How to Cope With Nausea

Medically reviewed by Roy Nattiv, MD

Last Updated: February 18, 2022 References

Nausea is the queasy feeling in your stomach that tells you that you may vomit. This may lead to a gag reflex in your mouth because stomach contents can reach the back of your throat, stimulating the nerve involved with gagging. Many conditions and drugs can lead to nausea, including stomach flu, cancer, chemotherapy, motion sickness, medications, pregnancy, dizziness, and anxiety or emotions. Nausea is very common and there are ways to cope with it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Food and Beverages

1
Follow the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet was developed to help people who can't have normal foods because of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This diet contains just bland foods that won't irritate your stomach. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
- Only follow the BRAT diet for a short time, 24–36 hours. It is only intended to help you fight off stomach issues for a short while. You don't get the nutrients necessary while on this diet.^{[1]
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  FamilyDoctor.org
  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
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2
Eat certain foods. In addition to the BRAT diet, or after you have been on the BRAT diet for a day or so, there are other foods that you can eat that should keep your nausea at bay. There are certain foods that have been shown to help against nausea and are easier on the stomach, especially if you're experiencing morning sickness or pregnancy induced nausea. Try bland foods that are more substantial, such as crackers, English muffins, baked chicken, baked fish, potatoes, and noodles.
- You can also try mints, clear soup, flavored gelatin, angel food cake, sherbet, popsicles, and ice cubes made of apple or grape juice.^{[3]
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3
Avoid other foods. There are certain foods that will only make your nausea worse. These items can irritate your stomach and can lead to acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020} When you are feeling nauseous, limit or do not eat:
- Fatty foods such as fried foods
- Spicy foods or seasonings^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Roy Nattiv, MD
  Board Certified Gastroenterologist
  Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.}
- Processed foods such as chips, donuts, fast food, and canned foods
- Beverages with alcohol and caffeine, especially coffee
- Foods with strong aromas
4
Have smaller meals. When you are feeling unwell, avoid eating three large meals. Instead, eat several small meals throughout the day.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020} This gives your stomach less work because there is less to digest.^{[8]
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- Meals should consist of the mild foods already discussed.
5
Use ginger. Ginger is often used to help reduce nausea.^{[9]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Ginger may help calm the stomach as well as indigestion. You can use ginger in a variety of ways, such as adding fresh ginger or ginger powder to recipes, sucking on ginger hard candy or fresh ginger root, and drinking ginger tea. You can also buy ginger capsules through many herbal stores. Common dosage is 1000 mg by mouth with water.^{[10]
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Lien H.C. et al. Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology Published 1 March 2003 Vol. 284 no. 3}
- Ginger has been a long-standing home remedy for many different conditions that cause nausea. These include motion sickness, seasickness, hyperemesis gravidarum or vomiting during pregnancy, chemotherapy induced nausea, and post-surgery nausea.^{[11]
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  Ernst E, Pittler M.H. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. British Journal of Anesthesia. Vol 84 Issue 3. p367-371. 2000}
6
Sip drinks. Since nausea deals with an upset stomach, you need to be careful about what you put in it. When you feel nauseous, sip non-alcoholic drinks such as water, sports drinks, flat soda, and tea. Too much fluid can lead to vomiting, so take sips. Try taking one to two sips every five to 10 minutes. This can help settle your stomach and if you have been vomiting, it can help replace the fluids or electrolytes you've lost in the process.^{[12]
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- Drinks such as ginger ale and lemon lime soda are very helpful for nausea. These don't have to be flat when you drink them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Alternative Methods

