Nausea and vomiting can often be controlled or at least lessened. If you experience this side effect, your doctor can choose from a wide and ever-growing range of drugs that help curb nausea and vomiting. Different drugs work for different people, and it may be necessary to use more than one drug to get relief.
Don’t give up. Continue to work with your doctor and nurse to find the drug or
drugs that work best for you.
Avoid big meals so your stomach won’t feel too full. Eat small meals
throughout the day.
Drink liquids at least an hour before or after mealtime, instead of
with your meals.
Eat and drink slowly.
Stay away from sweet, fried, or fatty foods.
Eat foods cold or at room temperature so you won’t be bothered by
strong smells.
Chew your food well for easier digestion.
If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry foods like
cereal, toast, or crackers before getting up.
Drink cool, clear, unsweetened fruit juices, such as apple or grape
juice, or light-colored sodas, such as ginger ale, that have lost
their fizz.
Suck on ice cubes, mints, or tart candies.
Try to avoid odors that bother you, such as cooking smells, smoke, or
perfume.
Prepare and freeze meals in advance for days when you don’t feel like
cooking.
Rest in a chair after eating, but don’t lie flat for at least 2 hours.
Wear loose-fitting clothes.
Breathe deeply and slowly when you feel nauseated.
Distract yourself by chatting with friends or family members, listening
to music, or watching a movie or TV show.
Popsicles
Sea Bands are elastic bands worn around the wrist, with a small
built-in “bump” which presses against an accupressure point on your
wrist. Many people find these to be extremely helpful for both
nausea and dizziness. Sea Bands can be found in most Sporting Goods
departments, or fishing supply stores.
Peppermint tea works wonders for nausea, as does a small (very small)
drop of peppermint essential oil on the tip of your tongue.
Many people find chewing on candied ginger helpful. You can find
candied ginger available in the spice department, or in the
Oriental foods section of your grocery store. Or you can put a
pinch of dried ginger in powder on the tip of the tongue or chew a
piece of the root. Or drink a tea: boil one cup of water with a
slice of fresh ginger root (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger powder)
for 10 minutes. Strain it and add a few drops of lemon.
