Nausea
The unpleasant feeling of needing to be sick. It is very common and usually short-lived, but persistent or severe nausea can point to an underlying issue.
⚠ Seek medical attention if:
Nausea with severe abdominal pain, chest pain, a stiff neck and headache, blood in the vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of dehydration, confusion, or vomiting lasting more than a day or two. Seek urgent medical care for these.
Lifestyle factors
Overeating or rich, fatty foods, alcohol, motion or travel, strong smells, stress or anxiety, skipping meals, and dehydration
Nutritional factors
Low blood sugar from skipping meals, dehydration, food intolerances, erratic eating patterns, and some supplements such as iron taken on an empty stomach
Possible medical causes
Infections such as stomach bugs, pregnancy (morning sickness), migraine, acid reflux or gastritis, medication side effects, inner-ear problems, and gallbladder or liver conditions
Next steps
See a GP if nausea is persistent, recurrent, or unexplained, or if it comes with weight loss, severe pain, or vomiting. Seek urgent care for blood in vomit, severe pain, or signs of dehydration.
Related nutrients (3)
Vitamin B6 is sometimes used to ease nausea in pregnancy, under medical guidance
Food sources: Salmon (grilled) (~0.9 mg per 100g fillet), Spinach (cooked) (~0.4 mg per cup cooked), Ginkgo nuts (~0.1 mg per 30g), Chestnuts (~0.1 mg per 30g), Pistachios (~0.5 mg per 30g (rich source)), Garlic (~0.1 mg per 9g), Onion (~0.1 mg per 80g), Potatoes (~0.4 mg per medium potato), Purple sweet potatoes (~0.3 mg per medium), Sweet potatoes (~0.3 mg per medium), Yam (~0.2 mg per 100g cooked)
Vomiting can deplete potassium, so replacing fluids and electrolytes matters if nausea leads to being sick
Food sources: Spinach (cooked) (~838 mg potassium per cup cooked), Lentils (cooked) (~731 mg potassium per cup cooked), Pistachios (~290 mg per 30g), Chestnuts (~180 mg per 30g), Lotus seeds (~400 mg per 30g), Ginkgo nuts (~150 mg per 30g), Red beans (adzuki) (~1200 mg per cup cooked), Avocado (~485 mg per 100g (about half an avocado)), Onion (~120 mg per 80g), Kidney beans (~717 mg per cup cooked), Sweet potatoes (~440 mg per medium), Purple sweet potatoes (~450 mg per medium), Potatoes (~610 mg per medium potato), Yam (~670 mg per 100g cooked), Edamame (~675 mg per cup cooked), Cassava (~270 mg per 100g cooked)
Fluid and sodium can be lost through vomiting, so rehydration is important
Supplement categories (2)
Provides vitamin B6, which is sometimes used for pregnancy-related nausea under medical guidance
Cautions: High-dose B6 above 100 mg/day long-term is linked to nerve symptoms — check the product dose
Can help replace fluids and salts lost if nausea leads to vomiting
Cautions: Caution in kidney disease or conditions requiring fluid or sodium restriction
Related symptoms
Educational information only — not medical advice. This content does not diagnose, treat, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek professional medical advice for symptoms, supplement use, or health concerns.