Nausea can be treated through a combination of self-care strategies, home remedies, and medication depending on the cause and severity.
Self-Care and Dietary Measures
- Sit quietly and avoid movement that worsens nausea.
- Stay hydrated by sipping 8 to 10 cups of clear liquids daily, such as cold water, fruit juices, or flat soda.
- Eat 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day rather than a few large ones.
- Consume bland foods like crackers, toast, baked chicken, fish, potatoes, noodles, and rice.
- Eat foods with high water content such as clear soups, popsicles, and Jell-O.
- Avoid fatty, spicy, or very sweet foods which can worsen nausea.
- Sit up after eating and avoid lying down immediately.
- Suck on hard candies or rinse your mouth with a baking soda and salt solution if you have a bad taste or after vomiting.
- Get fresh air and relax by watching a movie or listening to music to distract from nausea.
Home Remedies
- Ginger (tea, capsules, or fresh) is widely recognized to reduce nausea.
- Peppermint oil or tea may also help ease nausea.
- Acupuncture or acupressure, especially stimulating the P6 point on the wrist, can reduce nausea severity.
- Aromatherapy with certain oils like lemon or lavender may offer short-term relief.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and strong odors while eating.
Medications
- Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) can be prescribed or recommended for use, especially for nausea caused by chemotherapy or motion sickness.
- These medicines usually start working within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Follow a healthcare provider’s advice for medication use, especially during pregnancy or chronic nausea.
When to See a Doctor
- If nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
- If vomiting leads to dehydration or inability to keep fluids down.
These treatments help manage nausea effectively in most cases by addressing hydration, diet, comfort, and underlying causes.
