Nausea and Vomiting: The Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Vomiting, often accompanied by nausea, are complex motor reflexes aimed at expelling gastric contents. Although they are generally temporary, they can, in some cases, reveal more serious pathologies or cause complications such as dehydration.

Mechanisms of Vomiting

Vomiting is controlled by the vomiting center located in the medulla oblongata. This center receives signals from several origins: • The chemoreceptor trigger zone, sensitive to chemical stimuli (drugs, toxins). • The cerebral cortex, linked to emotions, smells, or pain. • The vestibular apparatus, involved in motion sickness. • The vagus and sympathetic nerves, which transmit signals from the digestive tract. These stimuli trigger a series of coordinated events: contraction of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, changes in gastric motility, and relaxation of the esophagus, allowing the expulsion of gastric contents.

Causes of Vomiting

Vomiting can result from multiple causes: • Digestive: gastroenteritis, ulcers, food poisoning. • Neurological: migraines, vestibular disturbances (motion sickness). • Endocrine: pregnancy (first trimester nausea). • Toxic: side effects of certain drugs (chemotherapy), toxicities. • Psychological: stress or anxiety.

Treatment

Treatment relies on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms.Antiemetic DrugsTreatments aim to inhibit the receptors involved in the vomiting reflex, including: • The serotonergic receptors (5-HT3): blocked by ondansetron. • The dopaminergic receptors (D2): targeted by metoclopramide. • The histaminergic receptors (H1): antihistamines used for motion sickness. • The muscarinic (M) and neurokinin (NK1) receptors: blocked in severe cases. Natural treatments can offer an alternative, for example, ginger is recognized for its antiemetic properties. Its active compounds (gingerols, shogaols) inhibit the receptors responsible for vomiting. It is particularly effective for: • Motion sickness (1 g before departure). • Pregnancy nausea (500 mg to 1 g per day). • Post-operative or chemotherapy nausea (2 g per day).