Ginger for nausea: Does it work?

Can taking ginger for nausea reduce or eliminate nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy?

Answers from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

There is evidence that when taken with standard anti-nausea medications, ginger may be helpful in further reducing or eliminating nausea and vomiting during and after chemotherapy treatments.

Results from two studies of adults who took ginger for nausea showed that various doses of ginger before starting chemotherapy treatments helped to reduce the severity of nausea. In these studies, participants began taking ginger orally three days prior to starting chemotherapy. The ginger was taken in addition to a standard medication prescribed to reduce nausea and vomiting. A small number of participants reported side effects including heartburn, bruising, flushing and rash.

In another study, taking ginger root powder was found to be effective in reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea in children and young adults ages 8 to 21. Ginger in this study was also given along with standard anti-nausea medications.

Earlier studies had shown ginger as a solo treatment to be of little or no benefit in reducing nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

Many prescription drugs have been proved effective at controlling nausea during and after chemotherapy, and supplemental ginger is tolerated well with most of these drugs. However, ginger may have a negative interaction with the anti-nausea medication aprepitant (Emend), so ginger is not recommended if you are taking this drug.

If you're interested in trying ginger for nausea, ask your doctor whether combining ginger and anti-nausea medications might be right for you.

With

Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

Foods That Help Ease Cancer-Related Nausea

 Dana-FarberNovember 6, 2013Care for adults, Health and wellness

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and certain medications can take a toll on patients, with side effects such as nausea. Although you may experience  a loss of appetite during treatment, it is important to find ways to give your body the nutrients it needs.

Here are simple strategies to help you manage nausea.

• Eat or drink ginger.

There is evidence that ginger can help settle your stomach, so try incorporating it into your meals and drinks in the form of ginger tea, fresh ginger root and lemon tea, ginger chews, or ginger ale. Try ourginger crinkle cookies for a nausea-fighting treat.

•  Drink lemonade or lemon water.

Lemons are a natural nausea-reliever. Staying hydrated can often be a challenge during treatment, especially when plain water is not always appealing. Try ginger-zapped lemonade, which incorporates lemons and ginger to reduce queasiness. You can also add a slice of fresh lemon to your glass of water.

•  Incorporate fresh lemon into meals.

Lemons can be a flavorful addition to many dishes. Adding lemon to protein-rich dishes, such as fish or chicken, helps improve the smell and flavor of your  meals,  which makes them more appealing when you’re nauseous or don’t have much appetite. Our whole roasted tarragon chicken is one way to incorporate lemons into a tasty meal.

• Eat a small portion of potatoes.

Potatoes, including baked, sweet, roasted, and yes, even potato chips, eaten in small amounts, can help to reduce nausea. Enjoy a few chips with a healthy snack, such as our three seed hummus, or alongside a small meal.

• Control the room where you are eating.

Make sure the room where you’re eating meals is comfortable, whether it is your own dining room, kitchen, or hospital room. Try to create an inviting and calm ambiance to whatever extent you can.  Control the temperature and air circulation, and seek out a room that is free of odors that may cause nausea.

Dana-Farber’s nutritionists can advise you on the nutrients you need during and after treatment. Visit the Nutrition Services website for more information on nutrition resources, meal planning, andhealthy recipes. You can also download the Dana-Farber Ask the Nutritionist: Recipes for Fighting Cancer app for iPhone or Android devices.

http://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2013/11/foods-that-help-ease-cancer-related-nausea/