April 8, 2024
How to Find Natural Relief from Nausea While Taking Ozempic
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
• Nausea is a common side effect of Ozempic, affecting quite a few people, especially during the initial stages of treatment. However, it often diminishes over time as the body adapts to the medication.
• This article reviewers natural remedies such as consuming smaller, more frequent meals, utilizing aromatherapy, and drinking herbal teas can effectively alleviate nausea symptoms associated with Ozempic use.
• While experiencing nausea can be challenging, implementing lifestyle changes and seeking medical guidance when necessary, individuals can manage and potentially reduce the severity of nausea while taking Ozempic.
Ozempic (also known as semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable diabetes medication that stands as one of the most popular prescriptions today. It is FDA-approved to lower blood sugar levels in those living with type 2 diabetes. A common benefit of taking Ozempic is that it also aids in weight loss. Clinical trials reported in 2021 by The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology states that 2.0 mg reduced their A1C by 2.2% and weight by 15.18 pounds in 40 weeks for those living with type 2 diabetes. However, like many medications, Ozempic is accompanied by some unpleasant side effects, notably nausea. When speaking to most of my patients, they always wonder how to navigate it. Especially since it makes them hardly eat throughout the day. This article will go over my favorite remedies to help you find relief from nausea while taking Ozempic.
Side Effects to Taking a Semaglutide
As mentioned, nausea is a pesky upset stomach with a swirling feeling in your abdomen. It can be accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, dizziness, or a general feeling of being unwell.
Nausea is prevalent, affecting around 20.3% of patients on the 1mg dose and 15.8% on the 0.5 mg dose during clinical trials. While nausea tends to subside over time as the body adjusts to the medication, it may act up with each dose increase. According to Ozempic, the most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
How Long Will I Be Nauseous While Using Ozempic?
Before someone considers “the shot” to support their blood sugar, I commonly get asked: “Will it hurt? What will be the side effects?” I know that anything new could be frightening.
The initial week of administering a medication, especially one requiring self-injection, is already challenging. Now, dealing with constant sickness adds another layer of difficulty!
A research article published by JAMA in 2022 states that 48.6% of the participants had gastrointestinal side effects. Nausea and vomiting were the most common in 36.6% of those patients, followed by diarrhea in 8.6% and fatigue in 6.3%. While 51.4% of the patients experience no symptoms.
For those who had to stop the medication because it was considered too intolerable for them to continue was 2.9%. This research study asked about their symptoms within 6 months.
What I see in my patients, is they experience nausea within the first month followed by fatigue. Both, typically go away when ensuring they are eating small meals and in fact, still eating food within 4-6 weeks. According to a study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, the symptoms subsided over time. Which is in alignment with what I typically see in my patients as a registered dietitian.
Therefore, fear not! We will talk about remedies for nausea when taking Ozempic! You can also access my meal plan here or click on the picture below!
Why Do I Get Nauseous When Taking Ozempic?
Nausea occurs when taking Ozempic because it works by slowing down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Additionally, the body may need time to adjust to the medication, resulting in temporary nausea as it acclimates to the treatment regimen. It’s essential to recognize that while nausea can be bothersome, it often diminishes over time as your body becomes accustomed to Ozempic.
However, if the nausea persists or becomes severe, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor for guidance and potential adjustments to your treatment plan.
Top 5 Natural Nausea Relief Remedies While Taking Ozempic
When I get a patient asking me what can help to ease the discomfort, I provide some ideas to get through the next few weeks. The following list will help you find some relief. If your nausea persists, I strongly encourage you to speak to your doctor to see if there needs to be an adjustment or change in medication.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals to Relieve Nausea
My one patient started her dose of Ozempic at 0.25 mg according to her doctor’s recommendation. After about 2 weeks she started to experience nausea for a good week. We set a goal to break up her meals into 6-smaller meals, every 2-3 hours. The sample of what she ate looked like this to get her to 1600 calories:
- 8 AM: 1 Greek yogurt (150 calories) with Granola (150 calories) and Berries (50 calories)
- 10 AM: 1 Apple (95 calories) with 6 saltine crackers (78 calories) with peanut butter (200)
- 12 PM: Grilled chicken breast (4 oz) with steamed vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower) (200 calories), Brown rice (1/2 cup cooked) (100 calories), and Herbal tea or ginger tea (0 calories)
- 3 PM: Mixed green salad with cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing (200 calories)
- 5 PM: Mixed green salad with cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing (200 calories)
- 8 PM: small banana (90 calories)and 1 tablespoon of almond butter (around 95 calories)
The goal was for her to keep nourishing herself so that she wouldn’t feel so tired either. After one week of implementing small meals, while taking Ozempic, she was at the 4-week marker and per the patient felt much better. She had more energy and the nausea completely subsided!
If you need a little guidance in what that looks like I have a meal plan here for about 1500-calories. It also includes my favorite tea recipes that support nausea, 6 tiny meals, meal prep guide and detailed recipes.
