How to find an appetite when dealing with chemotherapy and nausea

Relaxation techniques have been used to fight nausea with some success. Guided imagery is a meditative practice in which you imagine a pleasant, relaxing place and focus on the sensations you would experience in this place. Imagining positive sensations, such as the bright blue sky, the sound of the ocean, and the feeling of warm sand under your feet, can help block your perception of the negative physical sensations responsible for nausea and vomiting.

When nothing works 

Despite medications and techniques listed above, it is unlikely you will avoid nausea and vomiting entirely. If you do start vomiting, stop eating for 30 minutes to an hour. Once vomiting has subsided, advance your intake slowly. Start with sipping small amounts of clear liquids, such as broth, juice, sports drinks, or water, over a few hours. Then, advance to light, mild foods like applesauce, bananas, rice, or toast. Avoid jumping ahead to large, heavy meals, and avoid caffeine and smoking completely.

It is especially important to avoid dehydration, which can exacerbate nausea and is dangerous to your health. That being said, many chemotherapy patients experience the sensation of unease and discomfort in their stomach, even when just drinking water. Taking small sips throughout the day may help, and cool, lightly flavored beverages such as unsweetened tea or juice may be more tolerable than others. If even small sips are a problem, start with wetting your lips and mouth while sitting in a comfortable position in a relaxing environment. Sucking on hard candy, popsicles, and ice may help.

Although nausea is a common complication of chemotherapy, it's important for your care team to be aware of your symptoms so they can anticipate complications and work with you to determine the best treatment option. Remember to discuss your symptoms with your doctor at every visit.

- Amy E. Thomas, MD

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