Nausea is a feeling of upset stomach that makes you feel like vomiting or end up doing so. It is a very uneasy feeling, and when nauseated, it can become difficult to do anything, even rest. So you might be willing to do anything to get that uneasiness away.

Due to being a common sickness, many remedies exist, from traditional yoga exercises to OTC medicines. To stop the feeling of nausea and vomiting, you need to be mindful of remedies, as anything extreme or wrong can induce the same.

So, if you’re wondering how to eliminate nausea, here are 30 helpful tips on do’s and don’ts.

1. What to do when Nauseated

1.1 Bland Diet

If you’re on an empty stomach, your nausea can worsen. Eating might not be favored, but it can help to relieve nausea as some foods are easily digestible.

The most common diet to help with nausea is BRAT- banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. Some other food items can be saltines, crackers, toast, scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, plain pasta or noodles, and lastly, the most preferred- plain mashed or baked potatoes.

Otherwise, you can follow any diet that’s better for your health and mind.

Food with flavors and spices can increase your nausea. During the nausea phase, you should avoid fried, greasy, spicy, sweet foods, dairy products, and foods with high fiber.

1.2 Cannabinoids

Cannabis has many medical benefits, and one of them, according to a study, is that it helps to treat nausea or reduce it. Even the US Food and Drug Administration has prescribed two cannabinoid receptor agonists for chemotherapy patients to address nausea.

Besides this, CBDs also help with increasing appetite. You can also use CBD oil in case you want to go the natural way. It is made from the active compounds of cannabis. CBD oil is available in many forms- liquids, capsules, vapes, spray and paste.

Do you mind checking the doses with your doctor to avoid complications since it’s banned in many states, and check the legality and medical grade when purchasing the same?

1.3 Ginger

The most effective home remedy, ginger, is scientifically known to help with mild to moderate nausea. Ginger roots have enzymes and juices that neutralize the acid in your stomach, the phenols help relax the muscles and reduce stomach activities, and the intestines remove the toxins.

It also helps with other problems, such as vomiting when pregnant or having done chemotherapy.

You can eat ginger, enjoy the famous ginger tea, or find ginger capsules or candied ginger. It can be easily found in any general store, or you can even grow it in your home, if possible.

Ginger has few side effects like heartburn and diarrhea, so make sure you have no such underlying condition and consume it within a limit.

1.4 Lemons

The citric acid in lemon is a natural compound that is useful for digestion and can ease your nausea and vomiting. If you can’t simply have lemon, you can have it with water or freeze it entirely or in pieces.

Be mindful of the amount of lemon juice you consume, as too much can increase nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Besides the taste, even the smell of lemons can ease nausea, especially if it’s pregnancy or chemotherapy-induced nausea, according to some studies.

You can do that with the help of any essential oil or having a lollipop with a lemon aroma, and lastly, you can cut a lemon and breathe the scent.

1.5 Peppermints

Peppermint can help reduce nausea, especially if it’s caused by chemotherapy. You can have it in the form of oil, capsule, or the most favored, peppermint tea. The tea, oil, or capsule can be found easily in a local store and online.

You can inhale peppermint essential oil or put a few drops of food-safe oil on your wrists, ts, or gums. It’s helpful, especially for post-operation, anesthesia, or heart or abdomen surgery patients.

1.6 Vitamin B6

A 2014 study on the comparison between ginger and nausea is relevant even in 2023, given the results that B6 supplements are also effective for nausea experienced by people today. Doctors very widely recommend it for chemotherapy patients and pregnant people for morning sickness.

Make sure to use the average amount and consult a doctor if possible since an overdose can lead to side effects like abnormal heartbeat and tingling feeling.

1.7 Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea helps to soothe the stomach. As stated above, peppermint, ginger, and lemons have anti-nauseating effects; a tea of these three herbals, either separately or together, or any other herbs of your preference, can help with both physical and mental effects of easing nausea.

1.8 Eat throughout the Day

If your nausea is due to an upset stomach, try not to load food. Consume bland and small amounts of food throughout the day. It can be difficult to eat anything, but try to have frequent meals on an empty stomach. Dehydration can drain your energy and worsen nausea.

1.9 Milk and Toast

As bland foods are recommended, milk and bread are the best options since bread can absorb acid and milk can coat the stomach and settle the pain.

Consuming simple milk or dairy usually has opposite effects, so little milk with bread is the combination to get all the benefits.

1.10 Sports Drink

The go-to sports drinks that are in vogue and are a healthy source of electrolytes, sodium, and potassium. You can have them when nauseated as they’re easy to get and also cold and good for you.

