Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in which an individual feels an urge to vomit. Feeling nauseous is very common, and approximately 50% of adults suffer from nausea at least once a year.

The feeling of nausea is triggered by several factors that include food allergies, intolerance to specific foods, infections, gut disorders, certain medicines, and pregnancy. The chemical and emotional triggers of nausea start in the brain, which causes your stomach muscles to dysfunction and makes you feel nauseous.

Foods to eat when you feel nauseous
Certain foods can help in balancing the electrolyte and water balance in your body and subside the feeling of nausea:

• Ginger: Ginger is commonly used for stomach-related issues. Several bioactive components of ginger like shogaol, gingerol, and paradol help in alleviating the symptoms of nausea caused due to cancer treatment, motion sickness, and pregnancy.
• Water: Water intake is crucial if you are vomiting or have a fever. In case there is also diarrhea, taking an electrolyte solution is recommended to replace the lost electrolytes. Avoid the intake of very sweet and caffeine-rich drinks as they can worsen the condition.
• Eat cold food: Eating cold food items like chilled fruits, ice creams, and custard can help in reducing the symptoms of nausea. It is because cold foods generally lack a strong odor. You can also keep an ice cube in your mouth as it will help in replacing lost water.
• Drink some chicken soup: Chicken soup can be consumed before you actually start on solid food after nausea. This provides electrolytes, nutrients, and water to your body.
• Bananas: Bananas are a rich source of energy and potassium, and they also provide other nutrients and help in maintaining the potassium balance in your body after vomiting or diarrhea.
• Applesauce: It is rich in carbohydrates and is often recommended during nausea due to its calming effect on the stomach. Its high pectin content also makes it suitable during diarrhea.
• Foods rich in starch: Foods with high starch content like potatoes and rice can be a good choice when you are nauseous. They are a good source of calories and do not provoke the feeling of nausea due to their bland smell and taste.
• Protein-rich food: According to studies, foods rich in protein are more effective in controlling the symptoms of nausea as compared to foods high in carbohydrates or fats. These foods were also found to be a better choice for reducing the symptoms of motion sickness. Individuals with chronic nausea should consume protein-rich foods to avoid malnutrition.
• Herbal tea: For many people, herbal tea subsides the feeling of nausea, but there is no scientific basis for this.

Nausea can be a result of several environmental and health factors. Several food items can be beneficial during episodes of nausea, but one should avoid eating large quantities of food to prevent the feeling of nausea.