Does Starving Make You Nauseous?
Feeling nauseous is one of the most unpleasant sensations that can severely impact your day. And when you're already starving, nausea makes you even more miserable. You may wonder, does starving actually cause nausea or make it worse? There's a complex relationship between hunger, nausea and your digestive system.
How Hunger Causes Nausea
When your stomach is very empty, the gastric acids have nothing to break down. This leads to excessive production of stomach acids that can cause nausea and an upset stomach. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. This triggers the release of hormones that stimulate hunger. But these hormones also increase stomach acid secretion, which creates nausea.
In addition, an empty stomach causes the bile from your gallbladder to accumulate. Bile helps digest fats, but too much of it can irritate your stomach lining and make you feel nauseous. Starving yourself or fasting for long periods leads to ketosis, which produces ketone bodies that may contribute to nausea.
How Nausea Reduces Appetite
Nausea itself can reduce your appetite significantly. Feeling like you might vomit any minute understandably kills your desire to eat. Nausea is your body's way of preventing you from ingesting potential toxins or pathogens when you're sick. So nausea signals your brain to stop eating so your body can focus entirely on fighting the infection.
In some cases, nausea may stem from a health condition that makes digestion difficult. Examples include acid reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcers or gastroparesis. When you have an upset stomach, eating may exacerbate nausea. So nausea acts as a protective mechanism by diminishing your appetite.
Tips to Manage Nausea When Starving
It's best to avoid prolonged periods of starvation that lead to excessive nausea. But if you're already starving and feeling queasy, here are some tips to help minimize nausea:
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration often accompanies nausea and can make symptoms worse. Sip small amounts of water, coconut water or drinks with electrolytes. Avoid large amounts of fluids at once.
Try Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve nausea. Have some ginger tea or ginger ale. You can also take ginger supplements after consulting your doctor.
Take Antacids
Antacids containing calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide can help neutralize excess stomach acid and relieve nausea.
Don't Lie Down After Eating
Lying down right after having a meal can trigger acid reflux and nausea due to improper digestion. Take a short walk after eating.
Avoid Strong Smells
Turn off cooking smells or anything with a strong odor if possible when you're nauseated. Certain smells can trigger nausea.
Try Acupressure
There's a pressure point on the inner wrist that can help relieve nausea. Press your thumb gently into the groove between the two big tendons and hold for a few minutes.
Foods That Help Alleviate Nausea
While you may not feel like eating when nauseated, certain foods can actually help diminish symptoms. Here are some examples:
Bananas
Bananas are easy on the stomach. They contain potassium which helps replenish electrolytes lost due to vomiting or diarrhea.
BRAT Diet
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These bland, starchy foods are gentle and binding for diarrhea.
Ginger
Ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger candies or ginger supplement capsules can all help reduce nausea.
Crackers
Saltine crackers help settle the stomach. Avoid spicy or high-fat crackers.
Chamomile Tea
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea may help relax the stomach and ease nausea.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is known for its ability to improve digestion and soothe nausea.
Yogurt
The probiotics in yogurt can help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion. Look for plain unsweetened yogurt.
Clear Soups
Broths and clear soups provide nutrients without overloading your stomach. Chicken or vegetable broth is ideal.
Oatmeal
The high fiber and complex carbs in oatmeal help bind stools for both diarrhea and constipation relief.
When to See a Doctor
It's normal to occasionally feel nauseated if you skip a couple meals. But if nausea persists despite eating, or you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:
- Prolonged loss of appetite
- Frequent vomiting
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue, weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
These may indicate an underlying health condition causing your nausea. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
When to Eat Despite Nausea
While nausea kills your appetite, completely avoiding food can make symptoms worse. Here are some instances where you should try to eat small, gentle foods even when nauseated:
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar can trigger nausea. Have a small snack with complex carbs and protein to stabilize glucose levels.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women need extra nutrition for mom and baby. Try bland foods like crackers throughout the day.
Upcoming Medical Procedure
Eat light, easily digestible foods if you're fasting before a procedure and feel nauseated.
Side Effect of Medication
Some medications list nausea and appetite loss as side effects. Eating can help minimize nausea from the medicine.
Chemotherapy Treatment
Patients undergoing chemotherapy often suffer from nausea. Small meals are better tolerated.
When to Stop Eating with Severe Nausea
In some cases, you should stop eating solid foods and switch to clear liquids only when nauseated. These include:
Food Poisoning
Consuming anything may worsen vomiting from food poisoning or stomach flu. Stick to small sips of water or electrolyte drinks.
Gallbladder Attack
During a gallbladder attack, eating can trigger abdominal pain and vomiting. Fasting helps calm gallbladder inflammation.
Migraine Headache
Many people experience nausea or vomiting with migraines. Avoid eating until the severe nausea passes.
Morning Sickness
Pregnant women may vomit if they eat first thing in the morning. Have a few crackers before getting out of bed.
Motion Sickness
The movement from travel can induce nausea. Don't eat until motion sickness subsides.
When to Seek Medical Care
While temporary nausea is normal when you're very hungry, prolonged loss of appetite and severe nausea may indicate an underlying health issue. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in vomit
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
- Chest pain
- Confusion
FAQs
Does lack of food cause nausea?
Yes, going too long without eating can lead to nausea. An empty stomach causes excess stomach acid production and low blood sugar, both of which can create nausea.
Why does nausea reduce appetite?
Nausea is a protective mechanism to prevent ingesting toxins when you're sick. The nauseated feeling inhibits your appetite as your body focuses on fighting infection rather than digestion.
What home remedies help nausea?
Home remedies to alleviate nausea include sipping ginger tea, taking antacids, applying acupressure to the inner wrist, avoiding strong smells, and resting in an upright position after eating.
What foods settle an upset stomach?
Foods that can help soothe nausea include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, yogurt, clear broth soups, peppermint tea, and oatmeal.
When should you see a doctor for nausea?
See your doctor if nausea persists for over 48 hours, you have blood in vomit, severe abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, which may indicate an underlying condition.
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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