Recommended by some studies, sports drinks are available at all local stores and are also a source of energy, which you might be lacking due to nausea.

They’re best after vomiting as your body removes all the food. Sports drinks fill your stomach and provide energy, glucose, potassium, and salt, all needed for daily life activities.

1.11 Protein

HealthifyMe, in its 2022 study, suggested that Protein-rich foods are helpful for morning sickness or nausea. Protein creates enzymes that lead to digestion. So, protein might be the best answer if your nausea or stomach issues are related.

Some protein-rich food options to relieve symptoms of nausea are nuts, eggs, and meat. Make sure to eat less as too much protein can be unhealthy too.

1.12 Cinnamon

According to a 2019 study, cinnamon was found to lessen the severity of nausea among women participating in the research.

You can use cinnamon in many recipes, but the easy or popular ones are plain bread, French toast, cookies, or everyone’s favorite churros.

1.13 Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has soothing effects and is widely popular as a tea. According to a 2019 study, Chamomile tea helps prevent nausea and also helps you get sleep, so you might feel better after taking a nap.

It is widely accessible at general stores as tea leaves or tea bags. You can also order the same from any site, including Amazon.

1.14 Stay Hydrated

Nausea can make it difficult to eat or drink anything, and with it, vomiting can cause dehydration and vice-versa. Nausea causing dehydration is scientifically proven, so habitually drink gradually larger amounts of water. Start by taking a few sips throughout the day.

To cover the loss of vitamins, salts, and sugars through vomiting, try any sports, electrolyte, potassium, and glucose enriched, salty, or non-carbonated sugary drink, keeping in mind the amount of water since it can trigger more vomiting if taken more than your capacity.

For hydration purposes only, apart from the above drinks, you can try decaf, water with fruit slices for flavor, tea, or soda.

The USA Tales team interviewed Aseem Jha, Founder and Head of Customer Delivery at Legal Consulting Pro, and asked him about proper hydration techniques. Here is what he said:

“As a busy lawyer, maintaining proper hydration throughout the day is crucial for sustaining mental clarity and focus during intense courtroom sessions and demanding legal research.

One strategy I employ is keeping a large water bottle on my desk and setting reminders on my phone to take regular sips between tasks and meetings. Additionally, I make a habit of starting my day with a glass of water before diving into emails or case files.

Drawing from a real-life experience, I vividly remember a particularly grueling trial where I experienced severe brain fog due to dehydration, making it challenging to articulate my arguments effectively.

Since then, I’ve learned to differentiate between typical thirst and signs of dehydration by paying attention to subtle cues such as dry mouth, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

By prioritizing hydration and recognizing the early signs of dehydration, I can effectively prevent brain fog and maintain peak performance in my legal practice.“

1.15 Clear cold Fluids

If simple water is too bland for you, you can try having fruit juices or coconut or cucumber water and other such options. As suggested, sports drinks are also a source of hydration.

Fluids not only help with filling your stomach but also bring down your body temperature. Other options like flat soda or ginger ale help with stomach sickness. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they’re strong-smelling and difficult for the stomach.

1.16 Aromatherapy

Many studies have found various essential oils that help relieve nausea, strengthening the argument that aromatherapy helps in nausea and vomiting. Try not to cook, use perfume room fresheners, or smoke.

A study supported that peppermint oil reduces nausea in patients undergoing an operation. Cardamom helps, especially to chemotherapy patients and others. Other include lemon and lavender essential oils.

1.17 Acupressure

Acupressure is done by applying pressure at certain points to stop nausea and vomiting. It is an ancient Chinese method and is used for many illnesses. It is a form of alternative therapy as it changes the pain signals that nerves communicate to the brain.

Similar to acupuncture, acupressure is known to relieve nausea by many researchers. It helps with stomach problems or if you’re undergoing chemotherapy.

Acupressure can be applied manually (with the help of a professional) or using a wristband/ motion sickness bracelet. The bands have buttons which, on pressing, apply pressure on certain points and provide relief.

1.18 Apply a Cool Compress

Nausea usually accompanies you feeling hot unnecessarily. The temperature drop allows your body to fight against whatever makes you sick.

So, you should apply a cool compress anywhere, but it’s generally found most comforting on the back of the neck. Keeping it on for some minutes can be soothing and also decrease your body temperature.

1.19 Sit up and Avoid Crunching

If you’re sitting by bending forward or moving constantly, there’s a chance that you’re pressuring your stomach. It can be much more serious if you’re doing so after eating, as it can cause heartburn or induce vomiting.

