Foods that stop nausea. 9 Effective Foods to Combat Nausea: Natural Relief for Upset Stomachs

17.09.202322.06.2023 by alexxlab

What foods can help alleviate nausea. How does ginger aid in reducing nausea symptoms. Which bland foods are recommended for upset stomachs. Why are cold foods beneficial for nausea relief. How can protein-rich foods help combat nausea. What alternative remedies can be used alongside dietary changes to manage nausea.

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Understanding Nausea and Its Common Causes

Nausea, the unpleasant sensation of feeling the need to vomit, can stem from various sources. Common causes include viral infections, food poisoning, cancer treatments, motion sickness, pregnancy, and digestive issues. While the thought of eating may seem counterintuitive when feeling nauseated, certain foods can actually help alleviate symptoms and replenish lost nutrients.

Why Eating Can Help with Nausea

Consuming the right foods during bouts of nausea serves two crucial purposes:

Symptom relief: Certain foods can help settle the stomach and reduce nausea.
Nutrient replenishment: Eating helps replace important nutrients lost through vomiting or decreased food intake.

The Power of Ginger in Combating Nausea

Ginger has long been celebrated for its ability to alleviate nausea. But what makes it so effective? Gingerols and shogaols, key components found in ginger, may stimulate stomach emptying and provide relief from nauseous feelings.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Ginger’s Efficacy

Research has demonstrated ginger’s potency in addressing various types of nausea:

Pregnancy-induced nausea: Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown ginger to be more effective than placebos in reducing nausea intensity and vomiting frequency in pregnant women.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea: A study found that 500mg of powdered ginger root twice daily, taken 5 days before and after chemotherapy, reduced vomiting frequency in breast cancer patients.
Morning sickness and seasickness: Ginger has proven more effective than placebos in treating these conditions as well.

Incorporating Ginger into Your Diet

There are several ways to enjoy the benefits of ginger:

Add ginger powder to broths
Steep sliced fresh ginger in hot water or herbal teas
Consume ginger ale (ensure it contains real ginger)
Snack on crystallized ginger

The Soothing Properties of Broths and Clear Liquids

Chicken or vegetable broths are time-honored remedies for various ailments, including nausea. These liquid-based foods offer several advantages for those experiencing stomach upset:

Easy digestion: Broths are gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed.
Nutrient delivery: They provide essential nutrients in an easily digestible form.
Hydration: Broths help replace lost fluids, salts, and electrolytes, especially important if you’re experiencing vomiting or sweating.

Tips for Consuming Broths When Nauseated

To maximize the benefits of broths:

Opt for clear, low-fat broths to minimize stomach irritation
Sip slowly to prevent overwhelming your stomach
Consider adding ginger or lemon to enhance the nausea-fighting properties

The BRAT Diet: A Gentle Approach to Nausea Relief

The BRAT diet, consisting of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a popular approach for managing nausea and other digestive issues. These foods are favored for their bland nature and ease of digestion.

Benefits of Each Component

Let’s explore why each element of the BRAT diet can be beneficial:

Bananas: Rich in potassium, they help replace electrolytes lost through vomiting. They’re also easily digestible and provide quick energy.
Rice: Plain, white rice is low in fiber and easy on the stomach. It can help firm up loose stools and provide some carbohydrates for energy.
Applesauce: Offers easily digestible carbohydrates and some pectin, which may help with diarrhea.
Toast: Plain toast is a simple carbohydrate that’s easy to digest and can help absorb stomach acid.

Limitations of the BRAT Diet

While the BRAT diet can be helpful in the short term, it’s important to note its limitations:

Nutritional inadequacy: The diet doesn’t provide enough nutrients for long-term use.
Temporary solution: It should only be used for a brief period until you start feeling better.
Hydration needs: It’s crucial to stay hydrated while on this diet, taking small, frequent sips of water.

Dry Foods: A Safe Haven for Unsettled Stomachs

Dry, bland foods can be particularly appealing when dealing with nausea. Their lack of strong odors and simple composition make them easier to tolerate.

