Helpful Tips and Natural Remedies for Nausea and Vomiting
- Dr. Christine Adamo
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Nausea and vomiting is a common side-effect of many chemotherapies. Depending on location, radiation can also cause nausea and vomiting. Here are some tips and natural recommendations that can help!
Hepful Natural Recommendations
1. Staying hydrated is very important. If possible, try to drink 8 or more cups of liquid each day (and an additional ½ to 1 cup for each episode of vomiting). Sip small amounts frequently throughout the day. You may need to use a straw. Wait 30 to 60 minutes after eating solid foods before drinking liquids. Avoid very hot liquids and use a covered cup if smells are bothersome. Clear fluids are usually the best tolerated. Try one or all of the following:
Water or ice chips
Juice (diluted with water or sparkling water)
Frozen fruit-juice bars (or popsicles made from these other fluid choices)
Vegetable broth
2. If vomiting is an issue, when it's controlled, try to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. First try small amounts of clear liquids. Next add in water mixed with an electrolyte powder. Here are two I recommend.
Start with a teaspoon every 10 minutes and gradually increase the amount to 1 tablespoon, and eventually to ¼ cup. Next add plain, easy-to-digest, starchy foods such as crackers or bread, and continue to incorporate more foods in if/when they are tolerated.
3. Eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day. Nausea may be intensified on an empty stomach since stomach acid usually makes nausea worse.
4. Choose foods that appeal to you and that you feel you can tolerate. Be aware that your tastes may change from day-to-day and from hour-to-hour.
5. Food that may help nausea include: dry toast or cereal, plain crackers, pretzels, rice cakes, pita bread, plain rice, cold pasta without sauce, potatoes, hot cereal, applesauce, canned fruit, fruit-juice-sweetened sorbets or ices, and organic eggs.
6. Foods that are served cold or at room temperature may be easier to consume. Avoid foods with strong odors, as well as environments with strong smells of food, smoke, candles, and perfumes. Avoid warm, stuffy rooms.
7. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, or overly sweet foods.
8. Brush your teeth and/or use (natural) mouthwash both before and after meals. Lingering tastes can trigger nausea and also may decrease appetite. Sucking on mints or lozenges in between meals may help.
9. Try eating a small amount of grated ginger. Add it to rice or other bland foods. Herbal teas such as ginger, fennel, peppermint, orange, and tangerine may help.
10. Consider ginger capsules, ginger chews, and herbal bitters specifically for nausea. Here are two supplements I highly recommend:
Other Suggestions
Acupuncture is one of the most effective therapies for chemo-induced nausea and vomiting. In fact, most insurance companies cover the cost of or reimburse for acupuncture when it’s related to this condition. Find a licensed acupuncturist in your area who is well trained in oncology care.
Try other stress-management therapies including focused relaxation and breathing exercises, hypnosis and self-hypnosis, guided imagery, biofeedback, and wrist-band acupressure.
Overstimulating the nervous system can induce nausea and vomiting. Avoid noisy environments and commotion. Limit conversation when nauseous.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not create restriction on or around your abdomen.
Moderate aerobic activity such as walking for 10 to 30 minutes per day may help with peristalsis and digestion. Fresh air can also be beneficial. Avoid lying flat for an hour or two after eating. If you need to rest, sit or recline with your head at least four inches higher than your feet.
Fill a bowl with boiling water. Add one drop of essential oil of ginger per pint of water. Cover your head with a towel, close your eyes, and inhale the aroma for 5 minutes.
