When you’re feeling nauseous, it can be hard to know what foods to eat and what to avoid.
Tuna is a popular and nutritious food, but is it a good choice when you’re feeling sick?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of eating tuna for nausea relief. We’ll also look at other foods that are scientifically proven to soothe your stomach and help calm nausea.
Whether you’re dealing with morning sickness or a stomach bug, read on to learn more about what to eat (and what to avoid) when you’re feeling queasy.
Is Tuna Good For Nausea?
Tuna is a lean protein that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, when it comes to nausea relief, tuna may not be the best choice.
The strong flavor and smell of tuna can sometimes make nausea symptoms worse. Additionally, raw tuna can harbor bacteria and parasites that can make you even sicker. Cooking or freezing tuna is the most effective way to kill parasites, but it’s still best to avoid raw tuna if you’re feeling nauseous.
While tuna may not be the best food for nausea relief, there are plenty of other options that can help soothe your stomach. For example, chicken or vegetable broths are common remedies for sickness and can help with everything from headaches to fevers and nausea. Applesauce is another popular food for people with nausea or diarrhea, as it’s gentle on the stomach and a good source of energy and carbs.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Tuna
Despite not being the best option for nausea relief, tuna does offer a range of nutritional benefits. Tuna is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to protein, tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Tuna is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, selenium, potassium, and choline. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune system function, while selenium helps protect against oxidative stress.
It’s important to note that while tuna does offer many nutritional benefits, it’s important to choose wisely when consuming it. Canned tuna can be high in sodium, so it’s important to check food labels to find low-sodium products or ones with no salt added. Pregnant women and young children should also be cautious when consuming tuna due to its potentially higher mercury content.
Potential Risks Of Eating Tuna When Nauseous
If you are feeling nauseous, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with eating tuna. Tuna can contain high levels of zinc, which can leach into the food and wreak havoc on your digestive system. Additionally, canned tuna can be contaminated with pathological bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli, which can cause food poisoning and even death. Symptoms of food poisoning can include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps four to 36 hours after ingestion.
Furthermore, if the tuna is not properly refrigerated after it’s caught, bacteria can go to work and form histamine, which is responsible for scombrotoxin poisoning. This type of poisoning is different from typical food poisoning and can cause symptoms such as tingling or burning in or around the mouth or throat, rash or hives on the upper body, drop in blood pressure, headache, dizziness, itching of the skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthmatic-like constriction of the air passage, heart palpitation, and respiratory distress. These symptoms usually occur within a few minutes to a few hours of consumption and last from 12 hours to a few days.
Other Foods That Can Help Soothe Nausea
In addition to broths and applesauce, there are several other foods that can help soothe nausea. Ginger has been found to be particularly effective in reducing symptoms of nausea, especially in pregnancy. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as powdered capsules, ginger tea, ginger ale (flat or carbonated), gingersnap cookies, or ginger candy.
Bananas are also an excellent food choice for those experiencing nausea. They are easy to eat, even when you’re feeling sick, and can provide a good source of energy and nutrients. Bananas are high in potassium, which can help replace any electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Other energy-dense foods that are easy to eat include avocados, porridge, stewed fruits, mashed potatoes, and peanut butter.
When it comes to beverages, it’s important to stay hydrated while on the BRAT diet or when experiencing nausea. Clear, cool beverages like sports drinks or herbal tea can be helpful. Carbonated drinks may also provide some relief, but be sure to sip slowly to avoid swallowing air that can cause gas.
While it’s important to consume nutritious foods when experiencing nausea, it’s also essential to listen to your body and eat what you can tolerate. Smaller portions of low-fat foods that are easy to digest seem to work best. Salty foods should be consumed while overly sweet ones should be avoided, especially if you’ve been vomiting. Lastly, if the smell of cooking food triggers your nausea symptoms, cold foods like dairy products, sandwiches, and fruits may help.
Tips For Eating When You’re Feeling Sick
Feeling sick can make it difficult to eat, but it’s important to nourish your body with the right foods to help manage nausea and replace lost nutrients. Here are some tips for eating when you’re feeling sick:
1. Choose dry, starchy, and bland foods: Crackers, noodles, and toast are all good options that can help settle your stomach without aggravating nausea symptoms.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking clear fluids like water, ginger ale, or herbal tea can help keep you hydrated and may also help alleviate nausea.
3. Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of trying to eat large meals, try eating smaller portions of low-fat foods throughout the day. This can help ease digestion and prevent nausea.
4. Avoid strong smells: The smell of certain foods, especially greasy or spicy ones, can trigger nausea. Stick to cold foods like dairy products, sandwiches, and fruits to avoid strong smells.
5. Try sour foods: Sour foods like lemon slices in water or herbal tea can help bring relief to nausea symptoms.
6. Avoid raw fish: Raw tuna and other raw fish can harbor bacteria and parasites that can make nausea symptoms worse. Cook or freeze tuna before consuming it.
By following these tips, you can help manage your nausea symptoms and nourish your body with the right foods. Remember to listen to your body and eat what you feel comfortable with.
