What drink will settle nausea?

Did you know that over 50% of adults experience nausea at some point each year? When this unpleasant sensation strikes, knowing what drink will settle nausea can provide much-needed relief and help you stay hydrated, which is a critical step in recovery.

Quick Summary

Find out which drinks, including ginger tea, peppermint tea, and electrolyte solutions, can calm your upset stomach and ease nausea symptoms effectively and gently.

Key Points

• Ginger Tea: A classic remedy with active compounds (gingerols, shogaols) that effectively combat nausea from various causes, including morning sickness and motion sickness.

• Peppermint Tea: Contains menthol to relax the gastrointestinal muscles, making it a good choice for indigestion-related discomfort, but avoid if you have acid reflux.

• Electrolyte Drinks: Essential for replenishing fluids and minerals lost through vomiting or diarrhea, helping to prevent dehydration and related symptoms.

• Sip Slowly: Regardless of your choice, sip fluids slowly throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your sensitive stomach and triggering more nausea.

• Avoid Irritants: Stay away from caffeinated, sugary, and carbonated beverages, as these can irritate the stomach lining and worsen your symptoms.

• Seek Medical Advice: For persistent or severe nausea, or if accompanied by alarming symptoms like chest pain or blood in vomit, consult a doctor immediately.

Why Proper Hydration is Crucial When Nauseous

When you feel nauseous, your body's fluid balance is often disrupted. This can be caused by dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or even just a reduced desire to drink. Replenishing lost fluids and essential minerals, known as electrolytes, is vital for recovery. Sipping clear, cool fluids slowly can help prevent dehydration without overwhelming an already sensitive stomach. In contrast, large gulps of fluid can trigger more vomiting, so a slow, steady approach is best.

The Best Soothing Drinks to Settle Nausea

Several beverages have long been used as home remedies for an upset stomach. The right choice often depends on the cause of your nausea and what your stomach can tolerate.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is arguably the most well-known natural remedy for nausea. For centuries, ginger root has been used to soothe troubled stomachs, and studies support its effectiveness for various types of nausea, including motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. The active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, interact with your central nervous system and stomach to improve symptoms.

How to make fresh ginger tea:

• Ingredients: 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, 2-3 cups water, honey and lemon (optional).
• Method: Wash, peel, and thinly slice the ginger root. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, add the ginger, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and add honey or lemon to taste. You can drink this tea hot or cold.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a refreshing herbal remedy known for its muscle-relaxing properties. The menthol in peppermint helps soothe the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can calm spasms and reduce feelings of nausea.

Note: While peppermint is excellent for many types of nausea, it may not be suitable for those with acid reflux, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter and potentially worsen heartburn symptoms.

Chamomile Tea

Popular for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea can help the stomach muscles relax and reduce cramping and spasms. It is a gentle option for general stomach discomfort and can also have mild sedative effects that promote relaxation.

Lemon Water

Lemon juice and lemonade can help relieve nausea due to their neutralizing acids, which form bicarbonates to counter stomach acid. Simply add fresh lemon juice to warm or cold water and sip slowly. Inhaling the scent of fresh lemon can also provide relief.

Electrolyte-Rich Drinks and Broths

If nausea is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes is paramount to prevent dehydration.

• Sports drinks: Opt for lower-sugar varieties to avoid further upsetting your stomach.
• Oral rehydration solutions: These are specifically formulated with the correct balance of water, sugars, and electrolytes.
• Coconut water: A natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium.
• Clear broths: Chicken or vegetable broth provides hydration, electrolytes, and essential nutrients in a form that is easy to tolerate.

