Scripps Cancer Center

Nausea and Vomiting

Medical Nutrition Therapy

About

Nausea (upset stomach or feeling like you are going to throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) are common side effects of cancer treatments. In many cases, these are temporary and will improve once treatment is over. Nausea and vomiting may be brought on by medications that affect certain parts of the brain or those that irritate the mouth, throat, stomach and/or intestines. Stress and anxiety are also known to bring about these symptoms. These side effects can make it difficult to eat, and not eating can make nausea worse. It is important to manage these symptoms because it is essential to get enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to maintain strength.

Nutrition Tips

• Food

  • Eat 5-6 small meals or snacks throughout the day, instead of 3 large meals

  • Choose foods that sound good

    • Do not feel forced to eat something that makes you feel sick

  • Choose bland, soft, easy-to-digest foods, instead of heavy meals

  • Do not skip meals or snacks

  • Snack on dry foods throughout the day

  • Add chopped ginger when cooking

  • If experiencing nausea in the morning, keep crackers or pretzels near and eat before getting out of bed

  • Have frozen or pre-packaged meals available to avoid cooking when not feeling well

  • Avoid lying flat for at least 1-hour after eating

  • If smells increase nausea:

    • Consume cool and room temperature foods/beverages

    • If possible, have someone else cook or prepare food

    • Eat in a well-ventilated room

• Fluids

  • Stay hydrated and drink 8-10 cups (64-80 oz) of fluid every day

  • Drink or sip on beverages throughout the day, instead of taking large gulps

  • Drink beverages before or after meals, and only sip on beverages during meals

  • Fluids include:

    • Water

    • Milk

    • Juice

    • Tea (tip: try adding sliced ginger)

    • Carbonated beverages (examples: ginger ale, seltzers, lemon lime soda)

    • Gelatin and popsicles

    • Soups and broths

    • Sports drinks (examples: Pedialyte®, Gatorade®, or Powerade®)

    • Nutrition supplements (examples: Boost®, Ensure®, and Kate Farms®)

• General

  • Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing

  • During and after vomiting:

    • When vomiting, do not eat or drink

    • After vomiting, sit upright and bend forward:

      • Try drinking small amounts of clear liquids

      • When able to tolerate clear liquids, try adding "full" liquids that are easy on your stomach (examples: strained soups, milkshakes)

      • When able to tolerate "full" liquids, try adding a soft diet with bland foods (examples: rice, canned pears, yogurt, toast)

  • Write down and track the foods eaten as well as when feeling nauseous

    • Why? This will help determine which foods are better tolerated and identify those that are not well tolerated

  • Visualization and relaxation exercises may help

    • Examples: listening to music, meditating, yoga, and breathing exercises

  • If there is a bad taste lingering in the mouth, try chewing gum or have hard candies to suck on

    • Examples: lemon drops, mints, and ginger candies

  • Maintain good oral hygiene:

    • Brush your teeth often

    • Rinse your mouth before and after eating

    • Rinse your mouth after vomiting

Contact the healthcare team if:

• Vomiting is severe or lasts more than a day or two

• Experiencing nausea even after taking medication

• Considering changing, stopping, or adding a medication