Nausea is something nobody wants to deal with, ever. Unfortunately for a cancer patient receiving therapy, the choice is not always yours. When the feeling of nausea overwhelms you on a too constant basis, your oncologist can surely be of help. The frequency or doses of chemotherapy could be adjusted to assist you if the nausea threatens to destroy your spirit. But as your body is subjected to many chemicals already, it is often advisable to seek alternative remedies.

Many of these remedies are obvious, and well-known. One just sometimes need a reminder of what’s ‘on the market’ to aid your need. Firstly, it is advisable to diarise your nauseas spells. Make a table with dates, foods-and beverages consumed, therapy received and nausea overwhelming you. Often one can find a pattern, thus eliminating foods that don’t abet to your nausea/vomiting. If you want, you can add things like: dry/sore mouth, fatigue, diarrhoea and constipation to your ‘side effect table’.

When nauseas, you won’t feel like eating. I must stress that your body requires fuel at all times, especially when you’re ill. Having frequent small meals, every two hours, will sustain your body without boosting the nausea. Just four spoons-full at a time are fine, as long as you have it two-hourly. The best foods for fuel are: clear soups, jarred baby food, hummus, cheese, custard, ice-cream, peanut butter and boiled eggs. Sipping on a nutritious shake is also advisable. Never ‘load’ your stomach when feeling nauseas, as it will create an ‘oil-on-fire’ effect.

Foods that aid in reducing nausea are apple sauce, carrot slices, crackers, toast, raisins, popcorn, popsicles, nuts and jelly. If you really don’t feel like the ‘fuel food’, at least consume these at intervals you feel comfortable with. Be very careful not to dehydrate. When taking small sips of water, leave it in your mouth for about 20 counts. The San people of the desert would do this to guarantee proper absorption of water into the system. Many patients feel that sucking or chewing ice chips work better for them. For added electrolytes, try sport drinks. Remember to never have a meal after chemotherapy. Wait at least two hours before you have something to eat.

Sometimes the nausea is mild, but the fear is big. Remember to boost your appetite by having a colourful plate of food. When less nauseas, consume more foods to make up for when the bad nausea strikes. Have high calorie meals, by adding sauces, gravy and grated cheese. Stick to regular mealtimes, as this ‘clockwork’ method will help a tired body in its workings. Start eliminating coffee from your diet as soon as possible, for coffee can be a culprit in your struggle with nausea. Stay away from greasy and spicy foods, as they will surely spark those unwanted feelings.

There are popular herbal anti nausea alternative remedies on the market. Ginger tea-or capsules, peppermint tea, lavender tea, blackberry tea, perilla tea and tangerine peel tea are all believed to reduce nausea. For vomiting relief, try cinnamon tea or capsules. If you experience diarrhoea, raspberry tea should help.

You could decide to try electro acupuncture. It is a very powerful remedy, and suggested to patients who suffer badly from nausea. Aromatherapy has double healing power, lulling the mind and body. Except for the fact that the relaxation associated by aromatherapy will do you the word of good, certain oils actually reduce nausea. Try peppermint, chamomile, lavender, fennel, damask rose, rosemary, and sandalwood or tea tree when you go for your next appointment.

Lastly, there are a few things only you can do for yourself. Relieve your anxiety in any way you can. When nausea overwhelms you, have plenty of fresh air, focus on your breathing (especially through the mouth), visualise, and read good fiction.