What does it mean when you feel nausea. Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – Understanding Food Poisoning from Salmonella to E. coli
What are the common causes of nausea. How can you identify symptoms of food poisoning. What treatments are available for nausea and food-borne illnesses. How to prevent food contamination and reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Understanding Nausea: More Than Just an Upset Stomach
Nausea is a complex sensation that many people experience at some point in their lives. But what exactly causes this uncomfortable feeling? Nausea is often described as a queasy sensation in the stomach, accompanied by the urge to vomit. While it’s commonly associated with digestive issues, nausea can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including food poisoning, viral infections, pregnancy, and even certain medications.
Why does nausea occur? The body’s nausea response is actually a protective mechanism designed to rid itself of potentially harmful substances. When the brain receives signals that something isn’t right in the digestive system or elsewhere in the body, it can trigger feelings of nausea as a warning sign.
Common Causes of Nausea
- Food poisoning
- Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Motion sickness
- Pregnancy (morning sickness)
- Certain medications
- Migraine headaches
- Anxiety or stress
Is nausea always a sign of a serious problem? Not necessarily. While nausea can be a symptom of various medical conditions, it’s often temporary and resolves on its own. However, persistent or severe nausea should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Food Poisoning: A Common Culprit Behind Nausea
Food poisoning is one of the most frequent causes of nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It occurs when you consume food or drinks contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million people in the United States get sick from foodborne illnesses each year.
How quickly do food poisoning symptoms appear? The onset of symptoms can vary depending on the specific pathogen involved. Some people may experience nausea and other symptoms within a few hours of consuming contaminated food, while others might not develop symptoms for several days.
Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
Can food poisoning be life-threatening? While most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own within a few days, some can be severe and even life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella: A Leading Cause of Foodborne Illness
Salmonella is a type of bacteria responsible for a significant number of food poisoning cases worldwide. It’s commonly found in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products. Salmonella infections, also known as salmonellosis, can cause a range of symptoms, with nausea being a common complaint.
How does Salmonella contamination occur? Salmonella can contaminate food at various points in the production and preparation process. This includes contamination during animal slaughter, improper food handling, or cross-contamination in the kitchen.
Recognizing Salmonella Infection
- Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
How long does a Salmonella infection last? Most people recover from Salmonella infections within 4 to 7 days without specific treatment. However, in severe cases or for individuals at higher risk, medical intervention may be necessary.
E. coli: Another Notorious Foodborne Pathogen
Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is another bacterial culprit behind many cases of food poisoning. While some strains of E. coli are harmless and naturally present in the human gut, others can cause severe illness. The most concerning type is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can lead to serious complications.
Where is E. coli commonly found? E. coli contamination is often associated with undercooked ground beef, raw milk, contaminated water, and fresh produce that has come into contact with animal feces.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild fever
What makes E. coli infections particularly dangerous? In some cases, especially those caused by STEC, E. coli infections can lead to a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and be life-threatening.
Diagnosing Food Poisoning: From Symptoms to Tests
Identifying the specific cause of food poisoning can be challenging, as many pathogens can produce similar symptoms. Healthcare providers often rely on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
How do doctors diagnose food poisoning? The diagnostic process typically involves:
- Reviewing the patient’s symptoms and recent food consumption
- Performing a physical examination
- Ordering stool tests to identify the specific pathogen
- In some cases, blood tests or other diagnostic procedures may be necessary
Is it always possible to identify the exact cause of food poisoning? Not always. In many cases, especially milder ones, the specific pathogen may not be identified. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration, regardless of the exact cause.
Treatment Options for Nausea and Food Poisoning
The treatment for nausea and food poisoning depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. In many cases, home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can provide relief. However, more severe cases may require medical intervention.
Home Remedies and Self-Care
- Rest and avoid solid foods until nausea subsides
- Stay hydrated with clear fluids, sports drinks, or oral rehydration solutions
- Gradually introduce bland, easily digestible foods (BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods
- Try ginger tea or peppermint to soothe nausea
Medical Treatments
When should you seek medical attention for nausea or suspected food poisoning? If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by signs of dehydration, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Medical treatments may include:
- Antiemetic medications to control nausea and vomiting
- Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration
- Antibiotics (in specific cases of bacterial infections)
- Hospitalization for severe cases or complications
Can antibiotics always cure food poisoning? Antibiotics are not always necessary or effective for food poisoning. They are typically reserved for specific bacterial infections or severe cases. Many foodborne illnesses, especially those caused by viruses, resolve on their own without antibiotic treatment.
Preventing Food Poisoning: Safe Food Handling Practices
While it’s not always possible to completely eliminate the risk of food poisoning, following proper food safety practices can significantly reduce the chances of contamination and illness. Prevention starts with understanding how food becomes contaminated and taking steps to maintain food safety at every stage of handling and preparation.
Key Food Safety Principles
- Clean: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces frequently
- Separate: Keep raw meats separate from other foods
- Cook: Ensure foods are cooked to safe internal temperatures
- Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly
How can consumers protect themselves when dining out? When eating at restaurants or purchasing prepared foods, consider the following tips:
- Check restaurant health inspection scores
- Observe food handling practices
- Ensure hot foods are served steaming hot and cold foods are properly chilled
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions about food preparation methods
What role do food safety regulations play in preventing foodborne illnesses? Government agencies like the FDA and USDA establish and enforce food safety regulations to help prevent contamination throughout the food supply chain. These regulations cover everything from farm practices to food processing, transportation, and retail handling.
Vulnerable Populations: Higher Risk for Foodborne Illnesses
While anyone can experience food poisoning, certain groups are at higher risk for developing severe symptoms or complications. Understanding these vulnerabilities can help individuals and caregivers take appropriate precautions.
