Preventing Nausea Before it Starts – Good Habits to Prevent That Icky Feeling.

June 30th, 2021 | Blog, Pregnancy

No one likes the feeling of an upset stomach.

That uncomfortable feeling can keep you out of life’s most enjoyable activities. If you have chronic nausea or morning sickness, planning around your upset stomach can be difficult and limit your ability to live your life to the fullest. When nausea strikes, the go-to cures of ginger and peppermint are great, but what can you do before that icky feeling starts to limit your nausea and feel better?

Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water is great for your overall health. Water can also help prevent your stomach from twisting into knots when that feeling of nausea starts to wash over you. A few glasses of water a day can lessen the symptoms of nausea and have you feeling better. When your stomach has plenty of water, it is less likely to cramp and cause discomfort. A more hydrated body is better at circulating oxygen-filled blood through the body. Better circulation can also improve your overall feeling of comfort.

Avoid Triggering Foods

We all have certain foods that we know leave us feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Avoiding these foods and enjoying them in small quantities will help lessen the chances you are struck with nausea. Typical foods that can cause your stomach to turn may include large amounts of dairy, foods high in fat, greasy foods, and spicy foods. All of these foods can worsen your discomfort, so it is best to steer clear when you feel nausea coming on.

Daily Herbal Tea

Drinking herbal tea is a great way to prevent fits of nausea. Teas with ginger, peppermint, or fenugreek are great because they contain a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory. This substance can help keep your stomach and the muscles around it feeling relaxed. These teas can also reduce swelling that adds to the discomfort you feel while having nausea. A daily dose of natural herbal tea is a great way to prepare your stomach for any pain and prevent any possible nausea.

Smaller Portions

An upset stomach can often be triggered by overfilling your stomach. As the lining of your stomach is stretched, it can cause discomfort in the surrounding area. Nausea can be caused by your stomach putting pressure on the other organs within your abdomen. Eating smaller portions will help keep your stomach from adding additional discomfort. Large amounts of food in the stomach can also cause stomach acid to rise out of the stomach and cause heartburn. Smaller portions will keep prevent any discomfort and minimize the chances of an upset stomach.

Avoid highly Carbonated Beverages

Beverages with a lot of carbonation like sodas, seltzers, and even champagne can release gas into your stomach. As you drink, the bubbles in the beverage pop and release gas into your esophagus and stomach. As gas builds up, pressure is added to your midsection. Most times, a belch can relieve you of any discomfort, but sometimes the gas can stay trapped in your stomach and trigger a bout of nausea. If you feel an upset stomach coming, avoid adding to your discomfort by steering clear of carbonated beverages.

Avoid Extreme Temperature

Food or beverages that are too hot or too cold can affect the state of your stomach. Extreme temperatures can cause the muscles around the stomach to contract and dilate. This quick and unexpected muscle movement can be uncomfortable and may even trigger an episode of nausea.

Allow time for Food to Digest After a Meal

Avoiding strenuous physical activity after a meal is a great way to prevent possible nausea. When you perform physical activity, the muscles that line the wall of your stomach and back can contract and apply pressure to your torso. If your stomach is full when this happens, your muscles can squeeze the lining of the stomach, causing you great discomfort. Waiting a full thirty minutes or more after you eat will help reduce your risk of triggering an attack of nausea.