Do you find ginger foods/drinks help with nausea/upset stomach? I want to try some but not sure where to start.

Hypersleep · ‎10-08-2017

I've been having trouble eating lately, with a mix of reasons and severity. (If you'd like to give me some advice on that I have another thread on the introduction forums.) So I'm looking for the easiest ways to have ginger foods or drinks. I find that if I wake up too early I get a particularly upset stomach, sometimes throwing up mucus or phlegm in the period between leaving bed and doing an activity, not much though. If you have any other things that help you relax in the morning food based or otherwise don't hesitate to tell me, but I'm really wondering how I can try ginger easily. I've checked the forums for the keyword ginger but didn't really find anything quite like this.

Hypersleep · ‎12-08-2017

Yeah my sister got them down at the IGA. I think that counts as a super market? They aren't the ones my mum thought of apparently but they look just like what comes up on google. As far as I can tell ginger chews and crystallized ginger are the same. If you try them, let me know how it goes.

Ladyhawke · ‎12-08-2017

Yes - I'll let you know. Many thanks.

Hope your stomach and other issues settle down soon.

LH

blondguy · ‎12-08-2017

Hi Hypersleep

I know that ginger has super healing properties but I havent tried it with indigestion/upset stomach.......yet 🙂

I may take the advice on the posts above including BballJ's Peppermint tea next time I have any of my sporadic 'heartburn'

Thanks Hypersleep for the good post....

Im learning

Paul

MsPurple · ‎12-08-2017

HI Hypersleep. Some people experience nausea and there are some things that can help stomach food. You have gotten some great advice already 🙂 For myself I find if I feel nauseous sometimes it is a sign of hunger, other times I may actually be ill. If I am struggling with nausea I do try plain saladas or crackers. You say you are struggling with eating due to lack of appetite. Have you talked to your doctor about this issue. You can see a dietitian. They are nutritional specialist how maybe able to advice you of your nutritional requirements. One thing you could try is nutritional supplement like sustagen. A doctor will be able to discuss it with you if you have concerns or questions.

Hypersleep · ‎13-08-2017

Thanks for the words Purple. I've been on and off with my appetite for 2 solid months now, and even on the better days and even on the bad days, seldom peaceful thoughts. I've had breakthroughs, and setbacks. I'm so sick of it. 😞

I have spoken to my Dr about this, a similar feeling years ago is what lead me to realizing I had anxiety in the first place. (Counting this time, I've felt like this 4 times) Last time I saw my Dr I mentioned that I could use a multi vitamin. At this stage I'm thinking of asking for a drug to help with my appetite. It's not just my appetite, every time I look at the clock I get more and more nervous about my next 'meal' (not much, today just 3 bananas and a tiny school pack of uglies, little chocolate chip cookies) and it makes eating them all the more harder. Thankfully lately what little I do eat I can keep down, for the most part. I can't be alone with my food because I'll hyper focus on it and if I watch something while I eat I'll do it so slowly the food will get significantly worse. Watching something while I eat is my go to really, it's when I'm most comfortable. (Bonus points if I have a friend talking to me on the headset while I eat and watch, spoiled I know.) But like I said just there, lately it's not been helping. 😞 A long time ago, before I'm on the medication I take now I tried something that was supposed to help my appetite, but it made me feel super numb. I'm thinking of asking to try it again. I've been like this for 2 months and it's just really hurting me. I've been through this before, and I know I can again. It'll just take time. But I'm really getting so sick of this.

I don't mean to pour my heart out here but I feel I've really done all I can. This time. And it certainly had results, I was really getting better for a few days. Then getting shot back down when I learned my job finding exemption wasn't accepted and had to attend an appointment about it. I know that recovery isn't a straight ascension, but at this point I feel like I really just need more powerful medication. I've begun meditating daily, with varying commitment but it's been 30 days today of that. I know meditation helps and will help more over time. I just really feel like I'm getting backed into a corner, you know? I've been waiting these 2 months to visit a Councillor, the people who got me through last time and the Pysch I'm in line to see just got around to letting us know we can set up an appointment. Everything feels so far away.

Hypersleep · ‎13-08-2017

Sorry for the sudden negativity everyone. As you can probably tell I'm having a hard time. I know I'll be okay, it's just so hard to be positive lately.

Ladyhawke · ‎13-08-2017

Hi Hypersleep,

Don't ever feel as though you have to apologise for honestly expressing how you feel on these forums. Talking about feelings, negative or otherwise, is what these forums are all about.

From your comments it sounds like you may have an anxiety issue that might be manifesting through a bit of a preoccupation with food. I'm (definitely) not a health professional, but I had anxiety-linked food issues when I was younger and eventually overcame them with professional assistance.

Terrific that you've started meditation. I try to meditate on a daily basis and also use guided relaxation CDs which help me to switch off and focus on just being calm for an hour. Makes a huge difference as I have anxiety issues. I think there are also relaxation apps you can download.