Recommended Dry Foods for Nausea Relief

Consider incorporating these dry foods into your diet when feeling nauseated:

Saltine crackers
Pretzels
Oatcakes
Rice cakes
Plain toast

Why Dry Foods Work

Dry foods can help alleviate nausea for several reasons:

Absorption: They can help absorb excess stomach acid.
Mild flavor: Their bland taste is less likely to trigger nausea.
Slow digestion: They provide a gradual release of energy without overwhelming the stomach.

The Cool Relief: Cold Foods for Nausea Management

When nausea strikes, cold foods can often be more appealing and easier to tolerate than their warm counterparts. The reduced odor of cold foods can be particularly beneficial for those sensitive to smells during bouts of nausea.

Why Cold Foods Can Help

Cold foods offer several advantages for managing nausea:

Reduced aroma: Cold foods typically have less smell, which can help prevent triggering nausea.
Soothing effect: The cool temperature can have a calming effect on the stomach.
Hydration: Many cold foods, like popsicles, can help with hydration.

Cold Food Options for Nausea Relief

Consider these cold food choices when dealing with nausea:

A sandwich with protein (e.g., peanut butter or egg salad)
Crackers with a small amount of cheese
Plain, unsweetened yogurt
Popsicles (preferably low in sugar)
Chilled fruits like melon or grapes
Cold vegetable sticks (if tolerable)

Protein-Rich Foods: Nourishment for Recovery

While it might seem counterintuitive, incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet can be beneficial when dealing with nausea. Protein plays a crucial role in the body’s digestive processes and overall function.

The Importance of Protein During Nausea

Protein serves several important functions in the body, particularly during periods of nausea:

Enzyme production: Protein helps the body create enzymes that aid in digestion.
Nutrient transport: It assists in oxygenating blood to carry nutrients throughout the body.
Sustained energy: Protein provides a longer-lasting source of energy compared to simple carbohydrates.

Protein-Rich Food Options for Nausea

When incorporating protein into your diet during bouts of nausea, opt for easily digestible sources such as:

Peanut butter (smooth varieties may be easier to tolerate)
Lean fish (baked or poached)
Turkey (sliced or in small pieces)
Boiled eggs
Plain, unsweetened yogurt
Baked tofu (avoid fried preparations)

These protein sources can be combined with bland foods like toast, rice, or plain noodles to increase calorie intake while minimizing stomach upset.

Alternative Remedies to Complement Dietary Changes

While dietary modifications play a significant role in managing nausea, several alternative remedies can complement these changes and provide additional relief.

Aromatherapy for Nausea Relief

Aromatherapy has shown promise in helping manage nausea and reduce vomiting. A clinical trial found that aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil decreased the frequency, duration, and severity of nausea in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.

Other essential oils that may help alleviate nausea include:

Ginger oil
Lavender oil
Lemon oil

Breathing Exercises to Combat Nausea

Certain breathing techniques have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nausea symptoms:

Diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breathing): A study found this technique reduced feelings of motion sickness during virtual reality exposure.
Controlled breathing exercises: Research showed these exercises reduced the frequency and severity of nausea in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Over-the-Counter Medications

For persistent or severe nausea, over-the-counter antiemetics can provide relief. These medications work by blocking signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting. Common options include:

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
Meclizine (Bonine)

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication, especially if you’re pregnant, have underlying health conditions, or are taking other medications.

Crafting a Nausea-Fighting Meal Plan

Combining the various foods and techniques discussed can create an effective strategy for managing nausea. Here’s a sample meal plan that incorporates nausea-fighting foods:

Breakfast

Plain toast with a thin spread of peanut butter
A small banana
Ginger tea (room temperature or cold)

Mid-Morning Snack

A few saltine crackers
Small sips of cold water or electrolyte solution

Lunch

Clear chicken or vegetable broth
Plain rice cakes
Chilled cucumber slices (if tolerable)

Afternoon Snack

Plain, unsweetened yogurt
A small portion of applesauce

Dinner

Baked or poached white fish
Steamed white rice
Ginger-infused herbal tea

Remember to adjust this plan based on your individual tolerance and preferences. Eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones can also help manage nausea more effectively.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nausea

While dietary changes and home remedies can often effectively manage nausea, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for professional healthcare.

