Nausea can be an uncomfortable and distressing feeling, often making it difficult to go about daily activities. While it’s always a good idea to seek medical advice if nausea persists, many people turn to simple home remedies to ease the discomfort. One surprisingly effective remedy is candy. Yes, certain types of candy can help alleviate nausea and settle your stomach. But which kinds of candy work best for this purpose, and how do they help?
How Does Candy Help with Nausea?
The way candy helps with nausea is largely due to the ingredients and their effects on the stomach. Some types of candy contain sugar, ginger, and peppermint, all of which can have soothing effects on the digestive system. Here’s how these ingredients work:
- Sugar: Small amounts of sugar can help boost blood sugar levels, which may stabilize the body when you’re feeling weak or dizzy due to nausea. It can also trigger the release of endorphins, which improve your mood and might distract you from the sensation of nausea.
- Ginger: Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help settle the stomach by promoting digestion and easing digestive discomfort. Many candies are flavored with ginger to harness these benefits.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is another common remedy for nausea. It has been shown to relax the muscles of the digestive tract, which can help reduce the symptoms of nausea. Peppermint candies, whether in the form of mints or hard candies, are often recommended for those feeling queasy.
Types of Candy That Help with Nausea
Here are some specific types of candy that can help alleviate nausea:
1. Ginger Candies
Ginger candies are a popular choice for soothing nausea. The natural compounds found in ginger, like gingerol, are known to reduce nausea and promote digestion. Many people reach for ginger chews or ginger hard candies when they’re feeling queasy. These candies provide the concentrated benefits of ginger in a tasty form, making it easier to consume when you’re feeling unwell.
Some popular ginger candy brands include:
- The Ginger People (Ginger Chews)
- Gin-Gins
- Crystallized Ginger Candies
These candies are often recommended for those dealing with nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, or even nausea due to chemotherapy treatments.
2. Peppermint Candies
Peppermint has long been used to soothe digestive issues, including nausea. Peppermint candies, such as peppermint hard candies, mints, or peppermint patties, are a great option for calming an upset stomach. Peppermint has a natural muscle-relaxing effect, which can ease tension in the stomach and prevent nausea from worsening.
Some widely available peppermint candy options include:
- Andes Mints
- York Peppermint Patties
- Peppermint Lifesavers
Many people find that sucking on a peppermint candy slowly helps to relieve nausea, especially when it’s triggered by indigestion or an upset stomach.
3. Lemon Candies
Lemon candies can also be helpful for nausea. The acidity of lemon combined with its fresh, invigorating scent can stimulate saliva production and improve digestion. The citric acid in lemons is also thought to balance stomach acid, providing relief for those feeling queasy. Lemon-flavored hard candies or lemon drops are particularly effective for easing nausea.
Some examples of lemon candies to try:
- Jolly Rancher Lemon
- Lemonhead Candies
- Lemon Drops
These candies provide a combination of refreshing flavor and mild acidity, which may help settle the stomach.
4. Sour Candies
Sour candies, like sour gummies or sour hard candies, can sometimes help with nausea, especially when it is related to acid reflux or indigestion. The tartness of sour candies can stimulate the production of saliva, which aids in digestion and can help neutralize stomach acids that contribute to nausea.
Some popular sour candy options include:
- Sour Patch Kids
- Warheads
- Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
The sourness can work to alleviate nausea by promoting digestive activity and reducing the feeling of queasiness.
5. Hard Candies (General)
Sometimes, the act of sucking on a hard candy itself can help alleviate nausea. Hard candies stimulate saliva production and keep the mouth occupied, which can serve as a distraction from nausea. Fruit-flavored hard candies, like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers, are commonly used for this purpose. These candies are easy to carry around and suck on slowly, offering a simple solution when nausea strikes.
How to Use Candy for Nausea Relief
If you decide to use candy to help with nausea, there are a few tips to make it more effective:
- Take Small Sips or Pieces: Suck on one piece of candy at a time to avoid overwhelming your stomach with too much sugar or flavor. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid over-consuming candy if you’re already feeling unwell.
- Combine with Hydration: It’s always a good idea to drink water along with the candy. Staying hydrated is crucial when managing nausea, as dehydration can worsen the sensation of queasiness.
- Try Different Types of Candy: Not all types of candy work for everyone. If one type doesn’t help, try switching to another. Some people respond better to ginger, while others find peppermint or sour candy to be more effective.
- Monitor Your Intake: Candy can provide temporary relief, but it’s important to address the underlying cause of the nausea if it persists. If your nausea is recurrent or severe, consult a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Candy can indeed help with nausea, especially when it contains ingredients like ginger, peppermint, or lemon. Ginger and peppermint candies, in particular, are popular choices due to their natural properties that aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Sour and fruit-flavored candies can also help by stimulating saliva and improving digestion. While candy can provide quick relief, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical advice if nausea is persistent or severe. So, the next time you’re feeling queasy, reach for some ginger chews or peppermint mints, and let them help settle your stomach!