Nausea and vomiting are among the most common and challenging side effects of cancer
treatment. These symptoms can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and even the
cancer itself, leading to discomfort, loss of appetite, and difficulty maintaining a healthy
weight. Managing nausea and vomiting effectively is crucial for your overall well-being
during treatment. While these symptoms can be distressing, there are strategies you can use to
help minimize their impact on your daily life. At Curo Care, we are committed to supporting
you through every stage of your cancer journey, and that includes helping you manage nausea
and vomiting. Here are some tips to help you feel better.
1. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
One of the most effective ways to manage nausea is by eating small, frequent meals
throughout the day. An empty stomach can make nausea worse, while eating large meals may
overwhelm your digestive system.
∙Avoid Heavy Meals: Instead of three large meals a day, try eating five or six smaller
meals. This helps keep your stomach settled and can reduce the intensity of nausea.
∙Choose Bland Foods: Foods like crackers, toast, rice, and plain pasta can be easier
on your stomach when you’re feeling nauseous. Avoid spicy, greasy, or fried foods, as
they can trigger nausea.
∙Keep Snacks Handy: Keep simple snacks nearby so you can nibble on them when
you feel able to eat. This can help maintain your energy levels and prevent nausea
from becoming worse due to an empty stomach.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care provides personalized nutrition advice to help you
manage nausea through diet. Our health coaches can work with you to develop a meal
plan that includes small, frequent meals that are gentle on your stomach.
2. Stay Hydrated, But Sip Slowly
Staying hydrated is essential during cancer treatment, especially if you’re experiencing
nausea and vomiting. However, drinking too much at once can upset your stomach.
∙Sip Fluids Throughout the Day: Instead of drinking large amounts of water at once,
sip fluids slowly throughout the day. This helps you stay hydrated without
overwhelming your stomach.
∙Try Clear Liquids: Clear liquids like water, herbal teas, or clear broths are often
easier to tolerate when you’re feeling nauseous. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you,
try flavoured water or sports drinks to help keep your fluid intake up.
∙Avoid Sugary or Carbonated Drinks: Sugary and carbonated drinks can make
nausea worse. Stick to non-carbonated beverages that are easy on your stomach.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care helps you stay hydrated by providing practical tips for
managing fluid intake. Our health coaches can recommend the best beverages for
your specific needs and help you find ways to stay hydrated even when nausea is
present.
3. Use Ginger to Soothe Nausea
Ginger is a natural remedy that has been shown to help reduce nausea and vomiting. It can be
consumed in various forms, including ginger tea, ginger candies, or ginger supplements.
∙Ginger Tea: Sipping ginger tea can help calm your stomach and reduce nausea. You
can make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger in hot water or by using ginger tea bags.
∙Ginger Candies or Chews: Ginger candies or chews are convenient options for when
you’re on the go. These can provide quick relief when nausea strikes.
∙Ginger Supplements: If you prefer, you can take ginger supplements in capsule
form. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure
they’re safe for you.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care offers guidance on using natural remedies like ginger
to manage nausea. Our health coaches can help you incorporate ginger into your diet
and recommend the best ways to use it for relief.
4. Avoid Strong Smells and Triggers
Strong smells and certain triggers can worsen nausea, so it’s important to identify and avoid
them when possible.
∙Stay Away from Strong Odors: Cooking smells, perfumes, and even certain
cleaning products can trigger nausea. Try to avoid being around strong odors, and ask
others to help with cooking if the smells make you feel sick.
∙Eat in a Well-Ventilated Area: If you’re sensitive to food smells, try eating in a
well-ventilated area or even outdoors. Fresh air can help reduce nausea and make
meals more tolerable.
∙Identify Your Triggers: Pay attention to the specific things that trigger your nausea,
such as certain foods, smells, or activities. Once you identify your triggers, you can
take steps to avoid them.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care helps you identify and manage your nausea triggers.
Our health coaches work with you to develop strategies for avoiding strong smells
and other triggers that can worsen your symptoms.
5. Try Acupuncture or Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are alternative therapies that have been shown to help relieve
nausea, particularly chemotherapy-induced nausea.
∙Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points
on the body to stimulate energy flow and reduce symptoms like nausea. Many cancer
patients find that acupuncture helps them manage nausea more effectively.
∙Acupressure: Acupressure uses the same principles as acupuncture but without
needles. Instead, pressure is applied to certain points on the body, such as the wrist, to
relieve nausea. You can use acupressure wristbands or learn specific techniques to
apply pressure yourself.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care can help you explore alternative therapies like
acupuncture and acupressure for nausea relief. Our health coaches can connect you
with qualified practitioners and provide guidance on how these therapies can
complement your treatment.
6. Take Prescribed Anti-Nausea Medications
Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-nausea medications, also known as antiemetics,
to help manage your symptoms. It’s important to take these medications as directed to
prevent nausea from becoming overwhelming.
∙Follow Your Prescribed Schedule: Anti-nausea medications are often most effective
when taken on a regular schedule, even if you’re not currently feeling nauseous.
Follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure you get the most benefit from your
medication.
∙Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: If your current medication isn’t
providing enough relief, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust
your dosage or prescribe a different medication to help manage your symptoms more
effectively.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care provides support for managing your medications and
ensuring that you’re taking them correctly. Our health coaches can help you keep
track of your anti-nausea medications and work with your healthcare team to make
adjustments as needed.
7. Rest and Relax
Rest and relaxation can play a key role in managing nausea. Stress and anxiety can
exacerbate nausea, so finding ways to relax can help reduce your symptoms.
∙Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or
guided imagery can help calm your mind and reduce the intensity of nausea. These
practices encourage relaxation and help you focus on something other than your
discomfort.
∙Get Plenty of Rest: Fatigue can make nausea worse, so it’s important to get plenty of
rest. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night, and don’t hesitate to take naps
during the day if you’re feeling tired.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care supports your overall well-being by providing
guidance on relaxation techniques that can help manage nausea. Our health coaches
work with you to incorporate rest and relaxation into your daily routine to minimize
your symptoms.
Conclusion
Managing nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment can be challenging, but with the right
strategies, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. From eating small, frequent
meals to using natural remedies like ginger and exploring alternative therapies like
acupuncture, there are many ways to reduce nausea and feel more comfortable. At Curo Care,
we are here to support you with personalized health coaching and practical tips to help you
manage nausea and other treatment side effects. Contact Curo Care today to learn more about
how we can help you navigate your cancer journey with greater comfort and confidence.