Try to be upright and not bend your backbone to avoid discomfort. If you lie down after eating, gastric juices rise and cause or increase nausea. Wait for 30 minutes for digestion and then lie down or do other activities.

1.20 Sleeping Position

If you have nausea and it is interfering with your sleep for some days, you should immediately contact your doctor. Other than that, when feeling nauseous, any sleep position that might feel comfortable for you is best.

If you have vomiting, lying upright can induce it, so try the left side as upright can run the risk of choking and more vomiting.

1.21 Vomiting

In some cases, you might throw up to get rid of nausea. It is best to let it happen naturally and not force it since it can lead to complications. Nausea and vomiting do go hand in hand, and natural vomiting can ease nausea caused by alcohol or food poisoning, but inducing one should be done in cases of emergencies like poison.

Before using forced vomiting, always contact your doctor.

1.22 Controlled Breathing

You can try to focus on your breath and divert your mind inside rather than focusing on the pain or irritation. Meditation is the best way to practice deep breaths, and it can be done from anywhere, anytime, in any position.

You don’t need anyone’s help and can do it independently with focus. However, you should not do activities that require intense focus, so don’t force yourself, as there’s a risk of hyperventilation. Try starting slow and with gaps.

1.23 Cool air

According to some studies, it is factually proven that fresh air helps with nausea and vomiting; this is why people suffering from motion sickness keep their heads out of the car or bus.

It helps in cases where you might feel claustrophobic, even if you are sitting in a big room or are getting more nauseous because of the smell of the room.

Getting some fresh air helps to change the atmosphere and relax the mind. You can do so by going out, sitting by the window, and, if nothing is possible, sitting in front of a fan. If the air is cold, it also helps balance the body temperature, which increases when nausea.

1.24 Stretch

Humans can get rid of their problems, mental or physical, through movements and physical activities as our body connects us with everything inside and outside.

Exercising or yoga is the best idea for movement since you don’t go anywhere or need anything else. Yoga has also been found helpful for pregnant or chemotherapy patients by the BPJ Journal.

Doing only gentle stretching or yoga exercises is also suggested, as sudden movements can worsen nausea.

1.25 Shift your Focus

How to get rid of nausea? Focus on how to get comfortable. You can do so by doing the 5 senses exercise, naming 5 things you can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

The best of all is to get fresh air rather than staying indoors. Not only does it help take your mind off the nauseous feeling, but it also helps your body cool down. If unable to go outside, try sitting in front of an air conditioner or fan.

You should also avoid moving around a lot and sit or lie down quietly. Avoid activities that require concentration or focus, like studying.

1.26 Over-the-Counter Medicines

The nausea medications are called antemetics. They’re available over the counter and are most effective for nausea relief. Some examples of effective antiemetics medications are Emetrol, Gravol, and Nauzene.

Make sure to consume antiemetic medication only the prescription medications, and if otherwise, then consult with your healthcare provider regarding the dosage, especially if you’re pregnant since these medicines have side effects like dry mouth, appetite changes, restlessness, and indigestion.

2. What not to do when Nauseated

2.1 Don’t Lie Down Right After Eating

Although resting is the best option when you have nausea, try not to lie down right after eating as it can lead to indigestion and stomach ache.

2.2 Don’t mix Hot and Cold Foods

Hot foods have strong odors, so try to have only cold foods or the ones that are at room temperature. Try not to have anything cold or hot right after the other as it can lead to stomach ache and also worsen nausea.

2.3 Avoid Spicy Food

As suggested, bland foods are best during nausea. Spicy foods have strong odors and burning effects, so try not to consume them. Spicy foods also cause stomach problems and can be difficult to digest, so try not to consume them

As suggested, stick to bland options like BRAT Diet and bananas and toasts.

2.4 Avoid Carbonated Beverages

As much as sports drinks can be helpful with nutrient restoration, carbonated drinks are known to cause bloating and worsen nausea, so you might want to avoid them from your diet.

3. Final Note

Although it is fairly common and lasts not very long in normal cases, there’s chronic nausea in certain cases, like high fever and severe abdominal pain. Nausea with chest pain, in extreme cases, is a sign of a heart attack.

Nausea with severe headache means a neurological issue; if nausea persists for months, nausea and weight loss, nausea and blurred vision, or blood in vomit and so on are all signs that you should immediately seek help.

Some common nausea symptoms include dizziness, dark urine, weakness, or dry mouth. Symptoms vary from person to person, and you should opt for any of the above-stated remedies after consultation in case you have an underlying issue, as there can be side effects.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Saket Kumar