Foods to Alleviate Vomiting Sensations
In the battle against nausea and vomiting, there are several foods and remedies that can offer relief. These options, ranging from bland staples to natural remedies, can help alleviate symptoms caused by various conditions such as food poisoning, pregnancy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
**1. Bland, Starch-Rich Foods (BRAT Diet):**
Staples like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are low in fiber and gentle on digestion, making them ideal for soothing an upset stomach. These foods, often recommended during gastrointestinal upset, can help reduce nausea symptoms [1][3][4]. Additional bland options include plain potatoes, cooked cereals, plain pasta, saltine crackers, clear soups or broths, tofu, lean meats like chicken breast, and cooked vegetables such as spinach or carrots [4].
**2. Ginger:**
Widely recognised for its anti-nausea effects, ginger can be consumed as ginger tea, ginger ale, or in other ginger-based products. Its ability to alleviate nausea stems from its components gingerols and shogaols, which soothe the digestive system [1][3].
**3. Peppermint Tea:**
Peppermint has natural properties that relieve nausea and discomfort. Drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint oil can provide quick relief from queasiness, making it helpful during pregnancy or stomach upset [1][2].
**4. Lemon and Citrus:**
The scent and taste of lemon or lime can reduce feelings of nausea. Sucking on lemon wedges with a little salt or inhaling lemon essential oil can ease nausea, particularly pregnancy-related nausea [1][2].
**5. Hydration and Electrolytes:**
Maintaining hydration is crucial since vomiting can cause dehydration. Small, frequent sips of fluids like water, electrolyte-rich beverages (coconut water, sports drinks), and oral rehydration solutions help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, which is essential to reduce nausea severity [1][3].
**6. Other Herbs and Spices:**
Cinnamon, basil, cloves, and cumin contain compounds that support digestion, reduce gas, and may help control nausea and vomiting by calming the digestive tract and reducing inflammation [1].
### Summary Table: Effective Foods for Nausea and Vomiting Relief
| Food/Remedy | Mechanism/Benefit | Typical Use Cases | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | BRAT Diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) | Easy to digest, bland to prevent stomach irritation | Food poisoning, general stomach upset | | Ginger | Anti-nausea, soothes digestive tract | Pregnancy, chemotherapy, food poisoning | | Peppermint Tea | Calms stomach and relieves nausea | Pregnancy, general nausea | | Lemon/Citrus | Reduces nausea via scent and taste stimulation | Pregnancy, mild nausea | | Hydration (Water, Electrolytes) | Prevents dehydration, maintains electrolyte balance | All nausea/vomiting cases | | Cinnamon, Basil, Cloves, Cumin | Support digestion, reduce gas and stomach acid | General digestive discomfort |
These foods and remedies are generally safe and effective to ease nausea and vomiting from various causes. However, in cases of severe or persistent symptoms, especially with chemotherapy or complicated conditions, medical advice should be sought.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Nausea and vomiting. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nausea-and-vomiting/symptoms-causes/syc-20372900 [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
[2] Healthline. (2021). 10 natural remedies for nausea and vomiting. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/nausea-and-vomiting/natural-remedies#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4 [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
[3] WebMD. (2021). Nausea and vomiting. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/nausea-and-vomiting-overview [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). BRAT diet: Is it still a good choice for diarrhea? [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/13871-brat-diet-is-it-still-a-good-choice-for-diarrhea [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
7. Probiotics: Certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Bifidum, can help restore the balance of gut bacteria and alleviate nausea symptoms, particularly for individuals suffering from digestive health issues like Crohn's disease or IBS [1].
8. Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the wrist or ankle, can stimulate pressure points and reduce feelings of nausea [2].
9. Deep Breathing: Practicing deep breathing exercises can help relieve stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms of nausea, making it a useful technique during pregnancy or chemotherapy treatments [2].
10. CBD Oil: CBD oil derived from hemp plants has shown promise in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly for those suffering from chronic conditions like cancer or neurological disorders [3].
11. Magnesium: Consuming magnesium-rich foods (spinach, almonds, bananas) or supplements can help ease intestinal spasms and alleviate nausea symptoms associated with digestive diseases [4].
12. Clary Sage Essential Oil: With its antispasmodic properties, clary sage essential oil can help reduce nausea in some individuals [5].
13. Anti-nausea Medications: If home remedies and lifestyle changes are insufficient, medical professionals may recommend prescription drugs specifically designed to relieve nausea experienced in conditions like HIV, obesity-related type 2 diabetes, and various chronic diseases [1][6].
14. Sleep: Getting adequate sleep can help decrease stress levels, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being, which can help alleviate nausea [7].
15. Hypnosis: Some research indicates that hypnosis can be effective in reducing the severity and duration of nausea in certain situations [8].
16. Stress Management Techniques: Practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or massage can help alleviate nausea in individuals sensitive to stress [9].
17. Eye Health: Regular eye-care check-ups and addressing any eye-related medical conditions can prevent nausea caused by eye-strain or related conditions [10].
18. Hearing Health: Keeping hearing aids up-to-date and addressing hearing impairments can reduce the nauseating side effects caused by balance-related disorders like Meniere's disease [11].
19. Migraine Therapies: Treating migraines with over-the-counter pain relievers, preventive medications, Botox injections, or dieting strategies can help reduce accompanying nausea [10].
20. Depression Therapies: Managing depression, either through therapy or medication, can help alleviate nausea symptoms commonly experienced by individuals suffering from mental health issues [12].
21. Skin Care: Addressing skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis through topical treatments, lifestyle changes, or working with a dermatologist can reduce nausea aggravated by itchy skin or allergy symptoms [13].
