No one is immune to an upset stomach, also known as nausea. Many things can make our stomach turn or give us that overall icky feeling, like we're about to throw up. It could be something we ate, pregnancy, stomach flu, motion sickness like on a carnival ride, an aftermath of chemotherapy or having to deal with a stressful situation such as tax season. Whatever the cause, when we get hit with a wave (or waves) of nausea, our focus turns to alleviating the discomfort. Quickly and effectively.
Nausea Induced by the Mind and Body
Nausea can be physical or psychological in origin. It can be acute and short-lived, says webmd.com, or it can be a debilitating symptom of a prolonged condition. It may originate from issues involving the brain or organs found in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the stomach, esophagus, small intestine or liver. It could also be a sign of a disease in the GI system. In any event, if it is prolonged, it's time to see a health professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Most of us will do almost anything to make the nausea go away, preferably before it advances to the point where we vomit. There are many natural remedies at arm's length -- either in a medicine cabinet at home or on the aisles at the local grocery store (plan ahead) -- that can settle our stomachs and make that nausea go away. It might be something as simple as sipping a glass of water, taking a few bites of an apple or undergoing aromatherapy treatment. Most sources of nausea aren't serious and symptoms can pass quickly, even if with a little self-administered nudge. Natural treatments of nausea are especially important during pregnancy, per everydayhealth.com, when it's best to stay away from taking medications. A pre-pregnancy discussion with a doctor to discuss natural nausea remedies is highly recommended. In most cases, as uncomfortable as nausea can make you feel, a simple natural remedy will do the trick in making it go away or at least alleviating the symptoms to where you can still go about whatever you had planned for the day.Fast-and-Easy Natural Nausea Remedies
- Acupressure. For nausea, rub your wrist on its underside at the P6 point, which is found between two tendons about two inches away from the bottom edge of the middle of the palm.
- Acupuncture. The ancient practice of inserting long, thin needles into various points of the body is believed to stimulate certain nerves in the body that signal the brain to release hormones that diminish pain and nausea.
- Apple. Foods rich in fiber – cue the apples -- can help rid your system of nausea-generating elements. Applesauce or apple juice might go down easier on nausea days. Don't overdo it. Just a little at a time.
- Aromatherapy. A 2013 study published in Anesthesia and Analgesia found that surgical patients who smelled either a ginger essential oil or a blend of ginger, spearmint, peppermint and cardamom essential oils had significantly reduced nausea.
- Banana. A banana can not only help alleviate dehydration, its potassium can replace what's been lost through diarrhea or vomiting.
- Chicken broth. Not to be confused with ingredients-filled chicken soup. The broth itself, made from bouillon cubes, can calm the symptoms of nausea.
- Crackers. Think saltines, as well as bread or toast; they can soak up stomach acids and, in so doing, calm a queasy stomach.
- Ginger. It's a natural anti-inflammatory, per healthline.com, that has been used since ancient times as a cure-all for many things, to include pain and nausea. Ginger comes in many forms to include chews, supplements and as a drink (such as ginger ale). Even gingersnap cookies can provide relief.
- Meadowsweet. This is a wildflower with a pleasant taste that makes a stomach-soothing tea when mixed into a cup of boiling water. Rosemary is another herb that works well.
- Nuts. Don't gobble them down; just eat a few, slowly. They are packed with protein that can help replenish lost energy and help keep nausea off your radar.
- Peppermint. It contains menthol, which is a natural analgesic that can relieve pain. Enjoy it in the form of tea, an extract to be sniffed, a candy to suck on, or the leaves themselves to chew on.
- Water. We come back around to an elixir of life. Water can help us in so many ways. Sometimes nausea can simply be a symptom of dehydration, and sipping water can help make it go away. It also helps prevent headaches that occasionally accompany nausea.