Foods That Help Ease Nausea & Vomiting


Normally, we don’t think of food as being able to help ease nausea & vomiting. It is quite the opposite, in fact. We all know that eating certain types of foods can cause an upset stomach. For people with a sensitive stomach, this is especially true. They have learned to avoid spicy foods and perhaps high-fat foods, knowing that these will cause their tummy to start feeling badly. However, many people do not realize that there are certain foods that you can eat to ease nausea and vomiting.

Some of the best foods that help ease nausea & vomiting are not actually foods, they are beverages. Making sure that you drink enough liquids, especially clear liquids such as water, will keep you hydrated. Dehydration can lead to nausea & vomiting, and is one of the most common causes of nausea & vomiting. To avoid getting an upset stomach as well as to ease your nausea and vomiting, you need to make sure you’re drinking enough liquids. Whenever possible, you should drink clear and cold liquids such as water or soda pops that are clear of colorings and caffeine.

There are other things that you can eat to help ease nausea & vomiting. Mint and ginger are both known to have a soothing effect on an upset stomach. Many people have had success with a variety of types of peppermint teas, for example. If tea isn’t your thing, you can mix some peppermint oil into a drink of juice or lemonade. You can get ginger in a variety of ways, such as ginger tea or ginger root supplements. Ginger is especially effective if your nausea & vomiting are due to morning sickness or to travel sickness.

In terms of actual foods, there are several foods that may help to easy nausea & vomiting. The “BRAT” diet – consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – contains bland foods that help to absorb stomach acids and to ease nausea and vomiting. However, in addition to these, you might try crackers, yogurt, skinned baked or broiled chicken (never fried chicken), soft fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, angel food cake, pretzels, and sherbet. Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, or fatty, foods that are extremely spicy or sweet, and foods with strong smells.

Ultimately, you will have to go through a process of trial-and-error to help determine which foods will best ease your nausea and vomiting. If you have chronic or severe nausea, it can indicate another type of a problem, and you should discuss this with your health care provider.