Comparison of Anti-Nausea Drinks

Drink	Active Ingredient	How It Works	Best For	Considerations
Ginger Tea	Gingerols, Shogaols	Interacts with central nervous system to calm stomach.	Motion sickness, pregnancy, post-chemotherapy nausea.	Can cause mild side effects in high doses. Use real ginger, not commercial ale.
Peppermint Tea	Menthol, Menthone	Relaxes gastrointestinal tract muscles.	Post-meal indigestion, IBS symptoms.	Can worsen acid reflux.
Chamomile Tea	Flavonoids, Antioxidants	Acts as anti-inflammatory, soothes stomach muscles.	General stomach cramping, relaxation.	Limited studies specifically for nausea.
Lemon Water	Citric Acid	Neutralizes stomach acid, provides refreshing scent.	Indigestion-related nausea, morning sickness.	High sugar in lemonade versions is not ideal.
Electrolyte Drinks	Sodium, Potassium	Replenishes fluids and minerals lost through vomiting.	Dehydration, stomach bugs, food poisoning.	Some sports drinks are high in sugar.
Clear Broth	Sodium, Nutrients	Hydrates and replenishes electrolytes with minimal irritation.	When transitioning from liquids to solids.	Can be high in sodium, check labels.

What to Avoid When Nauseous

Just as certain drinks can help, others can worsen symptoms. Avoiding these can prevent additional distress:

• Caffeinated sodas and coffees: Caffeine can irritate the stomach and increase pressure, which can exacerbate acid reflux.
• Very sugary drinks: High sugar content can stimulate the gut, potentially causing diarrhea.
• Alcohol: This irritates the gut and can cause further dehydration.
• Dairy products: For individuals with lactose intolerance, dairy can cause or worsen stomach upset.
• Spicy or fried foods: These can be difficult to digest and slow down the process, leading to increased discomfort.

When to Consult a Doctor

While home remedies often provide sufficient relief, it's important to know when to seek professional medical advice. You should contact a healthcare provider if nausea persists or is accompanied by other severe symptoms.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain or severe abdominal cramping.
• Vomit that contains blood, resembles coffee grounds, or is green.
• Signs of severe dehydration like dizziness, lightheadedness, or infrequent urination.
• Persistent vomiting lasting more than two days (adults) or 24 hours (children).
• Unexplained weight loss along with nausea.
• Blurred vision, confusion, or a severe headache.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Drink for You

For many, a simple, non-caffeinated beverage is enough to soothe a queasy stomach. Ginger tea is a powerful, time-tested remedy, while peppermint and chamomile teas offer gentle, calming effects. When dehydration is a concern, electrolyte drinks, coconut water, or clear broths are the most beneficial for replenishing lost fluids and minerals. The effectiveness can be personal, so finding what works best for your body is key. Remember to sip slowly, and if symptoms are severe or persistent, always consult with a healthcare professional to rule out more serious issues.

Further information on soothing an upset stomach can be found through authoritative resources like Healthline's article: The 12 Best Foods for an Upset Stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ginger ale actually settle nausea?

While the myth is common, most commercial ginger ale contains very little, if any, real ginger. Any relief is likely due to the mild carbonation or placebo effect, not the therapeutic properties of ginger root. For genuine ginger benefits, opt for real ginger tea or supplements.

Is peppermint tea good for an upset stomach?

Yes, peppermint tea is excellent for settling an upset stomach by relaxing the digestive muscles. However, it is not recommended for those with acid reflux, as it can worsen symptoms.

Should I drink water when I feel nauseous?

Yes, staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you have been vomiting. The key is to sip cold water slowly, or suck on ice chips, rather than drinking large amounts at once, which can trigger more nausea.

Are sports drinks good for nausea?

Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost during vomiting or diarrhea, which is critical for preventing dehydration. However, many are high in sugar, so it's best to choose a lower-sugar option or an oral rehydration solution.

Can lemon water help with morning sickness?

Yes, the neutralizing acids in lemon juice can help counteract stomach acid, and the refreshing scent of lemons can provide relief from morning sickness. Drinking a small amount of lemon water is a gentle option.

What is better for nausea: peppermint or ginger?

This depends on the cause. Ginger tea is often best for inflammatory-related nausea like motion sickness or chemotherapy, while peppermint tea excels at relaxing digestive muscles for indigestion and gas. Peppermint should be avoided with acid reflux.

What should I avoid drinking when nauseous?

Avoid drinks with caffeine, high sugar content, and excessive carbonation, as these can irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms. Also, refrain from alcohol, which can further irritate your gut and cause dehydration.