Chemotherapy Side Effects: Nausea and Vomiting

The following non-drug methods help with nausea and vomiting:

• Meals
  • Avoid big meals so your stomach won't feel too full. 
  • Eat frequent, small meals 6 - 8 times throughout the day instead of 1, 2, or 3 large meals.
  • Prepare and freeze meals in advance.
• Drink liquids at least an hour before or after mealtime instead of with your meals.
• Eat and drink slowly.
• Chew your food well for better digestion
• After eating, rest in a chair. Do not lie flat for at least 2 hours after you've finished your meal.
• Stay away from sweet, fried, or fatty foods.
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature (warm) so you won't be bothered by strong smells.
• If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry foods, such as cereal, toast, or crackers, before getting up. 
  • Keep them by the bed so you can eat them before getting up. 
  • Don't try this if you have mouth or throat sores or are troubled by a dry mouth.
• Drinks
  • Drink at least an hour before or after meals - instead of drinking with meals.
  • Drink cool, clear liquids, such as apple juice, tea, or ginger ale that has lost its fizz.
  • Avoid fizzy drinks and acid juices (such as orange juice).
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and many sodas.
• Suck on ice cubes, mints, or tart candies to get liquids or if you have a dry mouth. 
  • Juice popsicles are an alternative to drinking.
  • Do not eat tart candies if you have mouth or throat sores.
• Try to avoid odors or any smell that bothers you, such as cooking smells, smoke, or perfume.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Breathe deeply and slowly when you feel nauseated.
• Distract yourself by talking with friends or family members, or watching a movie or TV show.
• Use relaxation techniques, including relaxation exercises and guided imagery. For information about these techniques, see the documents in "To Learn More".
• Acupuncture. 
• Getting a massage.
• Listen to soothing music.
• Consume ginger in tablets or in flat ginger ale.
• (Ed. note): Consider using the following products which have helped many people with nausea and vomiting due to treatment.
  • Queasy Pops and Queasy Drops
  • Spearmint Gum 

The American Cancer Society also suggests listening to music. You can use music therapy either under the guidance of a certified music therapist or on your own. There is no downside to music therapy.

• To do music therapy on your own, listed to your favorite soothing music in a relaxed setting.
• To find a certified music therapist, ask at your treatment center or look at the web site of the organization known as The Certification Board for Music Therapists,www.cbmt..or g. Click on "Find a Board Certified Music Therapist" or call 800.765.2268.

NOTE: A large National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded study found that:

• One-quarter of a teaspoon of ginger daily for three days before chemotherapy, eliminated nausea by 40 percent. 
• A larger dose did not work as well as the small dose.
• The study also found that taking ginger with anti-vomiting drugs worked better to control nausea than taking the drugs alone.

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