Nausea Ninja

Nausea Ninja: Mastering Your GLP-1 Medication Side Effects

Does the idea of nausea make you, well, nauseous? I’m terrified of nausea. Hello and welcome to the Vitrona Clinic blog! I’m Katie, a nurse practitioner at Vitrona Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. Today, we’re going to discuss another common side effect of GLP-1 medications: nausea. If you’re on GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide and finding yourself feeling a bit queasy, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Let’s explore why this happens and the most effective ways to manage and prevent nausea.

What are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications are primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss. They work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which has several beneficial effects:

1. Increases Insulin Production: Helps lower blood sugar levels.
2. Decreases Glucagon Production: Reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
3. Slows Gastric Emptying: Keeps food in your stomach longer, which can help you feel full longer and eat less.

Why Do GLP-1 Medications Cause Nausea?

One of the side effects of GLP-1 medications is nausea. But why does this happen? The primary reason is that these medications slow down gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer. While this helps with appetite control and weight loss, it can also lead to feelings of nausea.

Tips to Prevent Nausea While on GLP-1 Medications

1. Start Slowly

Your body needs time to adjust to GLP-1 medications, so starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can help minimize nausea.

• Follow Your Prescribed Schedule: Stick to the dosage schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Listen to Your Body: If you feel overly nauseous, consult with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose.

2. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Eating smaller amounts more frequently can help reduce the feeling of fullness that contributes to nausea.

• Avoid Large Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating five or six smaller meals throughout the day.
• Eat Slowly: Take your time when eating to help your stomach process the food more effectively.

3. Choose Bland Foods

When you’re feeling nauseous, bland foods can be easier on your stomach.

• Opt for BRAT Diet Foods: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast are gentle on the stomach.
• Avoid Spicy and Fatty Foods: These can aggravate nausea and make you feel worse.

4. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen nausea, so it’s essential to drink enough fluids.

• Sip Water Throughout the Day: Instead of drinking large amounts at once, sip water continuously.
• Try Ginger Tea: Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties and can help settle your stomach.

5. Avoid Lying Down Immediately After Eating

Lying down right after eating can slow down digestion and increase nausea.

• Wait Before Reclining: Try to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating.
• Prop Yourself Up: If you need to lie down, use pillows to keep your head elevated.

Humor and Positivity

Nausea might not be fun, but a little humor can make the journey more bearable. Here are a few light-hearted tips to keep you smiling:

• Channel Your Inner Baby Bird: Eat small bites like you’re a baby bird being fed by a loving parent. It’s cute, and it works!
• Pretend You’re on a Food Safari: Try different bland foods and pretend you’re on a taste-testing safari. It’s an adventure!
• Ginger Ninja: Embrace the power of ginger. Be the Ginger Ninja who battles nausea with every sip of ginger tea.

Vitrona Clinic’s Support

At Vitrona Clinic, we’re here to support you through every step of your weight loss journey, including managing side effects like nausea. Our health coach and nurse practitioners are available to help you create a personalized plan that includes dietary strategies, meal planning, and other tips to keep you feeling your best.

If you’re finding it tough to manage on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you with comprehensive support, because at Vitrona Clinic, you’re more than just a face in the crowd. We provide support for the whole patient throughout the whole journey. We’ve walked this path, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Nausea can be a challenging side effect of GLP-1 medications, but with the right strategies, you can manage it effectively. Start slowly, eat smaller meals, choose bland foods, stay hydrated, and avoid lying down after eating. And remember, a little humor goes a long way in making the journey more enjoyable.

At Vitrona Clinic, we’re here to provide the guidance and encouragement you need. Together, we can overcome any challenge and celebrate every success. Here’s to a healthier, happier you!

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Nausea and Vomiting. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website
• Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Nausea and Vomiting. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic website
• WebMD. (n.d.). GLP-1 Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from WebMD website

Written by: Kaitlyn Holtman, NP-C

Reviewed & Approved: 07/2024