Fighting Nausea Naturally

Nausea and CF go hand in hand thanks to all the antibiotics used to treat chronic lung infections. Let's be honest, sometimes our antibiotics cause nausea to such a degree that nothing will help except another prescription, you're welcome pharmaceutical companies. However, sometimes the all day waves of nausea aren't enough to warrant another pill, but are still uncomfortable enough that they can't be ignored. Through lots (and lots) of trial and error I have found a few natural ways to combat nausea.

Ginger/Peppermint tea: Ginger or peppermint tea with the addition of fresh ginger can help ease those waves of nausea relatively well and you get the bonus of hydration (which is important when taking any antibiotics). The only problem with this remedy is that most of my medication induced nausea goes hand in hand with the strange metallic taste that coasts your mouth and for some reason I find tea heightens this effect. So it helps the nausea, but can taste like sipping a hot cup of liquid metal which induces it's own form of nausea. If nausea is an issue without the strange taste buds then using ginger/peppermint tea can be very successful.

Peppermint Oil: Peppermint essential oils helps ease the nausea almost instantly, but seems to only have an impact when I am actively smelling the oil. And subtle whiffs of oil doesn't do anything, it has to be strong. The second I turn my head away from the source, bam, nausea comes rushing back. So unless I am willing to sit around smelling oil all day this really isn't practical for all day use. However, I use this when the waves of nausea are strong, but infrequent. I often use it as I am getting ready in the morning because my nausea seems worse after waking up.

Peppermint Gum: Going with the peppermint theme I find that strong gum actually works really well. It is one of my favorite nausea remedies because it is convenient, long lasting, and can be used over and over (you can only drink so many cups of tea).  The other reason I love using gum is that it helps mask the nasty taste that many meds leave in my mouth so it is a two for one deal.

Snacks: When nausea is constant and severe I find the only thing I want to do is sit by a toilet or garbage can. The very last thing I want to do is put more food in my body. However, I have found that never letting your stomach get too empty makes a big difference. Ugh, I know. But if you can power through the overwhelming desire to vomit and try to put food in your mouth, you will thank yourself later.

If anyone has any other tips I would love to hear them. This round of antibiotics is almost through, but I am sure another nausea inducing medication is just around the corner.

And So It Begins...

As I mentioned earlier, I am on the "good stuff" which comes with some not so good side effects. I love being on orals (vs PICC) because I can still swim and be active, but my body really hates them. I used to take them with no problems at all, but for the past year or two I get one particular nasty side effect! I have been on them for only a few days and it has already set in.

This morning I made a big breakfast with bacon and sausage (sometimes being a CFer has its perks)and eggs. The second I put down my fork after finishing off my meal the Bactrim hit hard! I looked at my husband and said, "I really feel like I need to throw up!" A wonderful thing to say to someone who is still eating, I know! Luckily, I never actually throw up, but I am tortured for a good while after every meal. I went and moaned on the couch...mainly for sympathy and over time it passed and life went on.

Fast forward to the early evening. I was hungry after yoga and because you can't eat junk food after yoga I decided to make a smoothie. I also find that liquids are less barf inducing. As I got everything ready I focused on how delicious it would be to distract myself from any oncoming nausea. The fruit was ripe and as I cut into each piece it gave off an amazing aroma. Everything seemed fine and no inkling of nausea. Pouring it in the glass, it looked perfect and I felt fine. I took a few sips and actually really enjoyed it. About 4 sips in, Bactrim took over and FAST. Ugh! I so want to barf right now. I really can't complain about it because people don't appreciate being told you want to blow chunks all the time. Something about it is a turn off. So here I am staring at a beautiful smoothie, listening to my stomach grumble from hunger, wishing I could just insert the smoothie in my stomach without actually drinking it.