How Candy Can Help Alleviate Nausea Symptoms
Nausea is a very common but often uncomfortable sensation that can occur for a variety of reasons. As unpleasant as nausea can be, there are ways for the average person to help manage these feelings. One of the easiest ways to try to curb nausea symptoms is by eating certain types of candy.
Understanding the Types and Causes of Nausea
Nausea is a somewhat subjective feeling of queasiness often leading to the urge to vomit. There are many potential causes of nausea including:
- Stomach viruses
- Food poisoning
- Migraines
- Medication side effects
- Dizziness
- Pregnancy
Even though nausea is likely distinct from person to person, it can absolutely disrupt everyday quality of life. Finding small over-the-counter ways to minimize nausea can have a big impact for those frequently affected by these unpleasant feelings.
The Benefits of Consuming Candy for Nausea
Eating certain types of candy in moderation may actually help provide relief from nausea symptoms. Benefits can include:
- Distracting from feelings of nausea
- Raising low blood sugar levels
- Providing feelings of comfort and relaxation
The key is being choosy about the types of candy you select for nausea symptoms. Not all candy is created equal in this regard.
The Best Candy Options to Help Alleviate Nausea
Understanding what ingredients and properties may help fight nausea can help sufferers make informed choices about candy selections. Certain candy has qualities which make them better suited to help calm nausea.
Ginger Candy
Ginger has long been used and studied for its potential positive impacts on feelings of nausea. The spice is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and interact positively with the digestive tract. Ginger candies, like gingersnaps for example, contain real ginger. The light sweetness coupled with the ginger may make these candies an ideal choice for turning down nausea levels.
Lemon and Honey Candy
Lemon and honey have also both been separately tied to reducing feelings of nausea for some people. Lemon possesses chemical compounds thought to help minimize feelings of sickness. Honey is able to raise low blood sugar levels. Having lemon honey candy, or even lemon drop candies, can provide a sweet and tart candy option to potentially settle an upset stomach.
Peppermint Candy
Peppermint oil has anti-nausea impacts according to some research. The ingredient may promote healthy digestion. Consuming peppermint candy provides both the scent of peppermint and the ingestion of the oil. Good choices include peppermint bark candy, candy canes, and peppermint hard candies or lozenges.
Other Tips for Managing Nausea With Candy
Mind Portion Size
While candy may help alleviate nausea, it is still important not to overdo it on portions. Consuming more than what your body needs can lead to other gastrointestinal upset. Have a couple of small pieces and wait to see if symptoms improve before reaching for more candy.
Avoid Certain Ingredients
Some ingredients commonly found in candy should still be avoided if trying to curb nauseousness. Skip candy with lots of sugar alcohols, oils, and chocolate as these may worsen stomach upset. Pay close attention to candy nutrition labels when picking nausea-friendly options.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can encourage feelings of illness. Be sure to consume adequate water and electrolyte-containing fluids when nauseous. Try alternating between taking sips of water and eating the candy of your choice for maximum relief.
When to Seek Medical Care for Persistent Nausea
While eating some candy may help temporarily minimize nauseousness, chronic and severe nausea should always be evaluated by a doctor. Seek prompt medical attention if nausea is prolonged or gets progressively worse. Also contact a physician if nausea is accompanied by:
- Fever higher than 101°F (38°C)
- Significant stomach pain
- Blood in vomit
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing
These can indicate potentially serious medical conditions requiring specialized testing and treatments. Use candy sparingly to help symptoms while determining if professional care is needed.
Candy and Nausea Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to eat candy when you feel nauseous?
It is typically safe to eat small amounts of certain candies when nauseated. Focus on options containing ginger, lemon, honey, or peppermint. These ingredients may actually help calm nausea from a biological standpoint. Still, moderation is key, as overeating any food when nauseated can make symptoms worse.
How much candy should you eat when nauseous?
When nausea strikes, limit candy intake to about 2-3 small pieces every few hours. This should provide some relief without upsetting your stomach further or leading to other issues like diabetic complications. Pay attention to serving sizes on nutrition labels for guidance.
What type of candy is the overall best for nausea?
Ginger candy or lemon drops tend to top the list as the best candy choices for nausea. Both ginger and lemon have anti-nausea and digestive settling properties. The light sweet flavor also covers up the taste of stomach bile that can occur with nausea. Just be mindful of added sugars in certain candies.
FAQs
Is ginger or lemon candy more effective for nausea?
Both ginger and lemon candy can be very effective options for nausea relief. Some research suggests ginger may work more directly on digestive issues causing nausea symptoms. However, lemon candy can also calm that queasy feeling. Having both on hand gives you options to find what works best in each situation.
Can I make my own candy to help with nausea?
You certainly can make your own homemade candy to help ease nausea symptoms. Some easy recipes to try are: honey lemon lozenges, ginger syrup hard candies, peppermint patties, or candied ginger. Be sure to use real ginger, lemon, honey, and peppermint extracts for maximum medicinal effects.
Is it okay to eat chocolate candy when nauseated?
Chocolate is generally not the best option when you are already feeling queasy. Chocolate contains both caffeine and cocoa butter which can further upset an unsettled stomach. Plus milk chocolate often has high sugar content. Limit chocolate or choose lower sugar, non-milk chocolate options in smaller doses if you want something sweet.
Should children be given candy for nausea relief?
It is perfectly safe for children to eat small candy amounts to curb nausea as needed. Stick to basic ginger, lemon, honey, or peppermint candies without excessive sugars or add-ins. Clear any home remedies with your pediatrician first, however, especially for chronic childhood nausea.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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