Nausea is a common symptom. Various causes lead to it. When one feels to vomit, medications can relieve the discomfort. But certain foods that are more handy could be tried to overcome the issue. Which are the foods that can lessen this symptom?
Nausea
Feeling nauseated is a common complaint that occurs at all ages. Children, adults, elderly people, pregnant ladies and old people can feel it. It is very much uncomfortable and could progress to cause vomiting. It can affect the daily work and routine activities.
There are specific medicines called anti-emetics that can relieve the ill sensation. But they take time to act and come with their own adverse effects especially on the neurological system. The best bet at such a time would be certain foods. These are usually present at home and easily accessible. They are affordable and one need not queue up to get them.
Ginger
This is an ancient and traditional item to relieve nausea. It serves as a home remedy. The bioactive substances in it that cause improvement are shogaol, paradol and gingerol. The studies backing it’s use are small and the results are variable.
Around 0.5-1.5 grams of the root are sufficient to mitigate the feeling. It can be taken orally as a piece or in foods or drinks.
Ginger controls nausea (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica)Toast, crackers and pretzels
These dry foods are good to bring down the ill-feeling. Studies have shown them to be effective in morning sickness. These have salt and no strong smell. Both these qualities offer relief.
Cold foods
During this phase, cold foods are tolerated better. Frozen ice pops, ice creams, cold yoghurt, chilled foods are excellent to overcome this feeling and they can prevent progress to vomiting. Cold drinks also assist and they can rehydrate too. They calm the agitated stomach.
Chilled foods (Source: Byrdie)Broths
Soups and broths are better tolerated. They are also hydrating. Solid foods could induce vomiting. The broths such as chicken broth also give proteins and other minerals and electrolytes that are usually lost during vomiting.
Bananas avocados, mashed potatoes
These are nutrients and energy dense. They give more with smaller amounts and hence can be tolerated well. These also contain potassium which is lost due to vomiting or loose motions. Avocados, mashed potatoes and porridges act similarly.
Applesauce
It is soft and gentle on the stomach. And also provides carbs and energy.
Rice and noodles
These are starchy with lots of calories and energy. And hence they help in such cases of nausea. They are bland with no strong odors and are easy to cook.
Rice and noodles (Source: Khin’s kitchen)High protein foods
A study in pregnant women showed that high protein foods reduce morning sickness more effectively compared to high carbs or high fats foods.
Another study showed the benefits of ginger and protein supplements in overcoming this feeling in people on chemotherapy.
The mechanism of action is unclear. But most probably these protein rich foods increase the levels of the hormone gastrin. And this regulates stomach activity.
Read here: Tamarind pods: health benefits and nutrition values
Herbal teas
These are effective and safe in this condition. But scientific backing is lacking. Probably the fragrance of the tea acts via aromatherapy to bring the symptoms down.