How To Avoid Feeling Nauseous
To avoid feeling nauseous, it’s important to understand and manage the common triggers—like motion, certain foods, dehydration, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions. Here are practical ways to prevent nausea before it starts:
✅ 1. Eat Smart
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy meals, especially before travel or exercise.
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones to prevent an upset stomach.
- Eat slowly to avoid overeating or swallowing excess air.
- Try bland foods like crackers, toast, rice, or bananas if your stomach is sensitive.
- Avoid lying down right after eating, which can increase the chance of nausea and acid reflux.
✅ 2. Stay Hydrated—But Not Too Fast
- Sip water slowly throughout the day rather than gulping large amounts at once.
- Add ginger or lemon to water—both can naturally calm the stomach.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol, which can irritate your stomach lining.
✅ 3. Control Motion Sickness
- Face forward and look at the horizon if you’re in a car, boat, or plane.
- Use motion sickness bands (acupressure wristbands) or patches.
- Avoid reading or screen use while in motion.
- Get fresh air or open a window if possible.
✅ 4. Reduce Anxiety or Stress
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises to calm your nervous system.
- Use aromatherapy: Scents like peppermint or lavender can reduce nausea and anxiety.
- Avoid overthinking physical symptoms, which can worsen nausea.
✅ 5. Try Natural Remedies
- Ginger: Ginger tea, ginger candies, or capsules are effective anti-nausea agents.
- Peppermint: Peppermint tea or essential oil can ease an upset stomach.
- Chamomile: Calms the stomach and mind—especially helpful if nausea is linked to stress.
✅ 6. Avoid Triggers
- Strong odors (perfume, cooking smells) can bring on nausea—avoid them when sensitive.
- Screen fatigue: Eye strain can lead to nausea—take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule.
- Bright or flickering lights: Especially if you are prone to migraines.
✅ 7. Take Medication if Needed
- Antacids: Help if nausea is related to indigestion or acid reflux.
- Anti-nausea meds (e.g., Dramamine, Meclizine, or prescription meds): Useful for motion sickness, migraines, or chemotherapy-related nausea.
- Prenatal vitamins with B6: If you’re pregnant, vitamin B6 can help reduce morning sickness.
✅ 8. Address Underlying Health Issues
If nausea is frequent or long-lasting, it may be related to:
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Migraines
- Anxiety disorders
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Pregnancy
- Medications or supplements
See a healthcare provider if symptoms are persistent, severe, or unexplained.