Nausea When Hungry- Why and How to Remove It?

• If there is no intake of food for a prolonged period then blood sugar level falls. It occurs especially during sleep. The brain then signals the adrenal glands to secrete more cortisol. This helps to increase the blood sugar level back to normal. 

It works by releasing glucose from the liver and muscles into the blood. The side effects of excess cortisol in the body can be nausea and related symptoms.

• It is proved through research that the stomach contracts when it is empty. This can cause the gastric acid to slosh up into the esophagus. Moreover, the stomach is prone to secrete gastric acid often during the routine time of eating. This may cause a build-up of acid up to the junction of the stomach and esophagus.

This backward entry of acid into the esophagus will trigger the area postrema of the brainstem. As a result, nausea will occur.

• During a long time of fasting, the hormone ghrelin is produced more. It makes you feel hungry. If you ignore your hunger then the hormonal balance will be affected. It can thus cause nausea in many individuals.

• An underlying metabolic disorder can make you feel nauseous often. This includes high blood pressure, high LDL (bad cholesterol), etc.
• Strenuous exercise makes the blood flow away from the stomach to other organs. This leads to nausea.
• Anxiety and stress are influencing factors too.
• Certain medications on an empty stomach can make you feel nauseous too.
• Working or running with an empty stomach can trigger nausea.

• Stay calm in a cold and quiet place. Take some slow deep breaths.
• Take some light healthy foods and do it in small intervals. Like, plain pieces of bread, light snacks, etc.
• Drink ice-cold water or beverages slowly.
• Take a rest or try to sleep.

• Have some protein-rich foods in small intervals. Like, khichdi (mixed pulse, rice, and vegetables).
• If your blood sugar is very low, don’t have heavy carbohydrates to combat it. Your body can produce reactive hypoglycemia.
• You can take anti-emetic medications like TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), gabapentin, etc. with a doctor’s prescription. These medicines are usually given to patients with chronic nausea.
• Healthy fibrous smoothies are helpful too.

• In acute nausea, antiemetics like antihistamines, antidopaminergics, etc. are often the first-line drugs. Your doctor will prescribe them according to your symptoms.
• Do not eat hot and cold foods subsequently.
• Consume foods that are at room temperature.
• Temporally stop other oral medications and ask your doctor about taking them. These may initiate vomiting too.
• Take rest and sleep.

• Hypnosis, acupuncture, and acupressure can help reduce nausea. You can do acupressure by placing three fingers of one hand on another. They are placed horizontally just proximal and parallel to the wrist. Then find the midpoint of the two great tendons proximal to the fingers. Finally, put pressure with your finger to that point in a way that you feel it deeply. But it shouldn’t ache. You can go to any expert. There are organizations available for such therapies now.
• Many drinks like ginger tea, mint tea, chamomile tea, etc. can help to stabilize the stomach.
• Some essential oils are beneficial in nausea though there is no conclusive evidence yet. These are easily taken as inhalation or diluted with carrier oils before applying to the skin.
• Aromatherapy is found to be useful in reducing nausea. A study showed that isopropyl alcohol-based aromatherapy is efficient. Peppermint-based aromatherapy is also used though there is no solid evidence for it yet.
• Controlled breathing, that is deep slow breaths help to regulate the feeling of nausea.
• In certain individuals, spices like cinnamon, cumin, etc. can decrease nausea.
• Yoga is a very helpful exercise for almost all kinds of symptoms. Yoga along with aerobic exercises can decrease nausea too.
• After feeling nauseated, you can prevent vomiting by consuming soda pop, orange, grapefruit, popsicles, etc.
• Keep your head elevated than your feet with pillows while resting.

• A healthy diet with adequate protein and fibers is necessary. A person with the tendency to face nausea when hungry should not do intermittent fasting usually.
• Don’t take high-power antibiotics on an empty stomach. Follow the prescriptions carefully.
• Make a habit of remaining hydrated with healthy smoothies and drinks. Drink at least 6 to 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
• Don’t take excess over-the-counter drugs just with the onset of simple symptoms. 
• Take citrus fruits, dates, good natural spices, vitamin B capsules.
• Avoid hard-to-digest foods and try to take small meals throughout the day.