Butterflies in your stomach are okay when something wonderful is about to happen,but feeling nauseated is no fun at all. When your stomach is queasy, you feel sounsure about everything and sometimes you’re scared to even leave the house.
Of course if your nausea continues for too long or if you suspect a serious illness,check in with your healthcare provider. But for minor bouts of nausea, there area few effective little tricks to calm a queasy belly. If you’ve gotten nauseatedwhen you tried to take vitamins or other supplements, eat a little something beforeyou swallow the pills. This can make a huge difference and keeps you on track formaking progress as you support your health.
Recently we talked to a woman with a sensitive digestive system who wanted relieveher occasional nausea. Here’s what we told her:
Because you know you get nauseated easily, you might be able to prevent it fromhappening by eating little meals throughout the day instead of having 3 big feasts.Slow down as you eat and chew the food thoroughly — both make it easier for yourstomach to digest food. If you’re riding in a car, try to sit in the front seator at least face forward and look out the window. And if you’re prone to motionsickness, whatever you do, don’t read in the car!
If you do end up nauseated, keep these ideas in mind:
- Avoid spicy, richly flavored foods until you feel better. Certain food smells can make nausea worse.
- Have a little chamomile, ginger or fennel tea. You might also try cola or ginger ale to settle your stomach. These are old standbys for stomach upset that work for many women. According to Ayurvedic medicine, chewing a few fennel seeds can also do the trick. Whatever you choose, keep sipping on clear liquids so you don’t get dehydrated — that can make nausea even worse.
- Nibble on a cracker, some toast, or some white rice — if you’re trying to avoid simple carbs, worry about it when your nausea has passed.
- If you haven’t eaten in a long time and feel shaky and weak, have whatever food seems appealing— and don’t worry too much that it’s “bad” for you.
- Rest in a darkened room with your head elevated on a couple of pillows — and don’t watch TV because the on-screen motion can worsen nausea.
- Investigate other herbal remedies for digestion.
* Information presented here is not intended to cure, diagnose, prevent or treatany health concerns or condition, nor is it to serve as a substitute professionalmedical care.
Published: February 26, 2015 - Last Updated: April 2, 2021
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