Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying health problem. Nausea may occur alone or it might be accompanied by vomiting. Treating the health disorder that triggers the nauseated feeling or induces involuntary emptying of the stomach contents provides permanent relief from nausea and vomiting. Often dietary changes help to resolve nausea and vomiting naturally.
Diet for reducing nausea
Eat Bland Food
Nausea can be minimized by eating bland foods. Focus on foods that are white or light in color.Bland foods suitable for reducing the feeling on nausea include crackers, toast, pretzels, rice, noodles, boiled potato, oatmeal, broiled or baked skinless chicken, banana, peaches and other bland fruits and vegetables, pudding and yogurt.
Avoid Food with Strong Odor
The aversion to food that develops from nausea can be diminished by avoiding foods with strong odors. People suffering from nausea should not be served food that is too hot. The steaming hot foods emit stronger odor that can worsen the feeling of nausea. Avoid greasy foods that aggravate nausea.
Consume Cold Food
To avoid the strong odor of foods, eat foods that are either cold or served at room temperature.
Drink Plenty of Fluid
Sipping water and fruit juices several times a day is beneficial for people suffering from nausea. Instead of drinking a large glass of water at a time, sip small amounts of fluid throughout the day.Always consume cool and clear fluids. Avoid juices with added sugar. Sodas that have lost the fizz and ginger ale can reduce the feeling of nausea. However, do not take liquids with meals.
Avoid Sweet Foods
Excessively sweet foods and sweetened beverages may worsen nausea.
Eat Salty Foods
Eating small amounts of salty snacks can help to reduce the feeling of nausea.
Eat Low Fat Foods
To meet your energy and nutrient requirement without aggravating nausea, eat small portions of low fat foods that are easily digestible several times a day.
Diet for Vomiting
If nausea is accompanied by vomiting, the diet should be modified to restore the normal digestive health. After vomiting, it is necessary to rest the stomach. Therefore, avoid food for two hours. To replenish the water lost by vomiting, sip small amounts of water frequently. Sucking on ice chips can help in reducing the feeling of nausea. After vomiting has subsided, gradually increase your fluid intake.
Other than water, you can drink ginger ale, apple juice, flat cola, weak tea without milk, clear soups, broth and popsicles. As your condition improves, eat small amounts of soft bland foods such as rice, pasta, applesauce, crackers, ready to eat cereals without milk, bananas and non-acidic fruit juices.For about three to five days avoid high fiber foods, foods with strong odor, greasy, spicy, fatty and fried foods, alcohol, coffee, whole grain breads, bran cereals and strong flavored vegetables. Gradually increase your regular food intake to restore your normal eating habit. Avoid milk and dairy products until you are completely healed. However, low fat yogurt is easily digestible and can be included in the diet.