Use Aromatherapy to Support Ozempic Nausea Relief
There is nothing like a refreshing environment with soothing scents. I’m a huge candle and scented plug-in kind of lady! Not only does it calm the senses but it’s been a complimentary effective therapy for nausea and vomiting in cancer patients according to a study by Annals of Medicine & Surgery in 2024.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate the use of aromatherapy or essential oils for direct treatment. Therefore, use it with the thought in mind that it just might help with nausea while taking Ozempic.
Drink Herbal Teas for Ozempic Nausea Relief
Having something warm and herbal is another calming strategy to ease the nausea. Some of my favorite tea blends include either peppermint or camomile. As a matter of fact, peppermint oil has been shown to relieve nausea according to a research study by Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2018. It’s believed the menthol property found in peppermint helps to relive the muscle in the digestive tract. This is found also in the leaves of tea!
Holy basil tea is another option to help with nausea according to an animal study. Although more research needs to be done, it’s certainly not a bad idea to give it a try!
Remember when you were sick as a child with the stomach virus and you would be given flat ginger ale?! Indeed, ginger according to a review by the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences can help reduce nausea due to how it helps with gastric emptying. Of course more studies need to be conducted on general nausea specifically in those who are taking Ozempic.
Keep Your Hyrdration Up
We hear the constant phrase “you need to drink more water!” Yes, the typical recommendation is 15 cups for men and 11 cups for women. Hydration plays a crucial role in the digestive process for everyone, including individuals on a GLP-1 regimen. Ensuring proper hydration is vital to maintain sufficient levels of digestive fluids like saliva, stomach acid, and enzymes. This helps to facilitate the movement of food through the digestive system and initiate the breakdown of nutrients.
If you’re dehydrated you might feel more nauseous while on the medication. The key is to sip throughout the day to keep the nauseousness at bay!
Here are some of my favorite ways to spice up the plain ol’ water:
- Water infused with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
- Lemon water is always a hit!
- Get yourself a Soda Streamer, which makes your water bubbly and you can add some natural flavoring
Best Time to Take Ozempic to Avoid Nausea
In short, you want to take Ozempic the same time and day each week. For example, if you choose Monday at 7 AM, it’s every Monday at 7AM to be sure you don’t miss a dose for that week.
Now, some of my patients wait for the weekend to take their dose on Friday night. This way if they experience any side effects, they have the weekend to rest up and contend with the nausea.
Why Should You Work with a Registered Dietitian While Taking Ozempic?
Isn’t it just nice to have someone to talk to? To bounce idea’s and get clinical advice, so that you can slowly implement change? Versus a 5-minute checklist categorizing you into weight-loss surgery or weight loss medications?
Registered dietitians (RD) require a minimum of a graduate degree, complete a year of supervised clinical practice and sit for a national examination with continued professional development throughout their career. Dietitian can also bill your insurance since we’re considered medically necessary for the management and prevention of various health conditions!
As a registered dietitian, I get the opportunity to provide clinical guidance, behavior change, and more to my patients. I can work with them monthly, even weekly to get the support they need!
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services. This article and the links contained in it provide general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical care, and should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or registered dietitian.
We are a health and wellness site, with work written by Registered Dietitians or Medical Professionals, please review our editorial process here.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there isn’t a specific restriction against enjoying caffeine while using Ozempic, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist concerning potential interactions with other medications or dietary elements.
Caffeine has the potential to influence blood sugar levels and could interact with other medications or health conditions. While moderate caffeine consumption is typically safe for many individuals, those with specific medical concerns like heart issues or anxiety disorders may require moderation in their caffeine intake.
Embrace a balanced diet filled with wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while minimizing processed snacks and sugary beverages. Regular physical activity, comprising at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days, complements these efforts by enhancing weight loss and insulin sensitivity.
Mindful portion control, staying hydrated, and monitoring blood sugar levels consistently are additional pillars of success. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and prioritizing quality sleep further supports your goals.
When experiencing nausea while taking Ozempic, opt for gentle, easily digestible foods like plain carbohydrates such as crackers or toast, bananas, and applesauce. Incorporate ginger, known for its anti-nausea properties, into your diet through ginger tea or crystallized ginger. You can get my meal plan, guide and shopping list here.
Stick to mild, low-fat broth-based soups and stay hydrated with clear fluids like water and herbal teas. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, and consider eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help alleviate nausea while on Ozempic.
Christa is a media dietitian and nutrition consultant in the New York City area. She works with various brands and has been featured in dozens of outlets such as Women’s Health, EatingWell, and Peoples Magazine as a nutrition expert. Being a fact checker for EatingWell Magazine and a Medical Reviewer for Nourish, she brings her extensive experience within the field to provide compassionate, inclusive care using science for intimate and personalized messaging.
Christa brings warm laughter, joy, and medical expertise to any conversation allowing for honest science-based discussions with authenticity at their core.
In her private practice, she works with men and women suffering from emotional traumas that cause binge eating disorders exacerbating their type 2 diabetes, PCOS and insulin resistance.