High-Risk Groups for Foodborne Illnesses
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals with chronic illnesses
Why are these groups more susceptible to severe food poisoning? These populations may have less robust immune systems or physiological factors that make them more vulnerable to foodborne pathogens. For example, pregnant women are particularly susceptible to Listeria infections, which can have serious consequences for the developing fetus.
What additional precautions should high-risk individuals take? People in high-risk groups should be especially vigilant about food safety. This may include avoiding certain high-risk foods (like raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and certain deli meats) and taking extra care with food preparation and storage.
Long-Term Consequences of Foodborne Illnesses
While most cases of food poisoning resolve without long-term effects, some individuals may experience persistent or chronic health issues following a severe foodborne illness. Understanding these potential long-term consequences underscores the importance of prevention and prompt treatment.
Possible Long-Term Effects
- Reactive arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
- Chronic kidney disease
How common are these long-term effects? Fortunately, serious long-term consequences are relatively rare. However, they can be severe when they do occur, emphasizing the importance of food safety and proper medical care for foodborne illnesses.
Can food poisoning lead to psychological effects? Some studies suggest that severe cases of food poisoning may be associated with an increased risk of anxiety or depression. This could be due to the traumatic nature of the illness or potential changes in gut bacteria that influence mood and mental health.
Emerging Threats: New Challenges in Food Safety
As our food systems evolve and global trade expands, new challenges in food safety continue to emerge. Staying informed about these developing issues is crucial for both consumers and food industry professionals.
Current and Future Food Safety Concerns
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Climate change impacts on food production and safety
- Novel foodborne pathogens
- Food fraud and intentional adulteration
- Challenges in tracing contamination in complex supply chains
How are food safety experts addressing these challenges? Researchers and regulatory agencies are continuously working to develop new technologies and strategies to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging food safety threats. This includes advancements in rapid testing methods, improved traceability systems, and the application of big data and artificial intelligence in food safety management.
What can consumers do to stay informed about food safety issues? Stay updated on food recalls and safety alerts from reputable sources like the FDA and CDC. Be open to new food safety recommendations as scientific understanding evolves.
The Global Impact of Foodborne Illnesses
Foodborne illnesses are not just a personal health concern; they have significant impacts on public health, economics, and global food systems. Understanding the broader implications of food safety issues can help drive support for improved practices and policies worldwide.
Global Statistics on Foodborne Illnesses
- The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 10 people fall ill from eating contaminated food each year
- Foodborne diseases cause approximately 420,000 deaths annually worldwide
- Children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden
How do foodborne illnesses impact the global economy? The economic burden of foodborne diseases is substantial, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and impacts on trade and tourism. The World Bank estimates that unsafe food costs low- and middle-income economies about US$ 110 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses each year.
What role does international cooperation play in food safety? Global food safety requires collaboration between countries, international organizations, and the food industry. Initiatives like the World Health Organization’s Food Safety Collaborative Platform aim to strengthen food safety systems worldwide and promote the sharing of information and best practices.
The Future of Food Safety: Innovations and Technologies
As we face new challenges in food safety, innovative technologies and approaches are being developed to enhance our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to foodborne illnesses. These advancements promise to revolutionize how we ensure the safety of our food supply.
Emerging Food Safety Technologies
- Blockchain for improved traceability
- Gene sequencing for rapid pathogen identification
- Smart packaging with food safety indicators
- Artificial intelligence for predictive food safety analysis
- Advanced sensor technologies for real-time contamination detection
How will these technologies impact consumers? Many of these innovations aim to provide consumers with more information about the safety and quality of their food. For example, smart packaging could allow consumers to scan a product with their smartphone to view its entire journey from farm to table and confirm its safety.
What challenges exist in implementing these new technologies? While promising, many of these technologies face barriers to widespread adoption, including cost, regulatory approval, and the need for standardization across the food industry. However, as these technologies mature and become more accessible, they have the potential to significantly enhance food safety on a global scale.
In conclusion, understanding nausea and its connection to food poisoning is crucial for maintaining personal health and contributing to broader food safety efforts. From recognizing symptoms to implementing preventive measures, each individual plays a role in reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. As we continue to face new challenges in food safety, ongoing research, technological innovation, and global cooperation will be key to ensuring a safer food supply for everyone.
Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
A heart attack happens when something blocks the blood flow to your heart so it can’t get the oxygen it needs. It’s a medical emergency. Call 911 right away at the first sign of any symptoms. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms pass.
Heart attacks are also called myocardial infarctions (MIs). “Myo” means muscle, “cardial” refers to the heart, and “infarction” means death of tissue because of a lack of blood supply. This tissue death can cause lasting damage to your heart muscle..
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, tightness, squeezing, or pain in your chest or arm or below your breastbone
- Discomfort that goes into your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Fullness, indigestion, or a choking feeling (it may feel like heartburn)
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
- Severe weakness, anxiety, fatigue, or shortness of breath
- Fast or uneven heartbeat
Symptoms can be different from person to person or from one heart attack to another. Women are more likely to have these heart attack symptoms:
- Unusual fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Discomfort in your gut. It may feel like indigestion.
- Discomfort in the neck, shoulder, or upper back
With some heart attacks, you won’t notice any symptoms (a “silent” myocardial infarction). This is more common in people who have diabetes.
More than a million Americans have heart attacks each year. It happens every 40 seconds to someone in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Heart attacks happen to both men and women. Although they are more likely as you get old, there are many risk factors – including high blood pressure, high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, diabetes, and whether you smoke – that you can change.
Types of heart attacks: When someone has a heart attack, you may hear some of these terms used:
- STEMI: A heart attack where a coronary artery is completely blocked
- NSTEMI: A heart attack where a coronary artery is narrowed enough to greatly reduce blood flow but is not totally blocked
- MINOCA: A heart attack in which no blockages are seen in the main coronary arteries.