Red Flags: When Nausea Requires Immediate Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms along with nausea:

Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Blurred vision or confusion
Blood in vomit or stool
Inability to keep any fluids down for 24 hours

Chronic Nausea: When to Consult a Doctor

If nausea persists for an extended period or occurs frequently, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Chronic nausea may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. Consider seeking medical advice if:

Nausea lasts for more than a week without improvement
You experience unexplained weight loss
Nausea significantly impacts your daily life or ability to eat
You’re pregnant and experiencing severe or persistent nausea

A healthcare provider can help identify the root cause of chronic nausea and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include dietary changes, medications, or further diagnostic tests.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Nausea Management

Managing nausea effectively often requires a multifaceted approach. By combining dietary strategies, such as incorporating ginger, bland foods, and protein-rich options, with alternative remedies like aromatherapy and breathing exercises, individuals can often find relief from nausea symptoms.

Remember that everyone’s experience with nausea is unique, and what works for one person may not be as effective for another. It’s important to listen to your body, start with small portions, and gradually introduce a wider variety of foods as your symptoms improve.

While dietary changes can be highly effective, they should not replace medical advice, especially in cases of severe or prolonged nausea. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about persistent nausea or if your symptoms are accompanied by other worrying signs.

By taking a thoughtful, personalized approach to nausea management, incorporating both dietary strategies and complementary techniques, you can navigate through periods of nausea more comfortably and support your body’s recovery process.

The best foods to relieve nausea

If people are feeling nauseated, just the thought of food may make them feel worse. However, bland foods, cold foods, protein foods, ginger, and other options may help settle the stomach and provide energy for the body.

People may feel nausea, or the unpleasant and sometimes unavoidable sensation of needing to vomit, for a variety of reasons, such as:

viruses
food poisoning
cancer treatments
motion sickness
pregnancy
digestive issues

Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids can help manage nausea, but so can eating certain foods.

Eating while feeling sick may seem counterintuitive. However, food can not only help relieve nausea, but it can also replace important nutrients lost after voiding.

This article looks at which foods can help relieve nausea.

People have traditionally used ginger to treat nausea. Gingerols and shogaols are components in ginger that may stimulate the stomach to empty and help to relieve feelings of nausea.

A review of studies looked at the effects of ginger on nausea and vomiting in cases of pregnancy-induced symptoms. Four randomized controlled trials showed that ginger was more effective than a placebo in reducing the intensity of nausea and frequency of vomiting in pregnant females.

The authors of the review also found that ginger was more effective than a placebo in treating morning sickness, seasickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Another study supports that ginger may help relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea. The study found that 500 milligrams of powdered ginger root 2 times per day, 5 days before and 5 days after chemotherapy, helped reduce the frequency of vomiting in breast cancer patients.

To incorporate ginger into any diet, people can add ginger powder to broths or add sliced fresh ginger to hot water or herbal teas. Ginger ale is also a good option, as is eating crystallized ginger.

Chicken or vegetable broths are common remedies for sickness, helping everything from headaches to colds to fevers and nausea.

They can be a good source of nutrients that are easy to digest when a person is feeling nauseated.

If people are drinking less or losing fluids through sweating and vomiting, broths can help to replace lost fluids, salt, and electrolytes.

BRAT stands for:

Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast

People may find these foods easier to eat because they are bland and easy to digest.

Bananas are also a good source of energy and nutrients. They are high in potassium, which can help replace any electrolytes lost through vomiting.

However, the BRAT diet does not provide enough nutrients for people over the long term. It may help for a brief period of nausea, but people should start adding a wider variety of foods once they start feeling better.

It is also vital to stay hydrated while on the BRAT diet. People should make sure they take small sips of water frequently. Drinking large gulps of water may upset an already unsettled stomach.

Along with toast, other dry foods can be a good option for people feeling nauseated, as they are plain and easy to digest. They also have little to no odor, which may help reduce feelings of nausea.

Dry foods can include:

saltine crackers
pretzels
oatcakes
rice cakes

People may find it easier to eat cold foods when feeling sick, as they often smell less than hot foods. The odor of hot food may increase feelings of nausea for some people.

