Cures for Nausea & Diarrhea

Nausea and diarrhea are two very common conditions, and most people experience them at one time or another. Although they sometimes appear simultaneously in individuals with certain ailments, they are not specifically related. In many cases, nausea and diarrhea resolve on their own, and numerous home remedies are available to ease their effects. However, these conditions sometimes indicate the presence of larger medical problems, and a cure may require a physician's care.

Common Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, nausea is a common symptom of a number of ailments, including viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), migraines, vertigo, morning sickness, rotavirus infection and motion sickness. It is also a common side effect of chemotherapy, general anesthesia and numerous prescription medications, and can be produced by excess consumption of alcohol or various illicit substances.

  The signs of diarrhea--including loose stools, abdominal cramps and pain, fever and bloating--can result from exposure to viruses and bacteria, and can also be caused by certain digestive disorders, food intolerance and the use of various medications.

Home Remedies

• If you suffer from nausea, you can try a number of things to ease or cure your condition. Restrict your diet to light, relatively bland foods such as bread or saltine crackers. Eat smaller amounts at any one meal, and eat slower than you normally would. Stay away from anything that is greasy, spicy, fried or overly sweet, and do not combine cold foods with hot foods. If you normally brush your teeth after meals, suspend this practice for awhile. Also make sure to avoid any strenuous activities after you eat. When you drink fluids, choose beverages that are clear or cold, such as water or ginger ale. Sip these drinks slowly.

  If you suffer from diarrhea, you will need to keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you drink a good daily amount of clear liquids such as water, juice or broth. If you drink juice, stay away from pear or apple juice, since they can actually worsen your symptoms. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine. If you have an intolerance to lactose, artificial sweeteners or fructose, avoid items that contain these substances. Also stay away from fatty, spicy or high-fiber foods.

Seeking Mecial Attention

• In some cases, your nausea or diarrhea may be accompanied by signs of more serious complications. If your nausea lasts for more than one week, see your doctor for a further diagnosis. Seek medical attention immediately for nausea accompanied by blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, fainting, high fever or severe headache. If you have diarrhea, see your doctor if it lasts for more than three days, or if it is accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal or rectal pain, black or bloody stool, or indications of dehydration. If your symptoms are related to medications or chemotherapy, your doctor may be able to adjust your treatment and ease your symptoms. If your diarrhea or nausea is related to chronic conditions such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome, you may need to address these underlying issues to gain relief.