MINOCA stands for myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries.
A sudden cardiac arrest is actually not a heart attack. You can think of a heart attack as a problem within the heart’s arteries, and a sudden cardiac arrest as the heart’s electrical system suddenly not working right, causing the heart to stop pumping.
Angina also isn’t a heart attack. It’s a symptom, and sometimes it can signal a heart attack. It means chest pain. And while it can happen with a heart attack, it can also happen for other reasons. The sensations may occur with normal activities or exertion but then go away with rest or when you take nitroglycerin.
With angina, you may feel:
- Pressure, pain, squeezing, or a sense of fullness in the center of the chest
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
Call 911 if it gets worse, lasts more than 5 minutes, or doesn’t improve after you’ve taken nitroglycerin. Doctors call that “unstable” angina, and it’s an emergency that could be related to a heart attack that is about to happen.
If you instead have “stable” angina, which is the most common kind, your symptoms usually happen with predictable triggers (such as a strong emotion, physical activity, extreme high or low temperatures, or even a heavy meal). The symptoms go away if you rest or take nitroglycerin that your doctor has prescribed. If not, call 911.
Your heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. Your coronary arteries give your heart this critical blood supply. If you have coronary artery disease, those arteries become narrow, and blood can’t flow as well as it should. When your blood supply is blocked, you have a heart attack.
Fat, calcium, proteins, and inflammatory cells build up in your arteries to form plaques. These plaque deposits are hard on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside.
When the plaque is hard, the outer shell cracks. This is called a rupture. Platelets (disc-shaped things in your blood that help it clot) come to the area, and blood clots form around the plaque. If a blood clot blocks your artery, your heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen. The muscle cells soon die, causing permanent damage.
Rarely, a spasm in your coronary artery can also cause a heart attack. During this coronary spasm, your arteries restrict or spasm on and off, cutting off the blood supply to your heart muscle (ischemia). It can happen while you’re at rest and even if you don’t have serious coronary artery disease.
Each coronary artery sends blood to a different part of your heart muscle. How much the muscle is damaged depends on the size of the area that the blocked artery supplies and the amount of time between the attack and treatment.
Your heart muscle starts to heal soon after a heart attack. This takes about 8 weeks. Just like a skin wound, a scar forms in the damaged area. But the new scar tissue doesn’t move the way it should. So your heart can’t pump as much after a heart attack. How much that ability to pump is affected depends on the size and location of the scar.
After a heart attack, you need quick treatment to open the blocked artery and lessen the damage. At the first signs of a heart attack, call 911. The best time to treat a heart attack is within 1 or 2 hours after symptoms begin. Waiting longer means more damage to your heart and a lower chance of survival.
If you’ve called emergency services and are waiting for them to arrive, chew an aspirin (325 milligrams). Aspirin is a potent inhibitor of blood clots and can lower the risk of death from a heart attack by 25%.
Call 911 and start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if someone goes into cardiac arrest, which is when the heartbeat has stopped and the person isn’t responsive. CPR doesn’t restart the heart; but it keeps the person alive until medical help arrives.
An easy-to-use device called an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available in many public places and can be used by almost anyone to treat cardiac arrest. This device works by shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm.
Here’s how to use an AED:
1. Check responsiveness
- For an adult or older child, shout and shake the person to confirm whether they’re unconscious. Do not use AED on a conscious person.
- For an infant or young child, pinch their skin. Never shake a young child.
- Check breathing and pulse. If absent or uneven, prepare to use the AED as soon as possible.
2. Prepare to use the AED
- Make sure the person is in a dry area and away from puddles or water.
- Check for body piercings or outline of an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
- AED pads must be placed at least 1 inch away from piercings or implanted devices.
3. Use the AED
For newborns, infants, and children up to age 8, use a pediatric AED, if possible. If not, use an adult AED.
- Turn on the AED.
- Wipe the chest dry.
- Attach the pads.
- Plug in the connector, if necessary.
- Make sure no one is touching the person.
- Push the “Analyze” button.
- If a shock is advised, check again to make sure no one is touching the person.
- Push the “Shock” button.
- Start or resume compressions.
- Follow AED prompts.
4. Continue CPR
- After 2 minutes of CPR, check the person’s heart rhythm. If it’s still absent or uneven, give them another shock.
- If a shock isn’t needed, continue CPR until emergency help arrives or the person begins to move.
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
Emergency medical workers will ask you about your symptoms and do some tests.
Tests to diagnose a heart attack
Your doctor may order tests, including:
EKG: Also known as an electrocardiogram or ECG, this is a simple test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can tell how much your heart muscle has been damaged and where. It can also monitor your heart rate and rhythm.
Blood tests: Several blood tests, often done every 4 to 8 hours, can help diagnose a heart attack and spot any ongoing heart damage. Different levels of cardiac enzymes in your blood can indicate heart muscle damage. These enzymes are usually inside the cells of your heart. When those cells are injured, their contents – including the enzymes – spill into your bloodstream. By measuring the levels of these enzymes, your doctor can find out the size of the heart attack and when it started. Tests can also measure troponin levels. Troponins are proteins inside heart cells that are released when the cells are damaged by the lack of blood supply to your heart.
Echocardiography: In this ultrasound test, sound waves are bounced off your heart to create images. It can be used during and after a heart attack to learn how your heart is pumping and what areas aren’t pumping the way they should. The “echo” can also tell whether any parts of your heart (valves, septum, etc.) have been injured in the heart attack.
Cardiac catheterization: You might need cardiac catheterization, also called cardiac cath, during the first hours of a heart attack if medications aren’t helping with the ischemia or symptoms. The cardiac cath can give an image of the blocked artery and help your doctor decide on a treatment.
