Cancer chemotherapy treatment evokes nausea and vomiting. Chemotherapy uses drugs to fight cancer, with side effects like vomiting, nausea, headache, allergies, and constipation. However, it is a factor of the type of chemotherapy and individual.
Some people may undergo the treatment without experiencing the side effects, while others may experience high effects. This is because the drugs used during the process are likely agents of vomit compared to other drugs. There are ASCO’s recommended drugs for preventing vomiting during chemo treatment and drugs to avoid because of their side effects.
However, there are preventive measures to take to avoid puking during treatment and to remain calm. These medications are many on the market, known as antiemetics. You can quickly get one at a pharmacy, clinic, or hospital or talk to your doctor.
Here are seven holistic ways to battle vomiting during cancer chemotherapy treatment.
What to look for
Firstly, you need to know the symptoms of nausea and what triggers it for the approach to be effective. here are some things to keep in mind:
- Changes in eating habits or lack of appetite
- Foul mouth odor or decaying teeth
- Yellow or green foul-smelling fluids on bedclothes
- Feeling queasy or having an upset stomach
- Increased saliva, clamminess, and sweating usually result in vomiting.
Some effective tips to prevent vomiting during cancer treatments are:
- Eat Bland Foods and Crackers
Food is essential during the treatment but not all types because you’re vulnerable to puking. There are some delicious dishes that may worsen your problem. However, you can go with dry crackers such as soda crackers or saltines.
These foods are the tried-and-true remedy for nausea because of their ability to digest stomach acids. For example, if you experience morning sickness, some crackers can help settle the dispute within your stomach before getting out of bed. In addition, bland foods like dry toast or white rice are also suitable for dealing with stomach bugs. Conversely, you should avoid salty, spicy, or fatty foods because they can cause stomach irritation. But endeavor to drink enough fluid to remain hydrated.
- Delta-8 Edibles
Delta-8 edibles are the trending products of cannabinol. These products contain less than 0.3% THC in many forms on the market. D8 edible is of different forms, like cookies, brownies, gummies, biscuits, spices, etc. They may work by linking with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain to keep the body relaxed.
The influence may reduce the feeling of nausea that leads to vomiting. In addition, it may also be used as an alternative treatment for cancer. However, undergoing a delta-8 edibles drug test will leave you with no specific result, as it has a less significant appearance in a drug test. Also, you must consult an expert before including them in your regime.
- Biofeedback
Biofeedback is the use of monitoring devices to help keep people relaxed and gain control of their consciousness and physical body over involuntary reactions. The method teaches you to control a certain physical response, like nausea and vomiting. The exercise is done by monitoring changes that lead to physical response.
For instance, the method is used to normalize or control skin temperature changes like those experienced before vomiting starts. However, many people combine biofeedback with progressive muscle relaxation to get the best effect against vomiting.
- Wrist Acupressure for Vomiting
If you hate to drink or eat because of nausea, wrist acupressure is your ideal treatment method. Acupressure is a Chinese medication that helps with the feeling of vomiting. The medication works by applying pressure to stimulate certain body parts, relieving nausea.
The pressure rests on Neiguan (P-6), seated on the palm side of the forearm near the wrist. To do it effectively,
- Place three fingers across the wrist.
- Put your thumb under your index finger.
- Rub this point in a firm, circular motion for two to three minutes.
- Repeat on the other wrist.
- Drink More Fluids
Vomiting results in dehydration, and an easy way to avoid it is to drink enough fluids even if you vomit again. However, sip it slowly and prevent drinking too much, especially when you have an upset stomach.
Here are well-known fluids that may help with dehydration by easing nausea;
- herbal or mint tea
- lemonade
- water
Some people suck on ice chips or popsicles, while the doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids.
- Try Ginger, Fennel, or Cloves
Ginger
Ginger is a natural supplement that can reduce vomiting. A 2016 study on ginger concluded that the plant is safe and effective against vomiting, especially in pregnant women and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Furthermore, it stated that ginger ingredients, shogaols, and gingerols are treatments of stomach acids by speeding up digestion, thereby reducing sickness.
You can start with a warm cup of ginger in the morning before nausea strikes. Or slowly chew a piece of ginger root or candied ginger. Also, consider taking a teaspoon of ginger powder, brew it in ginger tea, and stain it if you must before drinking it.
Fennel
Fennel seeds calm the digestive tract. Studies performed on animals showed that fennel aids in digestion. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that taking a cup of fennel tea prevents nausea from striking. You can make fennel tea by adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water, steeping to taste, and straining if you must before you drink it
Cloves
Cloves are a folk remedy for vomiting, either as tea or topical. The tea calms stomach upset and enhances digestion, thereby preventing vomiting. You can add a teaspoon of cloves to warm water, steep to taste, and strain if you must before drinking.
- Aromatherapy for Nausea and Vomiting
Aromatherapy is another method people undergoing chemo used to prevent vomiting. There are studies that show how effective the method is in preventing nausea. Aromatherapy is simply taking a deep breath with an open essential oil bottle or diffuser or applying a few drops on a cotton ball.
You can use some scents because of their anti-nausea properties, although studies on their effectiveness are mixed. Popular essential oils are:
- clove
- lemon
- ginger
- lavender
- chamomile
- rose
- fennel
- peppermint
However, patients with asthma or other respiratory diseases should seek a doctor’s help before going on the essential oil. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI), it is believed that essential oils may cause breathing difficulties in some individuals.
The Bottom Line
Vomiting is a result of stomach flu or food poisoning. But the issue is common in cancer treatment during chemotherapy. The best idea is to seek medical attention.
However, you can consider home remedies by applying all or some of the mentioned points. Finally, remember to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration caused by consistent vomiting.