell of a freshly sliced lemon or lemon essential oil can help relieve nausea, particularly in cases of pregnancy-related morning sickness.
Acupressure
Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate nerve fibers, which can send signals to the brain to decrease nausea. The most commonly used point is the P6 or inner frontier gate point, located on the inner wrist. Acupressure bands, also known as Sea-Bands, are available and apply continuous pressure to this point for on-the-go relief.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Solutions
For more severe or persistent nausea, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications may be necessary. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you are pregnant, have a chronic condition, or are taking other drugs.
OTC Medications
- Antihistamines: Medications like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) are effective for nausea caused by motion sickness or vertigo.
- Bismuth subsalicylate: Products such as Pepto-Bismol can help with nausea related to stomach viruses or food poisoning by soothing stomach irritation.
Prescription Medications
- Ondansetron (Zofran): This is a powerful antiemetic often prescribed for severe nausea, such as that caused by chemotherapy or surgery.
- Doxylamine succinate and vitamin B6: A combination of these is frequently prescribed to pregnant women experiencing severe morning sickness.
Preventing Nausea Before It Starts
Preventative measures can be highly effective in managing and avoiding episodes of nausea. Understanding and avoiding your personal triggers is crucial. This could mean avoiding certain foods, strong odors, or even stressful situations. Regular, small meals throughout the day can also help regulate blood sugar and prevent an empty stomach, which can sometimes lead to nausea. Staying consistently hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day, not just when thirsty, is another simple but powerful preventative step. Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help manage stress and anxiety, which are known to disrupt digestion and trigger nausea.
When to See a Doctor
While many cases of nausea can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant a doctor's visit. Seek medical attention if your nausea persists for more than a few days, is severe, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms. Warning signs include severe abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, blurred vision, confusion, or signs of dehydration like infrequent urination. Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds is an emergency and requires immediate medical care. If you are unable to keep any fluids down for an extended period, it's also time to seek professional help to prevent dehydration.
Comparing Nausea Remedies: Natural vs. Medical
| Feature | Natural Remedies (e.g., Ginger, Peppermint) | Medical Remedies (e.g., Ondansetron, Meclizine) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Generally works by regulating digestion, calming the stomach, or aromatherapy. | Acts on specific neurotransmitter receptors in the brain to block nausea signals. |
| Speed of Action | Can provide fast relief for mild to moderate nausea, but results can vary between individuals. | Often provides rapid and strong relief, particularly for severe cases. |
| Side Effects | Typically minimal or non-existent with normal use; can cause mild heartburn with high doses of ginger. | May cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation. |
| Best For | Mild cases of morning sickness, motion sickness, or general upset stomach. | Moderate to severe nausea, post-operative, or chemotherapy-related nausea. |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible and can be incorporated into diet or purchased OTC. | Requires a prescription or purchase from a pharmacy. |
| Use During Pregnancy | Ginger and acupressure are often considered safe options; consult a doctor. | Some prescription medications like doxylamine and vitamin B6 are considered safe; others require careful consideration. |
Conclusion
For those asking "what will stop making me feel nausea," the solution often depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. For many, simple adjustments to diet, incorporating natural remedies like ginger and peppermint, and practicing relaxation techniques can provide significant relief. For more persistent or severe cases, over-the-counter or prescription medications, after a consultation with a healthcare provider, can be highly effective. The key is to listen to your body, identify potential triggers, and know when to seek medical advice for more serious underlying conditions. By taking a multi-faceted approach, you can find the right combination of strategies to help you feel better and get back to your daily life without the discomfort of nausea. For more detailed information on managing nausea, you can refer to authoritative sources like the American Cancer Society.
