How to Ease Chemotherapy-induced Nausea

September 6th, 2023 | Cancer

Nutrition Strategies to Ease Nausea during Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a life-changing treatment for cancer, but it comes with a variety of side effects, nausea and vomiting being the most common ones. Moreover, every person reacts differently to chemo drugs, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. However, knowing how to manage nausea during chemotherapy is important for the success of the treatment. Persistent vomiting or queasiness can lead to dehydration and malnutrition – and can trigger more issues along the way. Luckily, there are many nutritional strategies and medications available that help in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

It is very important to control nausea and queasiness in cancer patients, so they can continue to get their treatment comfortably. Eating a well-balanced diet provides the body with all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins needed to stay strong during the treatment. That said, we have compiled a list of effective nutritional strategies to ease nausea during chemotherapy. Take a look.

Eat small frequent meals

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day is the best strategy to combat queasiness and nausea during chemotherapy. It helps to stabilize blood glucose levels and prevents feelings of bloating that, tremendously, reduce the chances of developing nausea.

Snacking in a relaxing and comfortable environment is also important to prevent unpleasant feelings. Certain factors such as; stress, anxiety, lights, certain odors, or loud music can trigger nausea. For that reason, play soft relaxing music or watch your favorite Netflix show while eating to reduce the occurrence of motion sickness.

Keep yourself hydrated

If you’re wondering how to prevent nausea during chemotherapy, drinking water can be of great help! Dehydration worsens nausea and other digestive problems, causing electrolyte imbalances in the body that may contribute to vomiting. To lower the chances of this happening, drink plenty of water and juices throughout the day. Sip on cool beverages, herbal teas, lemonade, apple juice, or ginger ale to balance your electrolytes.

Try anti-nausea products

If the mere sight of food makes you want to throw up, you should consider natural remedies for nausea after chemo. Try snacking on queasy products to relieve the symptoms of vomiting and lightheadedness, leaving you at ease. They are completely natural and chemical-free and come in various flavors to help you combat sickness effectively.

Consume food products that are easy to chew and digest

If you face persistent nausea, drowsiness, or vomiting after chemo sessions, it’s high time you re-evaluate your food choices and choose products that taste good and are easy to chew and swallow. Some of the best-recommended foods to eat during chemo nausea are;

• Yogurt
• Boiled potatoes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Chicken
• Fish
• Turkey
• Beans
• Tofu
• Quinoa
• Crackers
• Toast
• Avocado
• Clear broths and soups

Avoid foods that are overly spicy or greasy

Cancer patients suffering from nausea during chemo must avoid overly spicy, greasy, or extra fatty foods, as they can irritate the stomach and disturb the digestive system. For this purpose, avoid consuming foods that have hot pepper, chili powder, curry, or spicy sauces added to them.

Avoid odors that trigger your nausea

Managing nausea during chemotherapy can also be done by avoiding certain smells, as they can make you belch in a matter of seconds. For this reason, consuming products that require less cooking time and have no triggering odors is important. These can be pancakes, shakes, smoothies, or oatmeal cereals.

Follow the above nutritional strategies to ease nausea during chemotherapy. Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen despite trying the above suggestions. Finally, visit our website to read more blogs on how to combat queasiness effectively, bringing your health to optimal levels.