A Common Side Effect of Chemotherapy

September 20th, 2023 | Cancer

Relief Options for Coping with Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea

Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment, but often leads to an unpleasant side effect – nausea. Although common, we are genuinely surprised at how many cancer patients experience this queasy feeling in their stomach during treatment, making their condition much more difficult.

Chemotherapy drugs, while effective against cancer, can also affect healthy cells in the digestive system. As a result, this causes discomfort that can range from mild to severe and can persist even after treatment. Moreover, it can manifest itself as nausea, which, as you know, is that nasty feeling in your stomach that will do anything to come up. Furthermore, chemotherapy-induced nausea can cause even more distress, leading to other health-related issues in the long run. Therefore, it’s vital to know how to relieve some of your symptoms naturally.

Are Some People More Prone to Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea?

Since every person is unique in their own right, certain conditions and treatments are experienced differently – chemo sickness included. That said, several factors can increase the risks that lead to nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown these side effects are more likely to happen if you are a female and younger than 50 years. Moreover, if you experienced morning sickness or vomiting with past pregnancies and currently dealing with cancer, there is an additional risk for you to suffer chemotherapy-induced nausea. Another condition highly likely correlated with the risk of chemo nausea is if you have fluid or electrolyte imbalance.

Some of the conditions that nausea and vomiting cause are:

• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Torn esophagus
• Mental issues

Dehydration and Its Signs

One of the most serious signs of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is dehydration, a condition where the body loses more fluids than it takes in. You know you are dehydrated if you have a dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, and decreased urine output. The sooner you recognize the signs of a lack of fluids, the more time you have to tackle the issue.

Addressing Dehydration

To combat dehydration after chemo, staying hydrated by drinking fluids regularly is crucial. Sip water throughout the day and avoid consuming large amounts at once, as it can trigger nausea. Opt for clear liquids like broth, herbal tea, or electrolyte drinks to replenish lost fluids and essential minerals.

Of course, consuming solid food might be difficult, especially if it persists in coming back up. For that reason, try eating small, frequent meals that are easy to digest, such as crackers, plain rice, or yogurt. Moreover, avoid fizzy drinks, colas, carbonated drinks, and liquids high in sugar because they can cause double damage: triggering your sense of feeling full and hydrated while causing additional dehydration after ingestion.

Before you run for your anti-nausea medication for chemo, take a step back, breathe, and look for more natural solutions. Luckily, we’ve got the perfect one! Our Queasy Drops can also help with chemotherapy-induced nausea. They are natural lozenges infused with ingredients like ginger and peppermint, known to soothe upset stomachs. They can be carried easily and provide on-the-go chemo nausea relief, and leave a nice, minty feeling in the mouth along the way.

Alternatively, Queasy Pops are delicious lollipops available in various flavors, providing a tasty way to combat chemotherapy-induced nausea. If you’re looking for something a bit more fashionable, our Queasy Bands are not only stylish, but they also apply pressure to the wrists in the form of acupuncture, making your sickness go away.

There are a lot more ways to combat chemo nausea – find out what they are on our blog!