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Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Information Service Health Topics A-Z Health Topics by Category
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Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment
Nausea and Vomiting
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed by Cancer Center Staff
Creation Date: September 2003
Last Revision Date: February 2007
Nausea and vomiting are often side effects of chemotherapy or radiation to the abdomen. It is common to be nauseated before vomiting. Try the following suggestions.
- Locate dry crackers on the bedside table to nibble on before moving from the bed in the morning.
- Choose foods without a strong cooking odor.
- Eat in a cool room without cooking odors or other strong smells.
- Avoid overly spicy, overly fat, or overly sweet foods.
- Sip on ginger tea when feeling nauseated.
- Drink beverages between meals, not during meals.
- Drink well-chilled beverages, or freeze favorite beverages into ice cubes.
- Eat before getting hungry, since hunger increases nausea.
- Avoid eating solid foods until nausea passes.
- Keep a food/symptom log to help identify foods that cause problems.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes.
- Ask the doctor or nurse about medicine to help limit nausea and vomiting. Take medicine regularly as ordered.
- Drink eight or more cups of fluids each day, adding one half to one cup with each episode of vomiting.
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