One of the worst feelings in the world is nausea. The feeling that whatever is in your stomach is about to come up can make you dizzy, lightheaded, sweaty, and clammy all at the same time. Even though the last thing anyone wants to do is vomit, they know if they do, it would probably make them feel some relief from the rolling waves of nausea.
What Causes Nausea?
There are many reasons someone can become nauseated. If you are pregnant, morning sickness can cause nausea and vomiting. The term morning sickness is used while pregnant, but some ladies can experience nausea at any time, day, or night. It usually occurs during the early stages, but for some, it can last throughout the pregnancy.
People that have some types of cancer and take chemotherapy are often nauseated after their treatments. This is one of those circumstances when the cure can feel as bad as the illness. After a treatment or two, the patient usually already knows the nausea is coming, but there’s really nothing much they can do about it.
Stomach viruses are another nausea creating illness. They often come on suddenly with no warning unless there are family members or friends that have it, and you know you might be next. Most of the time, there is not much to be done about a stomach bug except ride it out until it’s over.
Other illnesses that can cause nausea is irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, migraines, motion sickness, chronic pain, bowel obstructions, and stomach ulcers. Sometimes these conditions are temporary and nausea passes quickly. With other long-term conditions, nausea can be a common occurrence.
Over The Counter Treatments For Nausea
There are many ways to combat temporary nausea. Home remedies include eating a bland diet like crackers and broths. Drinking plenty of fluids, mainly water, can be helpful. It’s usually best to avoid sodas and juices. If your nausea is accompanied by vomiting, getting electrolytes into your system can help prevent dehydration. You can get electrolytes by drinking sports drinks or other drinks that provide them. Stay away from greasy foods or sweets until nausea and vomiting have passed.
Over the counter medications can often be helpful for nausea. These medications are called antiemetics. Two of the most popular brand names are Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, and they contain Bismuth subsalicylate. They coat the stomach lining, easing nausea and diarrhea temporarily. They are usually effective treatments for stomach bugs like rotavirus. Other over the counter treatments for nausea are antihistamines. These can be taken to help with motion sickness. One of the most popular brand names is Dramamine, and it contains dimenhydrinate.
Prescription Medications For Nausea
When people have to deal with nausea regularly because of long-term medical conditions, it might require prescription medicine. Things like gastroparesis, ulcers, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and medications that cause nausea, like taking chemotherapy or opiates for chronic pain, are among those conditions. Your doctor might prescribe drugs like benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines brand names include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety and can be addictive. They are not usually prescribed long-term.
CBD Research And Nausea
For many years now, medical marijuana has been prescribed for those with cancer to combat nausea. Marijuana and hemp contain the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD. THC has been shown through research to help reduce nausea, but it also causes intoxication. This is why some states where marijuana is still illegal requires approval for their medical marijuana programs to obtain it.
The Farm Bill of 2018 removed hemp from the Schedule I Controlled Substance list because it does not contain enough THC to cause intoxication. Hemp is high in CBD, which research has also shown to be effective in treating nausea. CBD products are now legal on the federal level and do not require acceptance in a medical marijuana program to obtain as long as they contain 0.3% THC or less.
How CBD Works To Control Nausea
There is a lot of evidence indicating manipulation of the endocannabinoid system in the body can help to regulate nausea in humans and animals. The endocannabinoid system consists of three components, receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids help the body’s functions to run smoothly.
There is a relationship between the receptors in the body and the endocannabinoids. CB1 receptors in the central nervous system are responsible for overseeing coordination movement, pain, memory, appetite, and other functions. CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system and are used to influence pain and inflammation.
Enzymes in the body break down the cannabinoids from hemp or marijuana. The endocannabinoids can bind with receptors. Although researchers don’t think CBD binds directly with receptors, it does influence them in some way. When these receptors are activated, it appears to produce the many benefits that some researchers believe can be obtained from using CBD.
Is CBD A Good Treatment For Your Nausea?
More study needs to be conducted before researchers understand how CBD can help control nausea, many people are already using it because they say it helps them. CBD has become so popular for treating nausea and other medical conditions because it is legal everywhere and does not cause intoxicating effects like THC.
If you deal with occasional nausea because of medications or medical conditions, it is wise to consult with your doctor before trying trying CBD. If you are already taking prescription medication for nausea, don’t stop your medication before speaking with your doctor. It could be that CBD oil or other CBD products may be an effective treatment.