Hello lovely people! Today we're talking about a topic that's been on the rise: semaglutide and its infamous side effect, nausea. Now, if you're like me, and you're a fan of feeling fabulous, then experiencing nausea can be a real buzzkill. But don't worry, because we have hundreds of clients taking this; I'm here to give you the lowdown on why semaglutide causes nausea and how to mitigate it.

First things first, let's talk about what semaglutide is. Semaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. It mimics the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps the body produce insulin and control blood sugar levels.

Now, the reason semaglutide can cause nausea is that it slows down the emptying of the stomach. This means that food stays in the stomach longer, which can lead to feelings of fullness, bloating, and, you guessed it, nausea. It's also worth noting that some people may experience nausea as a result of their body adjusting to the medication.

So, how do we mitigate this pesky side effect? Here are a few tips:

1. Start low and slow: Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose of semaglutide and gradually increase it over time. This allows your body to adjust to the medication and may help reduce the likelihood of experiencing nausea.

2. Take it with food: Taking semaglutide with food can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing nausea. It's also important to avoid high-fat meals, as these can slow down the emptying of the stomach even further.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help alleviate nausea. It's also important to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can further dehydrate the body.

4. Be patient: It can take some time for your body to adjust to semaglutide, so don't give up too soon! Stick with it, and be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you're experiencing persistent nausea.

5. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. This can help your body digest food more easily and reduce feelings of fullness and nausea.

6. It's also important to limit your sugar intake and avoid fried, fatty, and spicy foods, such as fast food. These foods tend to be the toughest for your body to digest and the most likely to cause nausea, especially during the initial phase of treatment.

7. It's a good idea to limit your alcohol and fizzy drink intake, as these can exacerbate nausea. Instead, try eating bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, and rice or foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin.

8. Believe it or not, sniffing isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol found on alcohol prep pads or alcohol wipes) can quickly resolve nausea for many people. Just be sure to use it sparingly and only under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

9. Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid lying down after you eat, as this can slow down the digestion process and lead to feelings of nausea. Instead, try going outdoors for fresh air, or taking a short walk to aid in digestion.

10. Remember, it's also important to listen to your body and only eat when you're hungry. And, when you do eat, stop when you feel full to avoid overeating and further exacerbating feelings of nausea.

While nausea may be a pesky side effect of semaglutide, it's important to remember that the benefits of the medication often outweigh the drawbacks. By starting low and slow, following all the above suggestions, and being patient, you can mitigate this side effect and continue feeling fabulous. So, keep on keeping on, lovely people, and don't let a little nausea get you down!

Click HERE to see if Semaglutide is right for you.

-Lora Conover at Bio-tique Wellness Spa in San Diego CA