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What is Nausea?
Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It is a symptom of many different conditions, including motion sickness, pregnancy, indigestion, and food poisoning. Nausea can be short-lived and resolve on its own, or it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
What Causes Nausea?
There are many possible causes of nausea, including:
- Motion sickness or seasickness
- Early stages of pregnancy
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Food poisoning
- Overeating or drinking alcohol too quickly
- Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Migraine headaches
- Emotional stress or anxiety
How Can I Treat Nausea at Home?
There are several things you can do to help relieve nausea, here are 10 home remedies for nausea:
1. Always Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make nausea worse. Drink plenty of fluids, especially clear or ice-cold drinks. Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water. Hydrating yourself will help prevent dehydration and may also help your nausea pass more quickly.
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2. Try Lemons
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C and have a refreshing, sour taste. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to water or tea, or suck on a lemon wedge. You can also smell lemon peel to help ease nausea. [2]
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3. Ginger for Nausea
Ginger is a common home remedy for nausea. It can be consumed in many ways, including fresh ginger, powdered ginger, ginger tea, or ginger candy. Some people find that inhaling the scent of fresh ginger helps to ease nausea. Ginger can also help relieve nausea in some people after going through chemotherapy. [3]
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for nausea. It can be consumed in powder form or as a tea. Cinnamon may help to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. Have a cup of hot cinnamon tea when you’re feeling nauseated, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your breakfast cereal.
To make this tea, add a cinnamon stick to 7-8 ounces of boiling water. Allow the cinnamon to steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick before drinking.
5. Breathing Control
Controlled breathing is a relaxation technique that can help to ease nausea. Sit up straight and inhale slowly through your nose, letting your stomach expand. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this breathing exercise for 10 minutes. Inhale and exhale with a 3 second interval between each inhale and exhale. [5]
6. Try Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular home remedy for nausea. It can be consumed fresh, as a tea, or in capsules. The menthol in peppermint may help to relax the digestive muscles and ease nausea.
To make peppermint tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves to 8 ounces of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes, then strain and drink.
Peppermint Aromatherapy is also an effective way to use peppermint for nausea. In a study those who have inhaled peppermint essential oil aromatherapy had less nausea and vomiting after surgery. [6]
7. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
If you’re feeling nauseated, try to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals. Eating small meals will help to ease your stomach and reduce nausea. Small meals can pass through the gastrointestinal tract more quickly and are less likely to trigger nausea.
8. Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupressure is a type of massage that uses pressure points on the body. Applying pressure to certain points on the body can help to relieve nausea. One study found that acupressure was effective in relieving chemotherapy-induced nausea.
In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. This ancient Chinese practice may help to relieve nausea. A review of studies found that acupuncture was effective in reducing postoperative nausea.
9. Supplements of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in many bodily functions. It’s needed for the proper function of more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. Vitamin B6 also helps to maintain normal nerve function and supports a healthy immune system.
Vitamin B6 is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting. A review of studies found that vitamin B6 was effective in reducing nausea in pregnant women. The recommended dose of vitamin B6 for nausea is 25-50 mg, 3 times per day. [9]
10. Include Protein in Your Meals
If you’re feeling nauseated, try to include protein in your meals. Protein helps to slow down the emptying of the stomach and can help to reduce nausea. Good sources of protein include meats, poultry, fish, tofu, legumes, and nuts. Proteins are much better at reducing nausea than foods with carbohydrates or fats. [10]
What to Avoid When You Have Nausea?
1. Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can trigger nausea in some people. If you’re feeling nauseated, try to avoid spicy foods until your symptoms improve.
2. Fatty Foods: Fatty foods can be difficult to digest and may make your nausea worse. If you’re feeling nauseated, try to avoid fatty foods until your symptoms improve.
3. Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in fat and can be difficult to digest. If you’re feeling nauseated, try to avoid processed foods until your symptoms improve.
4. Avoid Drinking liquids while Eating: It’s best to avoid drinking liquids while you’re eating. Drinking fluids with your meals can make your stomach bloated and increase nausea.
5. Strong Smells Can Increase Nausea: Strong smells can trigger nausea in some people. If you’re feeling nauseated, try to avoid strong smells until your symptoms improve.
When to Consult a Physician?
If you’re experiencing nausea on a regular basis, it’s important to consult a physician. Nausea can be a symptom of many different conditions, some of which may be serious. Regular nausea can also lead to dehydration and weight loss. If you’re concerned about your nausea, make an appointment with your doctor.
There are many different ways to reduce nausea. Some people find that certain home remedies are effective, while others may need to consult a physician. If you’re concerned about using any of the home remedies, talk to your doctor and take their advice first.
Note: It is always recommended to use these home remedies after getting your doctor’s approval.
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