Whether your nausea is part of a chronic illness, morning sickness, cancer treatment, or just the summer heat, it can be a real downer. Here are some helpful tips to settle your stomach and bring you back out into the sunshine!
Eat small meals
Nausea can make you not want to eat and you end up skipping meals frequently. Try
eating 5-6 small meals through out the day instead of 3 large meals. Avoid greasy, processed, salty foods and especially dairy. Avoid foods with strong smells and heavy spices. Caffeine and alcohol are also good to avoid as they increase nausea (Medline Plus).
Drink Water
Be sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. If you become dehydrated your nausea will only worsen. Sip slowly if it’s difficult to drink, but don’t use a straw as that can bring air into your stomach (Medline Plus).
Ginger
Ginger ale, ginger tea, or even raw ginger: all are nearly guaranteed to soothe nausea. Ginger makes digestives enzymes that neutralize stomach acid. You can chew on the root raw or a nice soothing homemade tea is usually best. If you’re making tea you will need…
– 1 ginger root, 2 incheshealthfoodhouse.com – Honey (optional) – A peeler or sharp knife – 2-3 cups of water – Wax paper – A cutting board
Wash your ginger root well, peel, and slice into small pieces. Cover the pieces with wax paper and crush the pieces. Boil 2-3 cups of water over medium-high heat, add the ginger, and let it boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour into a mug. Add honey to taste (everyday roots).
Acupressure
Acupressure is known for its healing powers; placing pressure on specific points to relieve symptoms, like nausea. You can use a nausea band or apply to the pressure yourself. Try point p6, 2 or 3 finger widths down from the top crease in your wrist (at the base of your palm). There is a groove between two large tendons. Gently apply pressure to this area when you feel nauseous. Apply gentle pressure to the top and the bottom of your wrists. Take your thumb and index finger and firmly press on the points (where p6 is) on both sides of your wrists. Hold for 10-30 seconds, or up to 5 minutes, and breathe deeply (everyday roots).
Manage Anxiety
When you start to worry, this can trigger bouts of nausea. When this happens, accept the thoughts of anxiety(even the anxiety around being nauseous) and try to let them go. Breathe and sip water slowly. Hyperventilating can make you nauseous or even vomit so breath is key (everyday roots).
Aromatherapy
Controlling the scents and aromas in your environment can be key to controlling your nausea. This means removing triggering scents and using essential oils that can provide relief, like lavender or peppermint. Place a few drops on a tissue and then inhale or put it in an essential oil diffuser. You can also place a few drops behind the ears or rub into the temples. Peppermint oil can be massaged into the wrists, just 2 fingers below the wrist bend between the tendons. Massage therapy with the essential oils can be very advantageous for nausea. Just make sure the oils are put in a mineral oil base when applied to the skin to avoid allergic reaction (Vann).
Nausea can arise in a variety of situations. Be sure you chose the right treatment for you and be gentle with yourself.
Stay well, Thrivers! :)