What Are the Treatments for Nausea Vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting are caused by many illnesses and health conditions. The best remedy is to treat what is causing it, if you can. For example, if the nausea and vomiting are triggered by a reaction to a medication, then cure the reaction. Otherwise, ease your discomfort with some home treatments. This will help relieve your symptoms. Contact your doctor if you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours or your vomit contains blood.

Rest

• Rest if you can at home. This will give you energy to fight whatever is causing your nausea and vomiting. It also helps stop the spread of germs to others. Do not spread germs by going to work or shopping while ill.

Liquids

• Drink clear liquids to prevent becoming dehydrated. Stick with fluids that are easy to digest like water and diluted fruit juices. Do not drink citrus fruit juice like orange juice, which causes digestive juices to become more acidic. Keep the liquids at room temperature since cold or hot liquids can irritate the stomach. Do not drink too much liquid at one time. This causes bloating and more nausea.

Electrolytes

• Maintain your electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium and potassium that are important for healthy functioning of your body. Vomiting causes your electrolyte levels to fall. Sip sports drinks diluted with water. Or mix 4 tbsp. sugar, ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. baking soda with one quart of water to create your own electrolyte drink. Use fruit juice instead of water to give it flavor.

Food

• Do not eat solid food until it has been at least six hours after the last bout of vomiting. Eat small meals to start your recovery process. Do not attempt to eat large meals until all nausea and vomiting is gone. Eat easy-to-digest foods that will soothe your stomach. These are soft, plain foods that include bread, unbuttered toast, steamed fish and bananas.

Avoid

• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine drinks. This irritates the digestive system and makes nausea worse. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that promote dehydration. Do not eat fatty, fried, sugary, high-fiber or highly seasoned foods. These foods are hard to digest and will aggravate your symptoms. Work your way back to your normal diet gradually.