Nausea and vomiting: the most effective dietary supplements

Vomiting, often accompanied by nausea, is a complex motor reflex aimed at expelling gastric contents. Although it is generally transient, it can, in some cases, indicate more serious conditions 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 sources: • The chemoreceptor trigger zone, sensitive to chemical stimuli (medications, toxins). • The cerebral cortex, related to emotions, odors, or pain. • The vestibular system, 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 disorders (motion sickness). • Endocrine: pregnancy (first-trimester nausea). • Toxic: side effects of certain medications (chemotherapy), poisonings. • Psychological: stress or anxiety.

Treatment

Treatment is based on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms.Antiemetic MedicationsThe treatments aim to inhibit the receptors involved in the vomiting reflex, notably: • Serotonin (5-HT3) receptors: blocked by ondansetron. • Dopamine (D2) receptors: targeted by metoclopramide. • Histamine (H1) receptors: antihistamines used for motion sickness. • 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-related nausea (500 mg to 1 g per day). • Postoperative or chemotherapy-induced nausea (2 g per day).