Will Sweets Help with Nausea? The Surprising Truth

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

While a common notion suggests that a sweet treat can calm an upset stomach, medical professionals often advise against high-sugar foods for nausea. This article delves into the science behind the myth, exploring when certain candies might offer mild relief and when they are likely to aggravate symptoms.

Quick Summary

Eating sweets for nausea has mixed results, with most experts recommending caution. The relief experienced from certain candies is often due to specific ingredients or sensory distraction, not the sugar itself.

Key Points

Avoid High-Sugar Items: Overly sweet foods can disrupt blood sugar levels and slow digestion, potentially worsening nausea for most people.
Ginger is Different: The anti-nausea effect of ginger comes from specific compounds (gingerol and shogaol), not its sweetness, and is a scientifically backed remedy.
Flavor Over Sugar: For some, especially pregnant women, the sourness from lemon-flavored candy or the aroma of peppermint can provide mild relief, often by distracting the mind or increasing saliva.
Choose Bland Foods: Bland, starchy foods like crackers, toast, and rice are generally better tolerated and easier on a sensitive stomach than rich sweets.
Focus on Hydration: Sipping clear, cold liquids like water, broths, or clear sodas is crucial for preventing dehydration, which often accompanies and worsens nausea.
Consult a Professional: If nausea is severe or persistent, always consult a healthcare provider to determine the root cause and get the appropriate treatment.

The Science Behind Nausea and Sugar

Nausea is a complex sensation with various triggers, including motion sickness, pregnancy, infections, and certain medical treatments. The body's response involves the central nervous system and digestive tract. When evaluating whether sweets can help with nausea, it's crucial to distinguish between simple sugar and specific ingredients found in some candies.

Why High-Sugar Foods Can Backfire

For most people experiencing general nausea, consuming large amounts of sugar can actually be detrimental. Here's why:

Slowed Digestion: High-fat and high-sugar foods can slow down the emptying of the stomach. This can lead to a prolonged feeling of fullness and discomfort, potentially worsening nausea.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations: A rapid intake of sugar can cause a spike, followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar levels. This blood sugar 'crash' can make a person feel more unwell, weak, and even more nauseous. For individuals with diabetes, this effect can be particularly pronounced.
Overly Sweet Taste: Strong, sweet, or greasy flavors can be overwhelming and trigger a gag reflex in a sensitive state. Bland, odorless foods are generally tolerated better.

When Sweets Might Offer Limited Relief

While most sugary foods are unhelpful, some types of candies or sweetened items can provide temporary, mild relief under specific circumstances. This is often not due to the sugar itself, but other factors.

The Distraction Technique

Sucking on a hard candy can offer a simple distraction from the unpleasant sensation of nausea. The act of focusing on the flavor and the physical sensation of the candy can redirect attention away from the discomfort. This is a psychological rather than a physiological effect and is most effective for mild, short-lived nausea.

Specific Flavors and Ingredients

Certain flavors often found in candies are known to have anti-nausea properties, but these effects come from the flavoring agent, not the sugar content.

Ginger: This is a widely recognized and scientifically supported remedy for nausea. Candies, teas, and ales made with real ginger contain compounds called gingerol and shogaol that help calm the digestive tract.
Peppermint: Peppermint can have a soothing effect on the stomach and the aroma itself can be calming. Peppermint candies or teas are often suggested for mild nausea.
Sour: For some, especially those with pregnancy-related morning sickness, the sour taste from citric acid can help. It increases saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid. Specialty sour drops designed for nausea are available.

Better Alternatives for Nausea Relief

Instead of relying on sugary treats, more effective and proven remedies exist. These options focus on hydration, blandness, and soothing ingredients.

Here are some of the best foods and strategies for alleviating nausea:

Bland Foods: The B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is a classic for a reason. These starchy, easy-to-digest foods are gentle on the stomach.
Clear, Cold Liquids: Sipping small amounts of clear, cold liquids like water, diluted juice, or broth helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
Ginger Ale or Tea: Ensure it is made with real ginger for the best effect. Avoid highly carbonated and overly sugary sodas.
Protein-Rich Snacks: Small, frequent meals that include protein can help stabilize blood sugar and calm an upset stomach.

Comparison: Sweets vs. Proven Remedies


Feature	Sweets (High Sugar)	Proven Remedies (e.g., Ginger, Bland Foods)
Primary Effect	Primarily psychological distraction; potential for negative digestive impact	Direct physiological action to calm the stomach and aid digestion
Digestion	Can slow down stomach emptying and cause blood sugar crashes	Promotes efficient digestion and is gentle on a sensitive stomach
Ingredients	High in processed sugar; potential for strong, artificial flavors	Natural, soothing compounds (gingerol, shogaol); bland, easy-to-digest starches
Effectiveness	Highly variable and often temporary; can worsen symptoms for some	Consistent and reliable for many, with a long history of traditional and clinical use
Best For	Very mild nausea, temporary distraction	Most forms of nausea, including motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-chemotherapy

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Sweets and Nausea

While the idea of a simple sweet providing a cure for an upset stomach is appealing, the reality is more nuanced. Plain sugar, in most cases, is more likely to worsen nausea by disrupting blood sugar and slowing digestion. Any relief gained from a sweet candy is typically a temporary distraction or a result of specific anti-nausea ingredients like ginger or mint, not the sugar content itself.

For effective and reliable relief, sticking to proven strategies—such as ginger-based products, bland starchy foods, and proper hydration—is the best course of action. If your nausea persists or is severe, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause. For further reading on effective, natural remedies, you can explore resources like Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

The relief from sucking on a hard candy is often a result of psychological distraction. The intense taste and the action of sucking can temporarily divert focus from the feeling of nausea. This effect is usually mild and short-lived.

Ginger ale can be helpful, but only if it is made with real ginger. Many commercial ginger ales contain artificial flavorings and high-fructose corn syrup, which can irritate the stomach. Natural ginger has proven anti-nausea properties.

Yes, for individuals with conditions like diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can induce nausea. In this specific situation, a small amount of sugary fluid, like juice, can help raise blood sugar levels and alleviate the nausea caused by the dip.

It is best to avoid fatty, greasy, and fried foods, as well as those that are excessively sweet, spicy, or have very strong odors. These can slow digestion and increase the feeling of discomfort.

The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland, starchy foods are easy to digest and can help settle an upset stomach, making it a reliable option for nausea relief.

Sipping small amounts of clear, sweetened, and flat (less carbonated) liquids can be beneficial for rehydration and providing a minimal amount of easy-to-digest sugar. Avoid large gulps, as the carbonation can cause bloating.

Yes, non-food remedies include getting fresh air, practicing deep breathing exercises, applying acupressure to the wrists, and consuming fluids in small, slow sips. Staying hydrated is critical.