In this procedure, a catheter (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or wrist and threaded up to your heart. Dye is used to highlight your heart’s arteries. Your doctor can then identify blockages, which are often treated with angioplasty or stents to open the artery and restore blood flow. Your doctor may do several tests to assess your heart. Intravenous blood thinner is an option to open the artery if cardiac catheterization is not available.
Stress testing: Your doctor can do a treadmill test or a radionuclide scan to check whether other areas of the heart are still at risk for another heart attack.
A heart attack is a medical emergency that needs care right away to prevent permanent heart damage or death. Treatment often begins in the ambulance if you called 911, or in the emergency room if someone else took you to the hospital.
What drugs are used to treat a heart attack?
At the emergency facility or hospital, you’ll quickly get drugs to prevent further blood clotting in the heart and ease the strain on the heart. Drug therapy aims to break up or prevent blood clots, stop platelets from collecting and sticking to the plaque, stabilize the plaque, and prevent more ischemia.
You should get these medications as soon as you can (within 1 or 2 hours from the start of your heart attack, if possible) to limit heart damage.
Drugs used during a heart attack may include:
- Aspirin to stop blood clotting that may make the heart attack worse
- Other antiplatelet drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or ticagrelor (Brilinta) to stop clotting
- Thrombolytic therapy (“clot busters”) to dissolve blood clots in your heart’s arteries
- Any combination of these
Other drugs given during or after a heart attack help your heart work better, widen your blood vessels, lower your pain, and help you avoid life-threatening heart rhythms.
Are there other treatments for a heart attack?
Treatment may also include a procedure to open the blocked arteries.
Cardiac catheterization: In addition to making a picture of your arteries, cardiac catheterization can be used for procedures (such as angiography or stent) to open narrowed or blocked arteries.
Balloon angioplasty: This treatment can be done, if needed, during cardiac catheterization. A balloon-tipped catheter (thin, hollow tube) is inserted into the blocked artery in the heart. The balloon is inflated gently to press plaque outward against the walls of the artery, to open the artery and improve blood flow. Most of the time, this is not done without putting in a stent.
Stent placement: In this procedure, a small tube is inserted through a catheter into a blocked artery to “prop” it open. The stent is usually made of metal and is permanent. It can also be made of a material that your body absorbs over time. Some stents have medicine that helps keep the artery from getting blocked again.
Bypass surgery: You might have bypass surgery in the days after a heart attack to restore the blood supply to your heart. Your surgeon will reroute blood flow around your blocked artery, usually using a blood vessel from your leg or chest. They can bypass multiple arteries.
What happens in the coronary care unit (CCU)?
If you’ve had a heart attack, you’ll usually stay in a CCU for at least 24 to 36 hours. Once past the critical phase, you’ll continue to get a variety of drugs, including:
- Beta-blockers to slow the heart
- Nitrates to increase heart blood flow
- Blood thinners such as aspirin, Brilinta, clopidogrel, Effient, heparin, or Plavix to prevent further clotting
- ACE inhibitors to help the heart muscle heal
- Statins – cholesterol-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin and simvastatin – to help the heart muscle heal and lower the risk of another heart attack
While you’re in the hospital, medical staff will constantly monitor your heart by EKG in case you get unusual heart rhythms.
Some people may need to be fitted with a pacemaker, a battery-powered device to help keep a steady heart rhythm. If you have a dangerous arrhythmia known as ventricular fibrillation, medical providers will give an electric shock to your chest.
Treatments don’t cure coronary artery disease. You can still have another heart attack. But you can take steps to make it less likely.
The goal after your heart attack is to keep your heart healthy and lower your risk of having another heart attack. Take your medications as directed, make healthy lifestyle changes, see your doctor for regular heart checkups, and consider a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Why do I need to take medications after a heart attack?
You might take certain drugs after a heart attack to:
- Prevent blood clots
- Help your heart work better
- Prevent plaques by lowering cholesterol
You might take medications that treat an uneven heartbeat, lower your blood pressure, control chest pain, and treat heart failure.
Know the names of your medications, what they’re used for, and when you need to take them. Go over your medications with your doctor or nurse. Keep a list of all your medications, and take it to each of your doctor visits. If you have questions about them, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
It sounds obvious, but don’t skip your medications. Many people don’t take their medications the way their doctor told them to. Figure out what keeps you from taking your medicine – it could be side effects, cost, or forgetfulness – and ask your doctor for help.
What lifestyle changes are needed after a heart attack?
To keep heart disease from getting worse and to head off another heart attack, follow your doctor’s advice. You might need to change your lifestyle. Here are some changes you can make that can cut your risk and put you on the path to a healthier life:
Stop smoking: Smoking dramatically raises your risk of both heart attacks and strokes. Talk to your doctor about how to quit. You’ll also be doing your friends and family a favor, since secondhand smoke can also lead to heart disease. You also can call the hotline 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) and visit the smokefree.gov website.
Keep a healthy body weight: If you’re overweight or obese, you don’t have to get thin to reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke, but your doctor may recommend some weight loss. If you lose 5% to 10% of your weight, you’ll improve your cholesterol numbers and lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Follow an exercise plan: Moderate physical activity lowers your chances of a heart attack. It also can reduce your blood pressure and LDL or “bad” cholesterol, raise your HDL or “good” cholesterol, and help you stay at a healthy weight.
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping at least 5 days a week. Brisk walking or swimming are some good choices. On the other 2 days, do strength training, like lifting weights. If you’ve got a tight schedule, break your exercise routine into small chunks.
Eat a heart-healthy diet: Fill your plate with different kinds of fruits, veggies, beans, and lean meats, such as poultry without the skin. Also up your intake of whole grains, like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice, and of fish, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout, and herring.
Avocados, olive oil, and flaxseeds also have omega-3s, as do some nuts and seeds. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese also are better choices for your heart health than higher-fat versions.