Good options for cold foods include:

a sandwich with protein, such as peanut butter or egg salad
crackers with a small amount of cheese
yogurt
popsicles

Protein helps the body create enzymes that digest food. The body also uses protein to oxygenate blood to carry nutrients to every part of the body.

Good options for protein-rich foods include:

peanut butter
fish
turkey
boiled eggs
plain, unsweetened yogurt
baked tofu (not fried)

People can combine these foods with bland foods, such as toast, rice, or noodles, to increase calories.

There are alternatives to help treat nausea. Aromatherapy may help people manage nausea and relieve vomiting.

A clinical trial found that aromatherapy — specifically infused with peppermint essential oil — helped decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of nausea in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.

Other essential oils that may relieve nausea through aromatherapy include ginger oil, lavender oil, and lemon oil.

Breathing exercises can also help ease nausea symptoms.

One study found that breathing exercises reduced the number of nausea, vomiting, and retching episodes and lowered the severity of nausea in people with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Another study found that diaphragmatic breathing, or deep belly breathing, reduced feelings of motion sickness during virtual reality exposure compared to a control group.

Additionally, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications that help treat nausea, called antiemetics. Options include:

Emetrol
Nauzen
Dramamine
Pepto-Bismol

It is normal to experience nausea once in a while, especially when experiencing food poisoning, indigestion, or motion sickness.

However, excessive vomiting can be a cause for concern or indicative of a more serious problem.

Recurrent episodes of vomiting can be associated with:

severe food poisoning
pregnancy
migraine
vestibular disorders
appendicitis
kidney infections
cyclic vomiting syndrome

When it comes to vomiting and nausea, red flags to look out for include:

vomiting for more than 1 day
bouts of nausea and vomiting for longer than 1 month
severe abdominal pain
unexplained weight loss
progressive headache and neck pain
blood in the vomit
an inability to keep down clear liquids
fever

A person experiencing any of these symptoms should call or visit a doctor.

Emergency services may be necessary if blood is in the vomit, which may be caused by ulcers, ruptured blood vessels, or stomach bleeding.

It is also important to consider other contextual factors, like having a fever or an inability to keep down clear liquids.

A fever with vomiting may indicate an infection or virus, while an inability to keep down clear liquids may point to dehydration.

What foods to avoid when nauseous?

Just as there are foods to help relieve nausea, there are also foods to avoid when nauseous.

Avoid eating fatty, greasy, and fried food, spicy foods, and foods with strong odors. A person should also avoid foods high in sugar, such as sweets and desserts.

What foods treat nausea during pregnancy?

Sticking to a bland diet during pregnancy may be the best way to help with nausea. This includes foods that are:

a soft consistency
low fiber
cooked
not spicy

Drinking cold, clear, and carbonated fluids in small amounts between meals may also help alleviate pregnancy-related nausea.

How to treat nausea fast?

There is no instant fix for nausea, but ginger is an effective, inexpensive, and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting that works relatively fast.

Other quick fixes include smelling fresh lemon, mint, or orange, which can be achieved by smelling the actual item or using an oil diffuser with these scents.

Is yogurt good for nausea?

While research shows that cold foods without strong odors may help alleviate nausea, more studies are required to understand the full effects of yogurt for nausea relief.

Are eggs good for nausea?

Research suggests that protein consumption may help relieve nausea in pregnant people.

However, more current research shows that increased protein consumption, especially before exercise, may actually increase the symptoms of nausea in nonpregnant people.

More research is necessary to fully understand if eggs are helpful for relieving nausea.

People may not want to eat much when they are feeling nauseated. However, consuming small amounts of certain foods may help relieve nausea and keep energy levels up.

It is also vital to stay hydrated by drinking clear beverages, such as water or soda, especially to replace lost fluids if vomiting.

Other tips that may help with nausea include:

sitting upright after eating
avoiding activity after eating
watching TV, reading a book, or talking with someone while eating as a distraction
eating slowly to help digestion
eating small amounts throughout the day
rinsing the mouth or brushing the teeth after eating to reduce feelings of nausea

If people continue to feel nauseated without any relief, have unexplained nausea, or are unable to eat or drink at all, they should speak to a doctor.