The feeling of your stomach turning is an unmistakable one that can occur when you least expect it. Whether you’re coming down with the flu, just stepped off a roller-coaster, or get a whiff of a certain odor, nausea is something that happens to all of us from time to time.
Here are some of the most common causes of nausea and how to naturally ease this uncomfortable sensation the next time it strikes.
Causes of Nausea
Nausea may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, but both conditions can be brought on by the same things. Nausea is a common symptom of stomach flu that involves a virus or bacteria getting into your digestive system. It can happen due to food poisoning, drinking too much alcohol, or when you smell something unpleasant. Feeling nauseous is an early sign of pregnancy, it can be provoked by chemical toxins, and result from extreme pain. Some people even feel nauseous due to stress, anxiety, medications, and certain foods. There are also numerous medical conditions that have nausea as a symptom, including gallbladder disease, ulcers, appendicitis, and some forms of cancer.
As you can see, nausea can result from so many different things, which is why it’s crucial to be able to determine the cause of your nausea and find a treatment to address that condition directly.
Natural Nausea Treatments
Anti-nausea prescription medications are sometimes recommended, but there are lots of ways to ease nausea without popping pills. Some common at-home remedies include consuming water, sports drinks with electrolytes, clear broth, Jell-O, and popsicles. The BRAT diet that consists of banana, rice, applesauce, and toast is also a tried-and-true method for people feeling nauseous but able to keep down some fluids.
Ginger is a great natural remedy for nausea, either in the form of sliced raw ginger or candied ginger. Mint tea and mint essential oil also work well if your stomach is feeling upset. Other suggestions are to eat a slice of lemon, use CBD oil, and try acupuncture or acupressure for persistent nausea issues. Certain spices, such as cinnamon and cumin, have shown promise in reducing nausea symptoms too. To avoid potential nausea in the future, eat small frequent meals rather than just a couple large ones, go for a walk after eating meals, and limit the amount of liquids consumed while eating meals.
When to See a Doctor for Nausea
Many cases of nausea are minor and go away on their own with these at-home natural remedies. But if you feel nausea for several days with no relief, it may be time to consult a doctor for advice. Prolonged nausea, especially when accompanied by vomiting, could be a sign of a pregnancy, appendicitis, kidney problem, intestinal obstruction, or other serious condition. Prolonged symptoms can lead to dehydration, which is more common and concerning than you may think.
When you last felt nauseous, what helped you feel better and get back to your day?