The word "nauseous" is defined in the dictionary as "feeling an urge to vomit." It is a common symptom of many health problems, including infections, motion sickness, and morning sickness. But can eating certain foods really help relieve your nausea? Possibly. And here are what are believed to be the best foods for reducing nausea.
Eat These Foods to Reduce Nausea
Some people have an aversion to certain foods when feeling nauseous, while others have no problem eating what they please. But, finding the right food to settle your stomach can make all the difference for those who are nauseous. The key is to eat foods that are easy to digest, not too hard on the stomach, and that don't cause any nausea. Here are 15 foods to help with your nausea:
1. Bananas
2. Broth
A simple broth can be one of the best foods to eat when you're nauseous. Both are rich in minerals, salts, and amino acids, which makes them an excellent first food to eat when you're feeling sick. Not only does it help with nausea, but it also replenishes some of the body's lost nutrients.
3. Herbal Teas
Many herbal teas are known to have a calming effect on the body, which is why they are often used to help you relax and have a good night's sleep. This same calming effect can be seen in some herbal teas when you are feeling nauseous. Another reason herbal teas are used to help nausea and stomach upset is that most of them are also high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their ability to help the body naturally fight off free radicals. These substances have been linked to numerous illnesses, including cancer.
4. Water and Clear Beverages
Drinking water or a clear beverage, such as club soda or a light fruit juice, can help lessen the symptoms of nausea, but you shouldn't force yourself to drink a beverage if you can't keep it down. It is important to stay hydrated, even if you're nauseous because dehydration can also cause nausea. Other clear beverages that you can drink are Coconut Water, iced tea, sports drinks, flavored soda or soda water, and clear juices.
5. Ginger
Ginger has long been known to help people combat nausea. On a conceptual level, ginger helps to calm the stomach muscle, and it also seems to have an effect on the brain, causing it to have a more balanced set of neurotransmitters. Some studies suggest that the scent of ginger alone can reduce nausea in pregnant women, and in some cases, it seems to be as effective as medication. Most of the studies that have been done on ginger and nausea have been on ginger ale, but it seems likely that eating the raw root might also do the trick.
6. Apple
It is rich in vitamins E and C, and it is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system healthy. The carbohydrates in apples work to release serotonin, which helps to keep nausea at bay.
7. Dry Foods: Toast, Pretzels, and Crackers
When you are feeling nauseous, it can be hard to know how to get some relief. Eating a little something can help you feel better and get you back on your feet. Dry foods such as toast, pretzels, and crackers are typically recommended as they are easy to digest. They are also low in fat and calories.
8. Cold Foods
When you're nauseated (feeling sick to your stomach), it can be tough to keep food down. Eating cold foods can help calm your stomach and improve your nausea. The best cold foods for your cat are chilled fruits, yogurt, Jell-o, frozen popsicles, and ice cream. These foods can help cool your body temperature, reduce nausea, and settle your stomach. Try eating a small portion of a cold food to help you feel better.
9. Nuts
When you're nauseous, eat nuts! Nuts can help you feel better in a number of ways: they are high in protein, which is a good thing when you're nauseous; they also contain monounsaturated fats and are a great source of vitamin E, which may help relieve your nausea; additionally, most nuts are also high in fiber, which can help make you feel fuller and thus less nauseous.
10. Dark Chocolate
Despite its rich history, dark chocolate has never been as popular as some other types of chocolate. This is because it is typically considered too bitter for a lot of people's tastes. That said, dark chocolate has some great health benefits, one of which may help ease nausea.
So, if you have a bit of a stomach ache or have had a little too much to drink, try eating a square or two of dark chocolate!
11. Plain Foods: Potatoes, Noodles, and Rice
Plain foods such as potatoes, noodles, and rice can help you feel nauseous since their high starch content will help you get your calories easily while not adding fat, protein, or sugar to your body. A common misconception is that you shouldn't eat while feeling nauseous, but in fact, you should eat to get your calories while avoiding fats, proteins, and sugars.
12. Pears
Pears have a naturally sweet taste that helps get rid of nausea by stimulating parts of the brain that are responsible for nausea sensation. They are also rich in vitamin B6 and fiber, making them ideal for preventing nausea.
13. Eggs
If you eat eggs, you can get both fluids and protein. Eggs are also good for you since they contain choline, a nutrient that helps with the production of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter aids in muscle movement and helps you to feel better if you're feeling nauseous.
14. Oatmeal
Possibly the most underrated food, oatmeal, is a soothing breakfast food that can help you feel better when you are feeling nauseous. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which helps to add bulk to stool. This helps to relieve and prevent nausea, especially in the morning when you are most likely to experience nausea.
15. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the best foods to eat when you're nauseous. In fact, some research shows it's even more effective than ginger. The trick is to eat a small amount of peppermint (the "best" is peppermint-flavored candy) and then drink something ice cold. The mint helps calm your stomach, and the cold helps with nausea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nausea is a feeling of sickness or the act of being sick. In some cases, it can affect the stomach and be a part of a symptom called morning sickness. It may also be a symptom of a condition called bulimia. Nausea can be accompanied by other symptoms of the condition, such as vomiting, and in some cases, nausea is a side effect of a medication or drug. Talk to your doctor about it.
- Will vomiting help ease the feeling of getting nauseous?
While drinking ginger ale or eating crackers may help relieve the queasiness that comes with an upset stomach, it's important to remember that you won't be able to eliminate your nausea entirely. In fact, trying to do so can even make you sicker than you were before. That's because when you force yourself to vomit, you risk irritating your esophagus and stomach lining, causing you more pain and discomfort. As you may or may not know, throwing up empties your stomach contents, which means it only takes you a short time to feel nauseous again.
- What should you do when you are feeling nauseous?
As long as you are feeling nauseous, avoid eating. Nausea is a feeling that goes away after some time. But if your nausea lingers, then you need to take some action. You may want to drink a glass of water or a cup of tea. Other than that, there is no magic cure. And remember, don't force yourself to eat if you are feeling nauseous. You can always try again later.
- What are the foods to avoid when you feel nauseous?
If you are nauseous, your goal is to find quick and easy foods that don't make you feel any worse. While there is no cure for nausea, you can help your body by eating easily digestible foods that help your stomach settle. Avoid eating large meals or meals that are particularly spicy or fatty.
A meal high in saturated fat may lead to heartburn, while a meal that's too rich in spicy foods may cause indigestion. These tips are important to remember, even if your nausea is due to a more serious condition, such as food poisoning.
