Tips for fighting nausea

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NAUSEA – Tips for fighting nausea (PDF)

Nausea is a common side effect of cancer and its treatment. Whether you experience nausea on its own or with vomiting, it is important to tell your healthcare team about it.

Nausea can lead to poor nutrition and weight loss. It is important to take your antinausea medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have questions about how to take your medications and/or they are not helping, talk to your healthcare team.

Here are some tips that can help lessen nausea:

OPTIMIZE FLUIDS

✓ Gently brush your teeth. If you have mouth sores rinse with homemade baking soda rinse. BOX 1
✓ Suck on a hard candy like lemon, ginger, or mint.
✓ Try citrus flavours like orange and lemon, which may help with bad taste. Avoid these if you have mouth sores.

KEEP MOUTH FRESH

✓ Aim for 6 – 8 cups (11/2 – 2 litres) fluid per day.
✓ Separate fluids from solids. You may find it easier to have fluids 30 minutes before a meal.
✓ Check Hydration Tips for best fluid choices.

EAT WHEN YOU CAN

✓ Try to eat or drink something every 2 – 3 hours to keep up your strength.
✓ Eat before you feel hungry as hunger can sometimes make you feel more nauseated.
✓ Eat slowly and in a relaxed environment.
✓ Save your favourite foods for when you feel better.

AVOID STRONG SMELLS

✓ Choose colder or room temperature foods.
✓ Drink fluids through a straw or from a mug with lid.
✓ Get some fresh air.
✓ Ask someone to prepare meals for you or buy already prepared meals.

SIT UPRIGHT FOR AN HOUR AFTER EATING

✓ Some people find it helpful to walk around. If you need to lie down, prop yourself up on a few pillows.

Recipe links

Chicken Broth Bread Gnocci
Coconut Granola
Chicken Ginger Broth

AUTHORS
Megan Morrison RD, Princess Margaret
Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Stéphanie Pasaman RD, University of Montreal Health Centre (CHUM),
Montreal, Quebec
Erin Roman RD, InspireHealth Supportive
Cancer Care, Vancouver, British Columbia

DISCLAIMER
The information in this publication is not intended as medical advice nor should it replace advice, expertise and information given by a member of your healthcare team.
Nourish Spotlight is a publication of the Nourish: Canada’s Nutrition Companion for Oncology Patients and Caregivers series: a free resource developed by registered dietitians, available in print and online www.nourishonline.ca

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