Cut back on unhealthy foods: Stay away from processed or prepared foods that often are high in salt and added sugar. They’re also filled with preservatives. Avoid fatty beef, butter, fried foods, and palm oil. All are high in saturated fats.
Skip sugary drinks like sodas and fruit punch, which can lead to weight gain. So can packaged baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and pies. They are high in trans fats and can raise your cholesterol levels.
Limit alcohol: If you don’t drink already, don’t start. If you do drink, limit how much you drink. The recommendation is no more than one drink a day if you are a woman and no more than two a day if you are a man. Drinking raises your heart rate and blood pressure. It also raises the level of fat in your blood and can cause weight gain.
Get regular checks of your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar (glucose) levels: If you have diabetes, make sure it’s controlled. Keeping a check on these numbers can help you be more aware of the changes you need to make to keep these levels within normal limits.
Control stress: You may feel anxious or frustrated at times. Open up to your family and friends about what’s going on. Support groups can help you learn how others adjusted to life after a heart attack or stroke.
You may want to talk to a mental health professional or ask your doctor about a stress management program. You can also reduce stress with plenty of physical activity and mind-body practices like meditation.
Pay attention to your symptoms: Don’t just hope they’ll go away. See your doctor if you feel anything unusual, like shortness of breath, changes in your heart rhythm, or extreme tiredness. Also, watch for pain in your jaw or back, nausea or vomiting, sweating, or flu-like symptoms.
Why should I take part in cardiac rehabilitation?
If you’ve had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with heart disease, your doctor may recommend cardiac rehabilitation. You’ll work with a team of experts to boost your health and avoid future problems.
Your team may include doctors and nurses, as well as specialists in exercise, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health. They’ll set up a program to fit your needs. They can also help you make changes in your daily life. If you stick with it, it can make a big difference in your recovery and overall well-being.
When will I see my doctor again after I leave the hospital?
Make a doctor’s appointment for 4 to 6 weeks after you leave the hospital following a heart attack. Your doctor will want to check your recovery. You might need an exercise stress test on a regular basis. These tests can help your doctor find or slow blockages in your coronary arteries and plan your treatment.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms, such as chest pain that happens more often, gets stronger, lasts longer, or spreads to other areas; shortness of breath, especially while you’re resting; dizziness; or uneven heartbeats.
Why Do I Feel Nauseous? 10 Causes Of Nausea, According To Doctors
Nausea is no joke and easily tops the list of worst feelings ever. You’ve likely experienced that sudden wave of queasiness and wanting to make it stop ASAP. It can be especially baffling when the answer to “Why do I feel nauseous?” isn’t immediately obvious, like if you haven’t eaten anything bad or your period is right on schedule.
Let’s make it clear: When you say you feel nauseous, you’re typically referring to the sensation of having to vomit or an uneasy feeling in your stomach. “It typically has to do with the body’s response to a stressor, so people start having retching, increased salivation, a feeling of vomiting, and queasiness in the stomach,” explains Camilo Ruiz, DO, an internist and sleep specialist at Sleep and Internal Medicine Specialists.
One important note: Nausea is always caused by an underlying disturbance in the body, says Thomas Vanderheyden, DO, a gastroenterologist at Michiana Gastroenterology. It is not a disease or condition in and of itself, but a sign or symptom of one. Once you have the medical problem under control, the nausea tends to get better as well, he says.
To get to the bottom of the exact cause of nausea, you need to pay attention to other discomfort you may be experiencing, such as a lack of appetite, cramping, diarrhea, pain in the back of the throat, sweating, lightheadedness, and vomiting. These could all be clues to the primary reason you feel like you’re going to throw up.
If nausea is a problem for you on the reg, it’s time to consider whether one of these common issues is the culprit.
Meet the experts: Caren Behar, MD, is a clinical professor in the department of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the medical director of Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health.
Thomas Vanderheyden, DO, is a gastroenterologist at Michiana Gastroenterology. Camilo Ruiz, DO, is an internist and sleep specialist at Sleep and Internal Medicine Specialists
1. You’re taking pain meds.
Nausea is a common side effect of certain medications, but especially over-the-counter pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a.k.a. NSAIDs (think: aspirin, Motrin, Advil), says Caren Behar, MD, an internist at NYU Langone Health. “Anti-inflammatories are directly irritating to the stomach lining, and they can cause gastritis (inflammation) or ulcers,” she explains. “It’s like your stomach lining has a sunburn, so you can get nauseous or have vomiting, abdominal pain, or reflux.”
To help prevent this, always eat a snack before taking your meds since food coats your stomach lining (unless your doctor says otherwise), and limit your use of NSAIDs. “If you injure yourself, try to switch off between an anti-inflammatory and Tylenol because Tylenol is the only pain reliever that does not affect the stomach,” notes Dr. Behar.
If the stomach irritation is severe and nausea becomes unbearable, stop your meds entirely and talk with your doc about other pain relief options.
2. You are anxious.
It’s not fully understood why, but if you’re nervous or stressed (they usually go hand-in-hand), you may experience abdominal pain and nausea. “Our gastrointestinal tract has a very specific nervous system called the enteric nervous system, and it communicates directly with our central nervous system (brain and spinal cord),” Dr. Vanderheyden explains. “If a patient is stressed or anxious, nerves fire in the gut, and the body and brain will perceive it as nausea.”
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And when your fight-or-flight response kicks in, a rush of hormones is released. These hormones then send chemical signals to the nerves in your gut, leading to nauseating contractions, according to Harvard Health.
There are lots of stress management strategies to choose from, but a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, drinking mint or ginger tea, meditating, yoga, journaling, and avoiding alcohol or tobacco are all easy ways to minimize anxiety and calm nausea, per the CDC. If you continually find yourself stressed to the point of feeling nauseous, talk with your doctor and consider working with a therapist to lower your overall stress levels.
