The most common causes of nausea can be anxiety, stress, food poisoning, or motion sickness. However, that’s not all. There are several more factors at play when you feel that uncomfortable, queasy feeling in your stomach.

If you have ever felt that awful wave of queasiness wash over you, you know how desperately you want it to go away. Let’s explore what causes nausea and what simple home remedies can benefit you.

Most Common Causes of Nausea

Understanding what’s making you feel nauseous is the first step toward feeling better. Here are the most frequent causes.

1. Digestive Issues and Food-Related Causes

Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently cause nausea. Especially if you have eaten meals. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, stomach acid flowing back into your oesophagus creates that queasy sensation many people mistake for other conditions.

2. Motion Sickness and Inner Ear Problems

Ever felt sick in a car, boat, or plane? That’s your inner ear and eyes sending mixed messages to your brain about movement. Motion sickness happens when your brain receives conflicting information from your inner ear, eyes, and body about whether you are moving.

Inner ear infections or conditions like vertigo can also make you feel nauseous even when you are sitting still.

3. Medications and Other Medical Treatments

Antibiotics, pain medications (especially opioids), and chemotherapy drugs can cause upset stomach. If you have recently started a new medication and feel nauseous, that might be the connection.

4. Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Factors

When you are anxious or stressed, your body releases hormones that can literally make you feel sick to your stomach. Research shows a strong link between anxiety disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms. It includes nausea as well.

Simple Home Remedies for Quick Relief From Nausea

Most mild cases of nausea improve with these easy, natural approaches. So, always start slow and see what works for you.

1. Ginger: Best Anti-Nausea Remedy

A systematic review found that ginger effectively reduces nausea and vomiting in various conditions. 

How to use it: Sip ginger tea, chew on fresh ginger slices, or try ginger candies. 

2. Peppermint for Digestive Comfort

The scent and taste of peppermint can work wonders when you are feeling queasy. Research showed that inhaling peppermint essential oil significantly reduced nausea. 

Try this: Brew peppermint tea, eat peppermint candies, or simply smell peppermint oil.

3. Stay Hydrated with Small Sips

When you are nauseous, drinking large amounts can make things worse. Instead, you should take small, frequent sips of clear fluids. Water, clear broths, or ice chips work best in this case. If you have been vomiting, you need to replace lost fluids to avoid dehydration.

4. Rest in the Right Position

Lie down with your head elevated or sit upright. Lying flat can worsen nausea. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, as it can trigger nausea. 

5. Fresh Air and Proper Breathing

Sometimes the best way to get rid of nausea fast is simply to step outside. Fresh air can immediately ease that queasy feeling. Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s a healthy daily habit that will surely benefit you in the long term.

6. Avoid Strong Smells and Triggers

When you are nauseous, your sense of smell becomes hypersensitive. Stay away from strong odours, perfumes, smoke, and other scents that might make you feel worse. Keep your environment cool and well-ventilated.

When Should I See a Doctor for Persistent Nausea?

You should see a doctor for nausea if it lasts more than 48 hours in adults, accompanies severe symptoms, or signals potential dehydration.

You would need immediate medical attention in these conditions:

• Chest pain or pressure, severe headache, or sudden stiff neck
• Severe abdominal pain
• Inability to keep down any liquids for 24 hours

Schedule a doctor’s appointment if:

• Nausea lasts more than a few days without improvement
• You suspect your medication is causing nausea
• You are losing weight unintentionally

FAQs

Q1. What Causes Nausea in Children?

Nausea in children can be caused by viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, motion sickness, and overeating. Other triggers can include stress or a reaction to medication.

Q2. What Food Is Good for Nausea?

Plain rice, toast, boiled potatoes, chicken and bananas are perfect when you are feeling nauseous. Just eat the foods that are not oily and spicy.

Q3. What Are the Warning Signs of Nausea?

Warning signs of nausea include severe abdominal pain, chest pain, confusion, and high fever. These signals indicate potential emergencies like infections or blockages.

Q4. What Not to Eat When Nauseous?

Avoid fatty, greasy, spicy, or heavy foods, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and strong-smelling items when nauseous. Skip large meals and acidic foods as well.

Q5. Is Yoghurt Good for Nausea?

Yes, plain yoghurt is good for nausea. Opt for low-fat, non-sweetened varieties once nausea eases.

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