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Nausea

Morning Sickness - Top Food Tips to Rid You from Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy

Nausea:

Are you suffering the affects of morning sickness. It seems so unfair that at a time of great joy and excitement women are plagued with nausea, vomiting and food aversions. Don't lose hope though, there are lots of practical things you can do with you diet that have a track record of helping women who are suffering from morning sickness

Your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy and has a strong role to play in morning. Cold food have less odour and therefore is less likely to set off nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness is definitely affected by your blood sugar levels. Therefore it is important that you keep them as stable as possible. Eat plenty of protein at each meal and have a protein based snack before bed and even during the middle of the night if you wake. There is some evidence to suggest that the reason morning sickness is often worse in the morning is because your blood sugar level has dropped overnight.

Try to avoid foods that make your blood sugar rise to quickly and subsequently fall. Foods such as fruit juice sugary snacks, highly processed foods including cereals and any food that contains white flour.

Eat small meals frequently with lots of protein

Don't worry if the foods you are choosing do not seem too balanced. It's better to keep it down, than have a perfectly balance meal down the loo!

Keep a snack next to the bed and have it 20 minutes before getting out (not always feasible, when you are bursting for the loo!) Avoid foods that are fatty as they are harder to digest. Best to avoid rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods.

Foods that are high in fat are more difficult to digest and can make nausea and vomiting worse. Other common culprits include, rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods

Don't let yourself become dehydrated. Try to drink little and often. Large amounts of fluids gushing into your stomach will only increase your feelings of nausea. Soups, cool drinks or herbal tea will all help you do not have to limit yourself to water. If you are going to be sick it is much better to have some fluid in your stomach. If you are vomiting frequently try to sip an isotonic sports drink as it will restore your blood sugar, glucose and electrolyte balance ( if it is excessive do contact your health care provider)

Consider taking your prenatal vitamins at dinner time or just before you go to bed. Your body can handle it much better later in the day and is less likely to trigger nausea or vomiting. Sometimes iron supplements either on their own or part your normal prenatal can be harsh on your digestive system so consider reducing the amount. As soon as the nausea has passed you can increase the amount again. You have a history of anemia then do reduce your iron supplementation without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Ginger tea can be helpful as well as chewing raw ginger. It is worth trying any ginger based product such as ginger candy, ginger beer and stem ginger biscuits.

Although it may seem obvious avoid any food (or non food) that you find triggers your nausea

Some ladies find Brewer's yeast capsules help to relieve morning sickness

Research suggests that vitamin B6 helps to reduce morning sickness. You will find vitamin B6 in grains, cereals, legumes, eggs, fish, nuts and avocados.

Cut a lemon into quarters and suck or sniff it when you feel a wave of nausea.

Mint tea has a great calming effect on the digestive system. Try sipping some mint tea throughout the day. If you are suffering from excess saliva then chewing mint gum can be very helpful

Finally listen to your instincts. They are there to serve you. Morning sickness is not fully understood but it probably as a protective function. If a certain food or smell makes you feel sick then avoid it. If you are driven to eat a particular food then go for it. Try to be as balanced as possible but do not get hung up about it. You will soon feel better and then you can restore the balance in your diet. If you vomit everything you consume you need to speak to your healthcare provider.

Although it may seem obvious avoid any food (or non food) that you find triggers your nausea
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