3. You’re pregnant.
You’re familiar with morning sickness, but nausea is often one of the first signs of pregnancy and it can happen day or night. In fact, 75 percent of women are said to suffer from nausea and vomiting while pregnant, says Dr. Behar. “It usually begins within the first nine weeks of pregnancy, and if it begins later than that, a patient should be evaluated by their doctor,” she says. The nausea typically subsides around 14 weeks, but it can last longer.
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And while nausea is normal and common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones, always talk with your ob-gyn before taking any medications. “We have to be careful with using drugs in pregnancy because it can affect the baby,” notes Dr. Behar.
Instead, try using ginger and increasing your vitamin B6 intake to soothe nausea. In rare cases, some women develop severe nausea and excessive vomiting, which can cause dehydration, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum. So, if you can’t keep anything down, talk with your ob-gyn ASAP, adds Dr. Behar.
4. You have a migraine.
If you suffer from migraines on a regular basis, you know nausea is one of the symptoms that usually accompanies the throbbing head pain. “One of the symptoms associated with migraine is nausea and vomiting, but [nausea] can also signal that a migraine is about to occur,” says Dr. Behar. This warning sign, a.k.a an aura, typically starts 30 minutes to an hour prior to an attack, but it can continue after the migraine sets in.
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Other symptoms you may experience include blurry vision, ringing in the ears, flashes of light, and fatigue, says Dr. Ruiz.
You can try taking an OTC medication like Excedrin, Tylenol, and Advil to mitigate symptoms, but also make sure to stay hydrated and drink fluids because dehydration can make the nausea worse, adds Dr. Behar. If your migraines are chronic and frequently debilitating, it’s time to talk with your doctor about prescription medications or lifestyle changes.
5. You have food poisoning.
If you have an upset stomach along with cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a fever, you may have food poisoning, says Dr. Ruiz. It’s the body’s stress response to get rid of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that were in the food you ate.
Symptoms typically start a few hours after eating the contaminated food and generally last from a few hours to several days, says Dr. Ruiz. “If it’s going on for more than a day and you’re not able to keep even water down, then it’s time to seek medical care because you’re going to need IV fluids and anti-nausea medication,” he adds.
In addition, if you have bloody vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, or extreme signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry mouth, lightheadedness, and fatigue, then it’s time to call a doctor, he adds.
6. You have gastroparesis.
Also known as delayed gastric emptying, gastroparesis is the slowing down or partial paralysis of your stomach muscles that prevents proper digestion, says Dr. Vanderheyden. Because of this, food sits in your stomach longer. Your stomach cannot accommodate new food and contracts when anything new enters the system, causing you to feel nauseous.
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While most cases of gastroparesis are spontaneous, you’ll want to eat smaller, more frequent meals, so it’s easier on your stomach to pass and digest food, says Dr. Vanderheyden. That said, if you have extreme pain or severe nausea that is preventing you from eating, a trip to your doctor’s office is a must because you may be prescribed medications to help stimulate the stomach muscles and reduce nausea.
7. You have an ear infection.
This may surprise you, but ear infections could be the culprit. “The semicircular canals in the ear are one of the main components of balance in our body, and if you have inflammation in the canals, you may experience nausea and vomiting,” Dr. Behar explains.
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This inflammation can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and a buildup of fluid in the ears that throws off your body’s ability to regulate itself and maintain balance, leaving you feeling nauseous and dizzy.
So, if you have ear pain or pressure accompanied by nausea or dizziness, check in with your doctor and they’ll likely prescribe an antibiotic to fight off the infection, adds Dr. Behar.
8. You get motion sickness.
Motion sickness is caused by any movement, but it’s usually associated with riding in a car, boat, or plane, says Dr. Behar. And similar to an ear infection, motion can cause an imbalance in the semicircular canals of your ear and can result in vertigo, nausea, and motion sickness.
Luckily, the nausea usually subsides once you are out of the moving vehicle, but if you are prone to motion sickness, you can take antihistamines before a trip like Dramamine, Zyrtec, and Claritin, says Dr. Behar.
9. You’re having a heart attack.
Women are more likely to experience other symptoms along with chest pain when having a heart attack, according to Mayo Clinic. If you have chest pressure that persists for minutes and you feel nauseous, go to the emergency room ASAP.
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“You can have nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, palpitations, and lightheadedness, which are all associated with cardiac causes,” says Dr. Behar. “It may just be reflux or heartburn, but you always have to rule out the worst.”
A heart attack is serious and needs to be checked out by a doctor. Your risk of having one is higher if you have high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity, per the CDC. It’s important to manage these conditions with medications and lifestyle changes so you can lower your likelihood of getting a heart attack.
10. You have a bacterial or viral infection.
If your nausea is accompanied by vomiting, congestion, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or body aches, you may have a stomach bug, says Dr. Behar. You’ll likely need to go to the doc for an exact diagnosis, but the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis, and COVID-19 all commonly present with nausea.
Unfortunately, stomach bugs usually have to run its course on its own, but anti-nausea medication can help and hydration (with electrolytes!) is key to a speedy recovery, says Dr. Behar. You’ll typically start to feel better after two days, but if you feel like you’re going to pass out, have bloody diarrhea, or your symptoms are getting worse, see a doctor immediately.
So, is there anything you can do to prevent nausea?
While nausea is sometimes inevitable (we’re looking at you, plane turbulence), there are a few things you can do to keep the queasiness at bay.
“The most important thing, believe it or not, is hydration and drinking a lot of fluids,” says Dr. Behar. Anytime you’re dehydrated you’re likely to feel nauseous, so women should always aim for about 11.5 cups a day, according to Mayo Clinic.
