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What to Take for Stomach on Chemo?

Among the unfortunate side effects of chemotherapy are upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. This is not always the case, but for the majority of people receiving this treatment they are an unwelcome side effect. There are several anti-nausea medications, and lifestyle changes, that can help combat these debilitating consequences of chemo.

  1. Liquids

    • Drink a lot of fluids during the day if your stomach is upset, and especially if you begin to vomit. Water is the best liquid to take in along with sugar-free juice. Try to drink at least 2 quarts of these fluids during the day. Do not drink any liquids during dinner time. You may feel bloated and this can make the nausea more severe.

    Eating

    • There is no real chemotherapy diet. The best thing you can put into your body during these treatments are foods that are light and not heavy or too greasy. That being said, do not avoid high-fat and high-calorie foods altogether. Your body becomes depleted during chemotherapy and needs as much energy and fat as possible. Consider adding sauces to foods and cooking in butter and oils. Avoid foods that are high in fiber, such as breads and pasta. They can irritate the stomach and make nausea, vomiting and diarrhea worse. Avoid eating your favorite foods while you are being treated with chemotherapy. You will begin to associate these foods with nausea and vomiting, and it may be ruined for you later.

    Antiemetics

    • There are several antiemetics, or anti-nausea, drugs that may be prescribed by your doctor if you are suffering from severe nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. These include: aprepitant, dolasetron, prochlorperazine, palonosetron, ondansetron, granisetron, famotidine and ranitidine. Take these according to your doctor's orders.

    Ginger

    • Ginger is a natural way to relieve the symptoms of chemotherapy. Products such as ginger ale or packaged ginger tea contain refined ginger and will not always be effective. Instead, add 1 tsp. of ginger power to a cup of boiling water. Mix in some sugar substitute for taste. Ginger can also be grated over meals or eaten dry in the form of ginger chews or discs.

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