Nausea

Symptoms

Nausea is a symptom of another problem in the body. Depending on its severity, it is often associated with loss of appetite, increased salivation and vomiting. Hot, stuffy or stale air usually worsens the symptoms, and repulsive smells, such as those from smoking or cooking, bring on gagging or vomiting spells. As a normal reaction to nausea, food just eaten becomes disliked and distasteful. So much so that eating it again will often bring on recurring attacks of nausea. Unfortunately this can create an enormous problem for persons experiencing repeated nausea, as sometimes occurs in chemotherapy treatments and during pregnancy.

Causes

Most problems of the gastrointestinal tract will cause nausea before other symptoms become apparent. Nausea after a meal is likely related to poor digestion, as a result of rich or spicy foods, stress or lack of stomach acid. Sometimes, nausea is a symptom of an inflammation in the lining in the stomach, flu or food poisoning. Constipation can also cause mild symptoms of queasiness and lack of appetite, as can problems in the gall-bladder or liver, including hepatitis.

Nausea often appears as a reaction to many problems totally unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. A shocking experience or extreme pain anywhere in the body can cause nausea and vomiting as a response of the nervous system. During pregnancy, hormonal changes are responsible for the morning sickness that many women experience in the first three months. Disorientation from motion sickness, dizziness, a hangover and excessive alcohol or drug use will produce queasiness and vomiting. Sometimes, poor circulation due to increasing heart failure is the cause. More rarely, persistent nausea should be investigated for kidney problems. Many prescription drugs can cause nausea, including iron supplements.

Nutrition

Nibbling on wholegrain crackers will help relieve nausea by soaking up acidity. Small amounts of fruit juice are also good for alkalinity. Drink carrot and blackberry juice to soothe the stomach and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Papaya and pineapple juice contain enzymes which aid digestion in the stomach. Nausea can be due to magnesium and B6 deficiency. Wheat germ is an excellent source of both these nutrients. Ginger is an effective remedy for nausea. Chew crystallized ginger to prevent vomiting. Rice is the most easily tolerated of the grains. Make a rice congee with ginger by cooking one part rice to five or six parts water with ginger root four to six hours on a low flame.

Nutritional Supplements

The B vitamins, especially B6, and magnesium are helpful treatment for nausea. If the B vitamins are lacking due to an imbalance in the intestinal flora in the bowels, Lactobacillus acidophilus should be supplemented to restore order.

Daily dosages

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, 50 mg

Magnesium, 500 mg

Lactobacillus acidophilus, 3 capsules or 1 tsp.

Herbal Remedies

Herbs are an excellent way of treating nausea due to stomach overacidity, stress, pregnancy and other causes.

A combination of strong peppermint and fennel tea will soothe the stomach and relieve the feeling of nausea.

Nausea resulting from overloading the stomach and from nervous irritability can be treated with gentian, camomile and centaury.

Lemon balm tea is excellent for nausea during pregnancy.

Rub a few drops of Swedish bitters on the stomach, then place a hot cloth on it. Put 3 drops of lavender or lemon balm oil on a cool compress for the forehead.

Homeopathy

See more specific sources of nausea, such as morning sickness, indigestion, or motion sickness.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue every half hour or hour, then four times daily if necessary.

Nat phos will help relieve nausea when combined with overacidity, a sour taste in the mouth or bile rising from the stomach.

Kali phos is a great remedy for an overly nervous stomach, causing an empty sensation, associated with worry.

Nat mur is helpful for nausea immediately after eating due to insufficient stomach acid. Often there is thirst and a craving for salty foods.

External/Physical Therapies

If feeling very nauseated, lie on one side, so that if there is vomiting, it can flow out sideways and does not run into throat or lungs.

Remove false teeth before vomiting.

Immediately after vomiting, rinse mouth to prevent tooth decay.

Drink water in small sips.

Place a hot, moist cloth on stomach and a cool compress on the forehead.

Reflexology

With thumb pressure, work the reflexes of the liver and gall-bladder, diaphragm and stomach, located on the right foot, then work the reflexes to the ascending, transverse and descending colon and the small intestines.

Other Suggestions

Since nausea could be the result of many serious health problems, it is best to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if nausea persists.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)

Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Swedish Bitters-Extra Strength (Natural Factors)

Camomile Flowers (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginger-Peppermint Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

External Therapies

Camomile Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Ginger Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Peppermint Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)