It’s estimated that over a million Americans are currently living with ulcerative colitis (UC). This chronic illness is often characterized by stomach pain and severe diarrhea but people with UC can also experience debilitating bouts of nausea. If this is happening to you, it’s good to know how to manage that symptom as a part of your condition.
Why UC Causes Nausea
The causes of nausea when you have UC can vary. For some people, nausea is a common part of having a UC flare. Additionally, studies show that you’re more prone to nausea if your UC symptoms are severe or the condition affects major sections of your large intestines.
It’s also worth noting that some of the medications that are used to treat UC can cause nausea as well. You may get nauseated if you’re taking aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, or JAK Inhibitors.
RELATED: How To Manage Ulcerative Colitis
5 Tips For Managing Your Nausea
1. Keep Your Meals Small
Doctors and patients agree that eating smaller meals more frequently will usually curb nausea. It also helps to eat slowly so that your system has time to digest what you’ve eaten.
Though what constitutes a small meal can vary, you can consult your doctor about what that looks like for you and what foods are good to include based on your needs.
2. Get Picky
While some foods can help to ease your nausea, others can make it worse. It’s best to stay away from spicy foods, heavily seasoned foods, and foods that are high in fat.
Alcohol is also heavily discouraged. If you like carbs, it’s best not to eat too much of them in one sitting as this can make your nausea worse. Where proteins are concerned, lean protein is usually best
3. Keep Still
Once you’re finished eating, doctors recommend staying still for up to 30 minutes to reduce the odds of developing nausea. Though some people with UC have stated that lying down after eating helps, doctors prefer that you stay upright for at least an hour. It’s a good idea to find which works for you.
4. Practice Proper Hydration
Keeping hydrated not only helps digestion but it can also keep nausea at bay. To get the best results, you shouldn’t