Why Does Hunger Cause Nausea & How To Deal With The Hunger-Driven Nausea?

An uncomfortable, nauseous feeling often follows the sensation of hunger.

It can be due to the acid build-up or stomach contraction caused by hunger pangs.

Hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach to break down the food. Not eating for a long period of time can lead to acid build-up and acid reflux causing nausea.

Hunger pangs can rarely be due to medical condition, they can be affected by:

• Hormones
• Lack of sleep
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Environment
• Need for a diet high in nutrients

Hormones generated by the endocrine system such as ghrelin and leptin, play a role in the flow of appetite.

Ghrelin causes hunger and leptin is released when the body signal that it is satisfied and it does not need to be hungry. The balance between these chemicals is disturbed when in spite of hunger signals you do not eat. The body may coax you by producing more ghrelin if you go long enough without eating.

If the signals are intense enough, it could be a body’s way of telling you that there is a need to be screened for metabolic syndrome.

• The first and foremost way to deal with hunger is to eat something.
• If you have been controlling hunger for long, address the body’s nutritional needs gently.
• You can drink low-sugar beverages
• Brothy soups with proteins or carbohydrates
• Protein-rich foods
• Dried foods such as raisins, apricots, and dates

Extreme pain and nausea while hungry can be an indication of metabolic syndrome. The other accompanying symptoms can be:

• High blood pressure
• Abnormal lipid levels
• High blood sugar

If you feel nausea when hungry, try eating at short intervals. Eating a small amount of food at shorter intervals can be helpful in preventing nausea.

If nausea is not due to hunger, the following factors can be thought of:

Dehydration: If you feel nausea if you are not hungry, chances are high that you might be dehydrated.

• Try drinking water to see if it helps.
• If along with nausea you are feeling extremely fatigued, dehydrated, and dizzy or confused, you might be severely dehydrated.
• Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of severe dehydration crop up.

Medication: Taking medications on empty stomach can bring in a feeling of nausea.

Medications that can lead to nausea as a side effect include:⁽¹⁾

• Antibiotics such as erythromycin
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Blood pressure reducing drugs such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.
• Antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline

Certain over the counter prescription medications such as vitamin E, vitamin C, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if taken empty stomach can lead to nausea.

There are other causes which can lead to nausea, such as:

• Exposure to chemical toxins
• Indigestion
• Motion sickness
• Stress
• Food poisoning
• Early pregnancy

Some people can get nausea if they do not eat for an extended period of time. To avoid this discomfort, eat small quantities of food at frequent intervals.

If still the nausea does not improve consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Also Read:

• What Causes you to Feel Full Without Eating Much?
• Why Does the Stomach Growl When Hungry or Full?
• 10 Ways to Indulge in Healthy Foods to Control Your Eating
• What Should I Eat If I Have No Appetite?
• Ways to Stave Off Hunger When Fasting