It's a feeling that can come on suddenly and everyone dreads.
And yet, every once in awhile, you eat the wrong food or get a bout of the flu and nausea sets in. Instead of waiting it out, learn how to take control. Eat some of these foods or sip on one of these drinks to put an end to your nausea
More: 6 Nutrition Tips for Stomach Pain
3 Food Remedies for Nausea
Ginger: It's unclear as to when when ginger is effective as a remedy for nausea and when it's not. For example, ginger is less effective in soothing pregnancy related nausea than motion sickness, or any other form of nausea, according to Tara Parker-Pope of the NY Times Well Blog.
Still, many health professionals believe this is one of the best remedies. "It's an ancient remedy that's been used by numerous cultures," says Mary Purdy, M.S., R.D., and owner of Nourishing Balance.
It's best to eat it raw after being boiled down as tea. However, bags of ginger tea, ginger candies and 100 percent natural ginger ale can all be beneficial.
More: 4 Reasons Athletes Should Eat Ginger
Instead of buying it at the store, make your own ginger ale to reap the most benefits. Steep fresh slices of ginger root in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. When finished, mix it with sparkling water or club soda and a touch or honey or pure maple syrup. "The carbonation and the ginger is really nice on the stomach," says Aimee Gallo, owner of Vibrance Nutrition and Fitness.
Mint: Mint is one of the tastiest remedies for nausea. "In general, mint is something that settles the stomach. It's known to be a digestive aid, giving extra support to our gastrointestinal function," Purdy says. She suggests chewing it or drinking it in tea form.
Comfort Food: Sometimes, all you need is a taste of home to ease your stomach pain. These remedies for nausea will vary from person to person.
Still, comfort food can be a powerful aid. "If people have connotations with food that they remember being a comfort when they had nausea as a kid, there's an incredible mind body connection that happens [when you eat it," Purdy says.
More: 10 Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Comfort Food
3 Cooking Tips to Reduce Nausea
It's not just what you eat, but how you prepare the food that can make the biggest difference in how you feel. Here's what to do and what to avoid.
Don't: Eat Highly Scented Food
If you're having trouble eating in the first place, highly scented food will only make it harder to stomach. There's a reason why you were fed bland foods like toast and chicken noodle soup when you were sick as a kid.
Keep in mind, these foods should also be room temperature, not freshly cooked, which often enhances smell and flavor.
Do: Eat Ice
Instead of eating regular ice cubes, make fruit juice cubes. "There's carbohydrates for energy, a little bit of nutrition and you don't have to chew. Very often the act of chewing, and stimulating the digestive enzymes, can cause nausea," Purdy says.
Don't: Eat Your Favorite Foods
Getting sick from your favorite meals can ruin your experiences with that food in the future, Purdy says. If you stick with basic snacks and meals—crackers, broth, toast—you'll feel better and the sickness won't ruin your next big dinner.
More: Skinny Comfort Food
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