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And you’ll want to quit smoking since it’s directly associated with stomach inflammation, limit alcohol consumption, and minimize your use of anti-inflammatory meds, says Dr. Behar.
If you’re aware of specific triggers that make you nauseous such as certain scents, foods, or temperatures, do your best to avoid them whenever possible, notes Dr. Ruiz.
When should you see a doctor?
Some common causes of nausea may resolve on their own or with OTC medications and rest, but if your nausea affects your ability to go about your daily activities or you’re unable to function at work or at home, then it’s time to see a doctor.
“If you’re not yourself, and certainly if it’s been going on for more than four weeks, I would encourage someone to see their primary care provider,” says Dr. Vanderheyden
And if you are in extreme pain, constantly throwing up, have bloody stool, chest tightness, blurred vision, confusion, or other alarming symptoms, you need to go to the emergency room immediately.
Andi Breitowich
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Nausea and Vomiting – Lymphoma Australia
Nausea (feeling unwell) is a common side effect that many people experience with lymphoma treatment. In some cases, nausea may even be a symptom of lymphoma or other diseases and may lead to vomiting. However, nausea can be managed so that it does not get worse.
As with many things, preventing nausea is better than treating nausea, so on this page you’ll find some practical advice on how to prevent nausea and vomiting and what to do if you can’t prevent it.
On this page:
“You don’t have to suffer from nausea and vomiting because your medical team has wonderful medicines to help with this.”
What causes nausea and vomiting?
Many cancer drugs can cause nausea, which can lead to vomiting if not treated properly. Some treatments that can cause nausea include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and some types of immunotherapy.
Vomiting triggers
Vomiting is caused by a part of your brain called the vomiting center. There are several signals that can cause the vomiting center to make you vomit.
These may include:
- Signals from an area of your brain called the chemoreceptor trigger zone that responds to chemicals or drugs in your blood.
- Messages from the cerebral cortex and limbic system that respond to sight, taste and smell, as well as emotions and pain.
- Signals from certain other organs and nerves that respond to disease or irritation in those organs. With chemotherapy, it has been noted that there are areas in the stomach, esophagus and intestines that can be provoked.
Why is it important to prevent nausea and vomiting?
It is important to prevent or stop nausea and vomiting because they can lead to other complications. It is important to eat a healthy diet and drink 2-3 liters of water (or other non-caffeinated soft drinks) during lymphoma treatment. This is because the fluids help flush the drugs out of the body to prevent too many side effects. A good diet is essential to give your body the energy it needs to replace the healthy cells that have been damaged by your treatment.
Also, if you can’t eat and drink well, you increase your risk of malnutrition and dehydration, which can lead to:
- Kidney problems, which may mean you have to stay in the hospital while it’s fixed.
- Increased risk of falling, as your blood pressure may drop and you may feel dizzy and dizzy.
- Severe headaches
- Worse nausea and vomiting
- Delayed healing of any wounds
- Changes in your blood results
- Longer recovery after treatment
- Changes in blood sugar
- Extreme fatigue, weakness and drowsiness.
Prevention of nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can sometimes occur within hours of starting chemotherapy or after treatment has ended. It can also happen to some people when they wake up the day before treatment, especially if they had these symptoms in a previous cycle.
Treatment day
Eat and drink before the appointment. An empty stomach can increase your chances of not feeling well, so make sure you take something before your treatment to help you feel better during your treatment.
If your treatment is known to cause nausea, or if you have had severe nausea as a result of treatment in the past, your doctor will prescribe (order) anti-nausea (anti-pain) medicines that you must take before starting treatment. They are often given intravenously (into your bloodstream through a cannula or central catheter) by a nurse. Medicines given intravenously work faster than when taken as tablets. After you have been given anti-nausea medicine, the nurse will wait a while (usually 30 to 60 minutes) to make sure the medicine is working before giving you treatment for your lymphoma.
Before you start treatment, your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will talk with you about the possibility that you will feel unwell after your treatment. They will also tell you about the medicines you have been prescribed and how to use them.
Medicines at home
You may be given anti-nausea pills to take home. It is important to take them as directed, even if you don’t feel nauseous at the time, because they are used to prevent you from getting sick during the day.
Some medicines need to be taken before every meal, and some only need to be taken every 3 days, so be sure to ask your nurse, pharmacist or doctor to explain how to take your prescribed medicines.
Questions to ask about your anti-nausea medication
It is very important to take your anti-nausea medication exactly as prescribed. Asking questions is the best way to make sure you get the information you need to take with you when you get home. Some questions you can ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about your medications include:
- When should I take this medicine?
- Do I need to eat it with meals, or can I eat it before meals?
- How often should I take this medicine?
- Should I keep taking this medicine if I don’t feel sick?
- What are the side effects of this medicine?
- What if I vomit shortly after taking this medicine?
- When should I stop taking this medicine?
- What should I do if I still feel sick after taking this medicine?
- Who can I contact if I have further questions about this medicine and what is the contact details?
Types of anti-nausea drugs
You may be given one or more different anti-nausea drugs to help manage your nausea. The table below provides an overview of the different types of anti-nausea medications that you may be offered or that you can ask your doctor about.
