Eating Healthy When You Have Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea may be caused by the medicines you are taking or by infections in your body.
Some ideas to try when you have nausea:
- Don't skip meals! Not only does your body need food, but skipping meals will probably make you feel even worse.
- Eat small amounts of food often during the day. Try watching the clock and eating something every 2 to 3 hours. Eat more food at times of the day when you feel good.
- Don't eat your favorite foods when you are nauseated. This could cause you to be "turned off" by them later.
- Eat salty foods but avoid very sweet foods.
- Eat dry foods such as toast, crackers or dry cereals right from the box. This is especially good to do soon after waking up in the morning.
- Plain, simple foods are best to eat now. Try these: soups, puddings and custards, ice cream, rice, macaroni, noodles, toast, yogurt, soft-cooked eggs, cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, bananas, canned fruit, mashed potatoes, crackers, cottage cheese and fruit, eggs.
- Stay away from fried and greasy foods. Use only small amounts of margarine, butter, cream or oil in your food.
- Do not drink liquids at the same time that you eat your meals. Drink them 30 to 60 minutes before or after eating.
- Sometimes just the smell of food can make you feel sick. Open the windows for some fresh air. Avoid making foods that will produce a strong smell in your home, like brewing coffee, frying meats or fish, or cooking spaghetti sauce or chili.
- Do not lie down flat for at least 2 hours after eating. If you wish to rest, sit down. If you must lay down after eating, prop your head up at least 4 inches higher than your feet.
- Some medicines cause nausea. If possible, take them at a time of day when nausea will not interfere with meals.
Source:
Adapted from Tennessee Department of Health, 1/00
Last reviewed January 2000 by EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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