Tips to Avoid Nausea and Sickness While Taking Semaglutide Weight Loss Drugs
Nausea is the worst! Your decision to start on a semaglutide weight loss medication probably wasn’t easy, but you’re excited to make healthy changes in your life. Then, along comes the nausea and maybe even some other digestive side effects. Not inspiring, right?
Hang in there! The good news is that these issues mostly occur in the beginning weeks while your body is getting used to taking this GLP-1 medication. And, there are some things you can do to limit or ease the nausea to make it more manageable.
10 Tips on How to Stop Nausea from GLP-1 Medications
1. Start with a low dose.
When first starting on a semaglutide, your doctor will likely recommend a low dose of the medication. This allows your body to adjust more easily and reduces the risk of nausea. If nausea becomes a problem, let your doctor know. They may be able to lower the dose and then gradually bring it back up to help limit nausea as your body adjusts to the medication.
2. Be careful of mixing medications
Talk with your doctor about any medications or supplements you are already taking to avoid interactions that might increase nausea or stir up more side effects. You may need to stagger your schedule of medications so you don’t take different meds at the same time. Or, if you take other medications with food, you may need to adjust timing based on your new meal schedule. Your doctor can help you figure this out.
3. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration can make nausea and other digestive problems worse. It’s always important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but especially before and after taking your medication. Moderation is key so be sure to sip on fluids slowly if you’re feeling a bit queasy and avoid gulping large amounts, so you don’t end up bloating your belly.
4. Make helpful changes to your diet.
There are many ways you can adjust your diet to consume healthier foods and reduce the side effects of semaglutides. You can start by eating smaller and more frequent meals to avoid feeling too full after eating. You’ll also want to cut back on some favorite foods or snacks that can increase nausea like fried foods, sugary treats, or spicy dishes. As an added bonus, making these healthier choices can help support your long-term weight loss goals.
5. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Because alcohol is already a stomach irritant, it’s best to avoid it while your body gets used to your semaglutide. It can also lower blood sugar levels which may counteract your medication causing more problems. While the occasional drink or two may not bother you, you may want to wait until you’ve got a handle on any side effects before you toast your success with a celebratory glass of wine.
6. Adjust your medication schedule.
If you find that nausea is worse at a particular time of day, try adjusting the timing of your semaglutide dose or changing how you take it (with your doctor’s approval, of course). Taking it with a meal can help, especially if you take a pill instead of an injection. However, you may find taking it before bed can be a way to lessen or avoid symptoms by sleeping through them.
7. Take care of your physical health.
Stress and anxiety can often result in tummy troubles, but adding some low-impact movement can help you relax and recharge. Gentle breathing exercises, light stretching, or even taking a short walk outdoors can help relieve nausea. And don’t forget that resting is just as important as being active. Getting adequate sleep every night will allow your body to recover from all the hard work it did during the day.
8. Use traditional remedies to relieve nausea.
Looking for a simpler fix? Familiar home remedies are often effective solutions for treating nausea. Easily digestible foods like crackers, broth, apples, and gelatin are gentle on your stomach. Both ginger and peppermint are also popular for relieving digestive issues. Try sipping ginger tea, eating ginger chews or sucking on peppermint candies. Advanced Herbals Ginger Chews may provide non-medicated relief from GLP-1-related nausea. Consult your doctor.
9. Listen to your body.
Semaglutides can be a big change for your body and paying attention to how you feel can help along the way. As your appetite changes, be mindful to eat slower and notice when you start to feel full. Make note of which foods may be causing more discomfort than others so you know what you can and can’t eat. As your symptoms start to fade, you’ll be able to slowly add more of your favorite things back into your diet.
10. Track your progress.
As you’re noticing how you feel, keep track of your meals and symptoms each day. Everyone is different and the more your doctor knows about you, the better they can help you on your weight loss journey. If you’re experiencing too much discomfort, the records you keep will help your doctor make adjustments to your treatment plan.
Reducing Nausea Can Help You Stay Motivated
Whether you’re on semaglutides or another GLP-1 medication, side effects like nausea don’t have to slow you down. By following these simple tips and working closely with your doctor, you may be able to make your weight loss experience smoother and more manageable.
Give yourself some grace while you are taking steps to live a healthier life, and soon enough, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your treatment without the discomfort.