Drug type | Information |
Corticosteroids
| Our body naturally produces the hormone cortisol. corticosteroids are similar to this natural hormone and are often used to prevent nausea. An example of a common corticosteroid is dexamethasone. |
Serotonin antagonists (also called 5HT3 antagonists)
| Serotonin is a hormone that is produced naturally by our bodies and can affect our mood, sleep and appetite, and can also send signals to our brain to make us vomit. Serotonin antagonists prevent these signals from reaching our brain. Examples of these drugs include palonosetron (Aloxy), ondansetron (Zofran), and granisetron. |
Gastrointestinal stimulants
| Some medications empty your stomach and intestines faster, so what’s in there no longer makes you sick. An example of this is metoclopramide (Maxalon or Pramin). |
Dopamine Antagonists am to communicate with each other. An example is prochlorperazine (stemethyl). | |
NK-1 inhibitors to prevent them from receiving signals that can cause nausea and vomiting. Examples include Aprepitant (Emend) and Fosaprepitant. | |
Anti-anxiety drugs | They can be very effective in preventing anticipatory nausea (more on this below). Examples include lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium). |
cannabinoids
| These medicines include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidi ol (CBD). These drugs are different from the illegal marijuana that some people buy. |
If you have been given medicine for nausea and still feel unwell, tell your doctor as other types of medicine may help.
Practical Tips for Managing Nausea and Vomiting
Everyone is different in what helps them cope with nausea. Make sure you take your anti-nausea medication as directed. But in addition to that, you may find that some of the practical tips below can also help manage nausea and prevent or reduce vomiting.
- Eat a light and tasteless diet. Eat small meals throughout the day heavy, oily and fatty foods
- Avoid strong odors, including perfumes, aerosols, cooking meats.
- Avoid caffeine and smoking (if you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about it)
- Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot drinks. Drink through a straw to bypass the taste buds. Carbonated drinks such as ginger ale can help soothe the stomach.
- Suck on hard candies, ice cubes or ice during chemotherapy
- Wear loose clothing
- Keep cool but not cold if possible
- Identify and avoid triggers that make you sick.
- Relax before and after treatment. Try things like meditation and light breathing exercises.
Call your doctor or nurse
If you vomit more than 4 times a day (24 hours) or feel very unwell, ask your doctor or nurse for advice, as you may need to be examined before your next appointment.
Anticipatory nausea
Many patients who experience nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy develop anticipatory symptoms in subsequent cycles of chemotherapy. This means that you may feel nausea or vomiting before you get to the hospital for treatment, or when you arrive there before treatment begins.
Anticipatory nausea is quite common and can affect about 1 out of every 3 treated patients. This is more common if you have had severe nausea during a previous treatment.
Cause of premature nausea
Anticipated nausea and vomiting are considered to be the result of classic psychological conditioning. Visible sounds and smells in the chemotherapy room can trigger a learned response that links these experiences to nausea and vomiting. As a result, the same smells, noises, or other triggers can make your body remember that they were nauseating before and make you feel nauseated again. It becomes a pattern.
Anticipatory nausea can affect anyone, but it is more common in people who:
- less than 50 years of age
- female
- have experienced nausea and vomiting after previous cancer treatment
- have had previous anxiety or panic attacks
- get road sickness
- had severe morning sickness during pregnancy.
Prevention and treatment
It is best to prevent nausea and vomiting from the first cycle. This type of nausea usually responds better to anti-anxiety medications such as lorazepam or diazepam. If you have any of the above risk factors or your current nausea medications are not working, ask your doctor if these medications may be right for you.
Other practical things that can help with anticipatory nausea include:
- Focus your attention on something other than your surroundings, such as coloring, reading, watching a movie, needlework, sewing, or talking with others.
- ask if there is a quieter place where you can wait for an appointment or receive treatment (if possible)
- bring a cloth or something to spritz with soothing essential oil.
- Nausea is a common side effect of many cancer drugs.
- You don’t have to put up with nausea, there are many ways to manage it to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting.
- Prevention is better than cure, so take your medicines as directed.
- Nausea can lead to vomiting, which can cause many problems. Talk to your doctor if your medication isn’t working – there are other options that may work better for you.
- The practical tips listed above can help reduce nausea and make you feel better.
- If you have any questions or concerns about nausea or vomiting, call our lymphoma nurses. Click the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of the screen for more details.
What to do with nausea? – Ameda
01/03/2018
1. Don’t lie down
When you lie down, stomach acid can rise up your esophagus, making you feel more sick and uncomfortable. Because of this, it is not advised to lie down immediately after eating, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. Also, try not to squeeze your abdominal muscles so as not to squeeze your stomach. If you feel sick, sit down and move as little as possible.
2. Open a window or sit in front of a fan
This will remove bad odors and distract you. Fresh air relieves nausea. That is why those who are motion sick in transport try to lean out of the window.
3. Apply a cold compress
Nausea may cause fever. Place a cold compress on the back of your neck for a few minutes. This will help bring down the temperature and soothe nausea.
4. Breathe deeply
This is especially helpful if your nausea is caused by stress or anxiety. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, and exhale slowly. Repeat several times.
5. Get distracted
The more you think about nausea, the worse you feel. Try distracting yourself with a book or movie. If you’re at work, take a few deep breaths and then do something you’ve been putting off for a long time, like writing a report.
6. Drink more fluids
Nausea can be a symptom of dehydration, but if you drink a lot of fluids at once, the discomfort will only get worse. Drink in small sips throughout the day. If you don’t feel like drinking plain water, drink water with pieces of fruit or decaffeinated tea.
7. Drink chamomile tea
Chamomile is a well-known folk remedy for nausea. In addition, it calms and helps to fall asleep. Pour a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for five minutes and drink.
8. Smell the lemon
Lemons contain citric acid, which is good for digestion. If nausea is caused by constipation, warm water with lemon juice will help stimulate the bowels. Just do not overdo it – an excessive amount of citric acid can increase nausea.
Even the smell of lemons helps to get rid of nausea. Smell an essential oil or just a fresh cut lemon.
9. Eat a piece of ginger
Ginger has antiemetic properties. For nausea, eat a small piece of fresh or candied ginger, or drink tea with it.
10. Brew mint
Take mint capsules or drink mint tea. The smell of essential oil or fresh mint leaves can also help relieve nausea.