5 Ways to reduce nausea

It is quite common for people with digestive problems to suffer with nausea. This can be because of food choices, poor eating habits, stress, gastritis, medication or could even be unexplained. If this isn’t something you suffer with frequently, you don’t need to worry because everyone feels nauseous from time-to-time. However, if you are feeling nauseous on a regular basis, you should mention it to your GP/PCP or gastroenterologist.

Nausea isn’t always followed by vomiting and there are things you can do to reduce nausea without relying on drugs.

  1. Drink water – Drinking a little water can help to settle your stomach, but take small slow sips and drink water from the cold tap rather than chilled water from the refrigerator.
  2. Take your mind off it – Thinking about how you feel sick can make you feel even worse. Try to take deep breaths and think about something else. For example, put on a TV show or a movie that you enjoy.
  3. Try some ginger – sipping on ginger tea, eating a ginger biscuit or chewing on a little crystallized ginger can really help to reduce nausea. You could also try sipping ginger ale – but again, slowly and small sips.
  4. Get some fresh air – Go and sit in the garden or on the balcony, or even open a window or door
  5. Sniff a perfume – put a spray of fragrance on a wrist and sniff it. Avoid food smells and stick to fragrances you enjoy. Having a little sniff of your wrist can help. If you don’t have a perfume or fragrance, an essential oil or even vapour rub can help alleviate nausea.

If none of the above work, then it’s time to consider a nausea medication. The best idea is to speak to your doctor or your local pharmacist about which product is the best for you!

Do you suffer with nausea? How do you cope with it? Let me know in the comments.

What to pack in your hospital bag

Maybe it’s just me, but after being in hospital a few times with diverticulitis and then from a gallbladder removal surgery, I like to make sure I always have a bag ready for the hospital. Usually, this bag lives under the bed, but sometimes it accompanies us in the back of the car on long journeys and trips. But, it makes me feel better knowing that everything I need is ready to grab and go should I end up in hospital. Below, I’ve included my list of things that I keep packed in my hospital bag.

My List

  • pyjamas/nightie
  • comfortable and easy to put on footwear (e.g. slippers/sliders/crocs/flip flops)
  • underwear
  • wet wipes
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • hairbrush and headbands/hair ties
  • lip balm
  • flannel/face wash cloth
  • travel soap/liquid soap/body wash
  • towel (not white)
  • pillow (not in a white pillow case)
  • chargers for any smartphones, tablets, e-readers
  • feminine hygiene/sanitary products
  • comfortable bra/bandeau bra

If course, if it is a planned visit, you can pack especially for your stay remembering to include any books/tablets/chargers/etc. medications.

If you don’t want to have a bag packed constantly, I’d recommend keeping a list of everything you’d like to have with you in the hospital so that if the worst happens, either you, a family member or a friend can see exactly what to pack for you – and do it relatively stress-free. You can keep the list stuck to the fridge or family notice board or even inside the bag or suitcase you would use to pack for the hospital so that it’s in there for when you need it.

What do you think of my hospital bag list? Is there anything else you always take with you? Let me know in the comments.

What is a clear liquid diet?

Sometimes when we have problems with our stomach or digestive system, we may be asked by our doctors to stick to a clear liquid diet for a couple of days.

So, what can we have while on a clear liquid diet? Well, that depends a little bit on why you’re following it. For example, if you are preparing for surgery or a colonoscopy, you may have extra restrictions in place.

Generally, though, clear liquid diets involve anything that is a clear liquid at room temperature. Examples of acceptable foods and drinks on a clear liquid diet are:

  • Water
  • chicken, beef or vegetable broth (strained to remove any pieces)
  • Black coffee/tea (no milks or creamers)
  • Herbal/green teas
  • clear soda drinks (e.g. Sprite/7up)
  • Jelly/Jello (US)
  • Clear fruit juices without pulp (e.g. clear apple juice)
  • Clear ice lollies/popsicles
  • drinks made from powdered sachets (e.g. Kool Aid, Bolero, etc.)

It’s a good idea to avoid any clear foods or drinks that have red or purple dyes. These can stain the inside of the bowel, making it look inflamed or can cause alarm if vomiting.

Are there any side effects of a clear liquid diet?

Well, this diet is not intended to be followed long term since it cannot provide all of the nutrients you need. You may notice while on a clear liquid diet that you feel hungry, maybe a little nausea at times and you may feel weak or tired. This is quite normal.

DISCLAIMER: If you are diabetic, please seek advice from your doctor before undertaking a clear liquid diet.

Have you been on a clear liquid diet before? How did it go? Let me know in the comments.