So pleased you're seeking help from a psych - that's great and very positive. Yes, it can be frustrating if you have to wait a little while for your appointment. If you really feel the need to speak to someone before your appointment, you can always phone the BeyondBlue helpline on - 1300 22 4636. The professional staff are kind, non-judgemental and can offer very practical advise.

You sound like you're being very proactive with your issues and that's really terrific.

Don't hesitate to post here if you feel like a chat or just want to let us know how things are going.

PS: I managed to find the ginger candies you mentioned - great in a hot cup of tea - very relaxing. Thanks again for the tip.

Take care, LH

BballJ · ‎13-08-2017

Hi Hypersleep,

No need to apologise for anything, this is your thread, you are welcome to vent as much as you like.

I don't mind the peppermint tea taste, I like mint chocolate as well but don't really relate the too but it isn't bad at all, I've even had chamomile tea before which I believe helps with digestion. You may also want to try visiting organic shops as I have seen in some they have special natural herbal teas that help with different ailments, I had one for liver function but if I recall there was one for aiding digestion.

I would however be going to your GP when you can to see what options you have, as you can tell many people have offered their support and advice to you so you are not alone in dealing with this.

My best,

Jay

Hypersleep · ‎14-08-2017

Thanks for all the words. And I'm glad you enjoy the ginger thingies, I take mine just after meditation, and the chewy-ness is good for waking me up fully. 🙂 I'm feeling better than I was around this time yesterday. After all my worry everything ended up okay. I've got a friend coming over tomorrow to check on me, my meditation today was very pleasant. My little brother came in and wished me well and gave me a hug. ❤️ I'm a little nervous, not really to see my friend but I never know what could set me off. I'm sure it will be fine though, and if it's not he only lives nearby so he'll understand.

Would those lines be good for my situation? If I ever rang them I'd just need some positive assurance. I don't want to take up a phone-line when there could be someone worse off. I do get a little nervous on the phone but I'd probably be at rock bottom if I ring them anyway.

And yeah, last time I was this bad I made it out with professional help. I've just been waiting quite a while for it this time around. I should be starting a multi vitamin tomorrow, that'll bring me some more peace of mind. By all means though if you have anything else that might help me or think of later do share. I thought I was pretty alone in my anxiety manifesting into a weird fear of food.

In the meantime though I'd be interested in hearing your story with similar issues. Did you use any appetite helping drugs? Though if it brings back any bad memories don't press yourself. I somehow thought I was alone in my strangeness with food and anxiety till very recently. But the people I find are suffering through it currently. I'd like to hear about someone whose come out the other end. I've come out the other side before myself but it clearly didn't last. Had a good run though! Nearly 2 years since I was this bad. I'm gonna be serious about meditation now so that should help me going forward when I beat it this time.

Thanks once again for all the information and just responding at all. Really helps fill that isolated void that creeps up on me sometime. I think I'll try a bit longer without any new medication. What I was on was enough to help me last time. While I did have more support back then too. (Counseling, more common interactions with more numerous friends.) I'm working on that best I can, in the mean time just need not to fret over things I can't change and do my best at the things I can. Just hard to remember which is which sometimes.

Ladyhawke · ‎15-08-2017

Hi Hypersleep,

I've had a migraine for the last 24 hours which is why I've taken longer to respond.

It was really nice to read that you were feeling a little better. Sometimes the smallest gestures, like a kind word, or hug from your brother, can help quite a bit.

Yes, if you were feeling a bit "wobbly" or you felt your anxiety taking over and you didn't have anyone who could provide practical assistance, then don't hesitate to phone the Beyondblue helpline. You would be speaking anonymously with a kind and compassionate professional who would most definitely provide the right type of positive assurance together with some practical suggestions. Many people write that they don't wish to take up space on the helplines when there may be others in a worse situation. That's a lovely, selfless attitude, but sometimes we need to remember that if there is a issue causing us distress, we are just as worthy of attention as others. If you're not great on the phone, it helps to write down how you're feeling and what's bothering you, so you don't get stuck for words. The helpline staff will prompt you and ask you a few initial questions to get the ball rolling.

I had a fairly specific issue with food and anxiety from the ages of 13 to 17. It was quite serious (not life-threatening) and I was hospitalized for two months. That was in the late 70s and the treatments for anxiety/food issues, generally, are now so much different to what I experienced. I did recover with professional help. My relationship with food has always been problematic, even as a child (together with anxiety), but I now understand my own triggers which pretty much keeps me in control. I've had the odd relapse, but it's only been for a very short period.

I do agree with Jay about seeing your GP, possibly prior to your psych appointment. If he/she knows your history with food and anxiety, that's good. If not, it may help just to give him/her any additiomal info you can think of. The info you've written here would be excellent to print off and just give to him or her to read through.

You sound like quite a strong and self-aware person. You're meditating and taking care of yourself as best you can, which is so very positive and yes, 2 years absence of the issues is something to feel good about. Hiccups happen.

It will be an excellent move when you have the support of a therapist. Talking about issues can be extremely helpful.

Take care and drop in for a chat whenever you feel like it

Kind regards, LH