1
Sit still. When feeling nauseous, sit still in a chair or sofa to prevent yourself from moving in any direction. Motions are detected by various parts of your body, including the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints. When these differing parts are not transmitting the same motions to the brain, or when they are not synced, you can start feeling nauseous.^{[14]
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- Some people find that hanging their head between their knees helps as well.
2
Avoid lying down after eating.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020} Right after you eat, the food you just ate has not been digested yet. If you lie down before digestion happens, food from the stomach can enter your esophagus and give you a nauseous feeling. It can eventually lead to acid reflux and vomiting.
- After eating a meal, it is good habit to walk for 30 minutes to help digestion.
3
Get fresh air. Nausea can be caused by air quality factors, such as stuffiness or air irritants. Stuffiness can be caused by a poorly ventilated room where dust builds up, leading to blockage of the respiratory system through your nose, lungs, and throat. In addition, cooking smells may irritate you, causing nausea if the area is not properly ventilated.
- Cold, fresh air can be beneficial relief from these situations. Get outside quickly for fresh air. If you can't, a fan or air conditioning may have a similar effect.^{[17]
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- Also try opening a window or using a kitchen air vent when cooking to let the smells out.^{[18]
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4
Try peppermint aromatherapy. Deep breathing exercises along with peppermint aromatherapy helps reduce nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown that inhaling peppermint oil not only reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting, but also decreased anti-nausea medication use.^{[19]
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Sites DS. et al. Controlled breathing with or without peppermint aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting symptom relief: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Perianesthesia nursing. 2014 Feb;29(1):12-9}^{[20]
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Lua PL, Zakaria NS. A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting. Journal of complementary and alternative medicine. 2012 Jun;18(6):534-40}^{[21]
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Tate S. Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 1997, 26, 543–549} You can purchase oils in many grocery, drug, and health stores. You can use the oils to:
- Sniff from the peppermint oil bottle or use a few drops on a cotton ball, place it in a cup, and inhale.
- Massage the oil around your abdominal area or chest so you can breathe it in.
- Mix the oil with water and add it to a spray bottle for home and car use.
- Add five to 10 drops into a bath before taking it.^{[22]
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5
Use breathing techniques. For those recovering from surgery-induced nausea, studies have shown that deep controlled breathing reduces the occurrence of nausea.^{[23]
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Sites DS. et al. Controlled breathing with or without peppermint aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting symptom relief: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Perianesthesia nursing. 2014 Feb;29(1):12-9} To perform these techniques, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Take a normal breath followed by a deep breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your chest and lower belly to rise as you fill your lungs. Let your abdomen expand fully. Now breathe out slowly through your mouth. You can also breathe out through your nose, if that feels more natural.
- Try using guided imagery with deep breathing. As you sit comfortably with your eyes closed, blend deep breathing with helpful imagery and perhaps a focus word or phrase that helps you relax. The image can be a vacation spot, a room at home, or some other safe or pleasant place. This can help some people block out nausea and the urge to vomit.^{[25]
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  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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  American Cancer Society
  Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support
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6
Undergo music therapy. For those patients who suffer from chemotherapy-induced nausea, studies have shown improvement from music therapy sessions.^{[27]
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Madson AT, Silverman MJ. The effect of music therapy on relaxation, anxiety, pain perception, and nausea in adult solid organ transplant patients. Journal of Music Therapy. 2010 Fall;47(3):220-32}^{[28]
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Karagozoglu S, Tekyasar F, Yilmaz FA. Effects of music therapy and guided visual imagery on chemotherapy-induced anxiety and nausea-vomiting. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2013 Jan;22(1-2):39-50} Music therapy involves specially trained health professionals, called music therapists, using music to help relieve symptoms. These professionals use different methods with each person, depending on that person’s needs and abilities.
- This method can also lower heart rate and blood pressure, relieve stress, and give a sense of well-being.^{[29]
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  American Cancer Society
  Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support
  Go to source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Medications

1
See your doctor. Many anti-nausea medications require a prescription, so a visit to your doctor will be warranted. Describe your symptoms and medical history. He or she may provide you a prescription strength drug or advise you to take an over the counter, non-prescription, drug instead, depending on your particular situation.^{[30]
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Expert Source

