6 Reasons Why You May Feel Nauseous All the Time

Most people have dealt with nausea in one way or another. Whether it’s from catching a stomach bug or eating something that didn’t agree with you, nausea is not a fun feeling. Generally, that queasy feeling goes away on its own and you know you’ll feel better soon. But for some people, the feeling lingers.

“In simple terms, chronic nausea is that awful feeling in your stomach that makes you think you’re about to throw up, except it’s not just a passing thing,” Partha Nandi, MD, FACP, a gastroenterologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at Michigan State University. “It sticks around for days, weeks, or even months. And it’s not just the nausea that’s frustrating—it’s how much it can impact your life. Whether it’s keeping you from enjoying a good meal, disrupting your sleep, or making you afraid to step…uh… too far from a bathroom, chronic nausea can have a real impact.”

When you feel nauseous all the time, you start wondering what’s causing it—and if you need to be concerned. Below, we examine several causes of nausea and discuss how you can cope with it to start feeling better.

What's Causing Your Chronic Nausea?

It’s hard to know how your body will react to certain foods, medications, or even stress. Your body might be fine with broccoli and then abruptly, years later, you feel nauseous any time your tastebuds touch the greeny vegetable. Being intuned with your body is the first step in determining the root cause of your nausea. It may even help with decisions in the future regarding what you and what medication you take.

Chronic nausea can come from any of the following sources:

•  What you eat. Food allergies and intolerances can cause your stomach to react. Spicy or fried foods can cause problems too, especially if you eat them regularly. Eating too much food or not eating enough can also cause nausea. “If you’re skipping meals or loading up too much at once, your digestive system may be screaming for a break,” Dr. Nandi notes.
•  Lifestyle habits. “Your gut needs sleep just as much as your brain does. Without enough rest, your digestive system can get all out of whack, leading to nausea,” says Dr. Nandi.
• Medical conditions. Most people would expect gastrointestinal issues to lead to nausea. But neurological conditions, such as migraines, can also make you nauseous. So can endocrine issues. “Conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems can lead to imbalances in your body, often manifesting as nausea,” Dr. Nandi states. Also, be mindful that some medications you take to help with one concern can lead to another including nausea.
• Hormonal changes. Pregnant women can have delicate stomachs. Some foods work and some just don’t. The same can be true when women are menstruating. The fluctuating hormone levels can cause a variety of physical symptoms including nausea.
•  Psychological factors. Have you ever felt *so* sick to your stomach when you’re nervous or upset? Stress brings the relationship between your gut and your mental health to the forefront. “The gut-brain axis highlights the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal system and the brain,” says Ozan Toy, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at PsychTMS. “Understanding this connection is crucial for addressing chronic nausea, as psychological factors can exacerbate or trigger gastrointestinal symptoms.”
• Environmental factors. “Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals can irritate your stomach and lead to nausea,” states Dr. Nandi.

Any of these sources can cause an upset stomach. When those feelings continue, it may be time to seek help.

Getting Help

You know your body better than anyone else. If you’ve been feeling queasy or sick for longer than normal, be mindful of other symptoms that can mean it’s time to seek help. “If nausea persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, or signs of dehydration, it’s essential to seek medical attention,” Dr. Toy notes.

In addition to listening to your symptoms, a doctor can run blood tests or schedule you for an endoscopy procedure, which examines your digestive system for things like inflammation or ulcers. A doctor can also recommend other tests like a CT scan or MRI of your abdominal area.

Once you have a better idea of exactly what you’re dealing with and why, you can figure out how to cope with your nausea.

Small Steps You Can Take to Cure Your Nausea

Adjusting your diet can be a huge source of relief. Avoiding foods you don’t tolerate well and eating smaller portions are just some small steps you can take to clear up your nausea. “If you have gastritis or GERD, try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, or chocolate as these will aggravate your nausea,” states Dr. Toy. Drinking ginger tea or taking a ginger supplement can also improve nausea symptoms. Ginger ale is also a commonly recommended remedy for nausea, and I’ve personally seen it work wonders.

Along those lines, consider adding a prebiotic or a probiotic to your regimen to improve your gut health. Certain medications like Zofran or Phenergan can alleviate nausea symptoms.

Managing your stress can also address chronic nausea issues. “Techniques like meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and prayer for those inclined, can work wonders for stress-related nausea in some individuals,” Dr. Nandi advises.

Keep in Mind

Settling on a coping strategy—or several strategies—will depend on the cause of your chronic nausea. The important thing is to get to the source of the problem, be patient with yourself, and take steps to get the relief that you need.

“Chronic nausea is no fun but understanding what’s causing it and taking proactive steps can bring relief,” Dr. Nandi says. “Whether it’s making simple dietary adjustments or seeking medical advice, you have options. And remember, your gut and brain are on the same team—when one is out of sync, the other usually is too. So, focus on your whole body’s health, and your stomach will thank you!”