Roy Nattiv, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.}
- Take the medications as described on the label or by your healthcare professional. ^{[31]
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  FamilyDoctor.org
  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
  Go to source}^{[32]
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  Flake Z, Scalley RD, Bailey A. Practical Selection of Antiemetics. American Family Physician. 2004 Mar 1;69(5):1169-1174.}
- You can use carnitine supplements or coenzyme Q10 to help prevent episodes of cyclic vomiting syndrome.^{[33]
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  Roy Nattiv, MD
  Board Certified Gastroenterologist
  Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.}
2
Treat common nausea conditions. Some people suffer from migraine-induced nausea. If you suffer from this, ask your doctor about metoclopramide (Reglan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine) to help with the symptoms. If you suffer from vertigo and motion sickness, antihistamine meds such as meclizine and dimenhydrinate are helpful.
- You can also take anticholinergic drugs such as the scopolamine patch to help with nausea related to these situations. ^{[34]
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  Trustworthy Source
  FamilyDoctor.org
  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
  Go to source}^{[35]
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  Flake Z, Scalley RD, Bailey A. Practical Selection of Antiemetics. American Family Physician. 2004 Mar 1;69(5):1169-1174.}
- Be aware that these medications have their own significant side effects and should be used only under strict guidance by a health care professional.
3
Help with pregnancy, post-surgery nausea, and stomach flu. Nausea is common in pregnancy and post-surgery. To help with pregnancy nausea, pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, has been shown to be safe and effective in dosages at 50 to 200 mg per day. You can even buy them as lozenges or lollipops. Oral ginger dosed at one gram per day is effective for controlling nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Postoperative nausea can be helped with dopamine antagonists (droperidol and promethazine), serotonin antagonists (ondansetron), and dexamethasone (steroids).^{[36]
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Flake Z, Scalley RD, Bailey A. Practical Selection of Antiemetics. American Family Physician. 2004 Mar 1;69(5):1169-1174.}
- Make sure to follow any dosing instructions given by your doctor. The amount you take will depend on your current situation.
- Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, can be helped by taking bismuth subsalicylate (pepto bismol)or serotonin antagonists (ondansetron).^{[37]
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  Trustworthy Source
  FamilyDoctor.org
  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
  Go to source}^{[38]
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  Research source
  Flake Z, Scalley RD, Bailey A. Practical Selection of Antiemetics. American Family Physician. 2004 Mar 1;69(5):1169-1174.}

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you get rid of nausea fast?

Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Peter Gardner, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

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It really depends on the cause of the nausea. If riding in the car makes you nauseous, for example, try looking out the front window and driving if you can. If you're pregnant, there are certain medications you can take to alleviate your nausea. If you tend to experience nausea frequently for no reason, you ought to see a doctor. The cause is often stress related.
Question

What causes nausea?

Roy Nattiv, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Roy Nattiv is a Board-Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience he specializes in a broad range of pediatric gastrointestinal and nutritional illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, poor weight gain, SIBO, IBD, and IBS. He completed his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and his fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). While at UCSF, he was a California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) fellowship trainee and was awarded the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Fellow to Faculty Award in Pediatric IBD Research. Dr. Nattiv received his undergrad degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree (MD) from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Roy Nattiv, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

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When the stomach does not function properly, it causes nausea. If the stomach empties very slowly due to an infection, constipation, or food allergies, it causes this problem. Sometimes nausea occurs as a side effect of medication.
Question

How can you avoid cyclic vomiting episodes?

Roy Nattiv, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Roy Nattiv is a Board-Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience he specializes in a broad range of pediatric gastrointestinal and nutritional illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, poor weight gain, SIBO, IBD, and IBS. He completed his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and his fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). While at UCSF, he was a California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) fellowship trainee and was awarded the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Fellow to Faculty Award in Pediatric IBD Research. Dr. Nattiv received his undergrad degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree (MD) from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Roy Nattiv, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

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Get sufficient sleep and stay hydrated to avoid vomiting episodes. Besides this, do not take too salty or spicy foods or foods with MSG. Use coenzyme Q10 or carnitine supplements to prevent them.