Morning Nausea and Loss of Appetite: Stress and Health Issues

Feeling nauseous upon waking up and throughout the day?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my girlfriend who is 154 cm tall and weighs 43 kg.
She has a small build and her health is not very good; she often experiences anemia and feels dizzy when standing up from a seated position.
Recently, she started an internship at a hospital and has been feeling a lot of pressure.
Since the internship began, she has been unable to eat in the mornings and often feels nauseous.
Forcing herself to eat breakfast makes her want to vomit, and she occasionally feels nauseous while working during the day.
Can excessive stress cause nausea, or could it be due to other reasons? I read online that low blood sugar can also lead to nausea; is that true? How can we improve this situation? Forcing herself to eat breakfast makes her feel very nauseous, but not eating is also concerning.
Thank you, Doctor.

Mr. Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/22

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, based on your inquiry, I would first recommend consulting a gastroenterologist to evaluate your gastrointestinal function.
If it is not a gastrointestinal issue, stress cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2016/06/22

More Info

Morning nausea and loss of appetite can indeed be influenced by stress, particularly in individuals who are experiencing significant life changes or pressures, such as starting a new job or internship. Your girlfriend's symptoms, including nausea and difficulty eating breakfast, may be related to her stress levels, especially given her history of anemia and low blood pressure, which can exacerbate feelings of dizziness and nausea.

Stress activates the body's "fight or flight" response, which can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms. When under stress, the body prioritizes resources for immediate survival, often diverting blood flow away from the digestive system. This can result in nausea, loss of appetite, and other digestive issues. Additionally, anxiety can lead to hyperventilation or changes in breathing patterns, which can further contribute to feelings of nausea.

Regarding her low weight (43 kg at 154 cm), it is essential to consider whether she is consuming enough calories and nutrients to support her body's needs, especially given her history of anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and dizziness, which may be compounded by stress and inadequate nutrition. Low blood sugar levels can also lead to nausea, particularly if she is not eating regularly or sufficiently. It’s important to ensure she maintains a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats) to help manage her anemia.

To improve her situation, here are some recommendations:
1. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of forcing herself to eat a large breakfast, she could try smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help manage nausea and ensure she gets enough nutrients without overwhelming her stomach.

2. Gentle Foods: Encourage her to consume bland, easy-to-digest foods when she feels nauseous. Foods like toast, crackers, bananas, or rice can be less likely to trigger nausea.

3. Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if she is feeling nauseous. Sipping on clear fluids, such as water or herbal teas, can help.

4. Stress Management Techniques: Encourage her to explore stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help her manage anxiety and improve her overall well-being.

5. Regular Eating Schedule: Establishing a regular eating schedule can help regulate her appetite and blood sugar levels. Eating at consistent times can signal her body to expect food, which may help reduce nausea.

6. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given her symptoms and history of anemia, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can evaluate her overall health, check her blood levels, and possibly recommend dietary changes or supplements to address her anemia and any other underlying issues.

7. Monitor Symptoms: Keeping a journal of her symptoms, including when they occur and any potential triggers, can help her and her healthcare provider identify patterns and make informed decisions about her health.

In summary, while stress can certainly contribute to nausea and loss of appetite, it is essential to consider her overall health, including her history of anemia and low blood pressure. By implementing small dietary changes, managing stress, and seeking professional guidance, she can work towards alleviating her symptoms and improving her overall health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Anxiety-Induced Nausea and Loss of Appetite

Hello, doctor. I am a regular office worker and I have a habit of playing sports and exercising. However, whenever I feel unwell, my life is greatly affected. Recently, I experienced discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen and chest, which led me to seek medical attention at the ...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Steven: Discomfort in the body often requires some time to gradually recover. Since you have already undergone the necessary examinations and treatments, the next step is to maintain a positive mindset and give your body some time, patiently waiting for it to heal. Before f...

Understanding Recent Anxiety and Emotional Struggles in Daily Life

I have been feeling very anxious about work and school lately, and I really don't want to go to work. I dislike facing customers since I work as a cashier in a supermarket. I want to graduate quickly, but my classmates who started with me have already graduated. My mother ha...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: You've been working hard lately. It seems that you have to balance your studies and work, and the family atmosphere has not been very good recently. The accumulation of multiple pressures can lead to symptoms such as high stress, depression, irritability, or difficult...

Struggling with Appetite and Health: Tips for Improvement

I often have trouble eating breakfast and lunch, which makes social gatherings stressful for me as I can't eat and often face ridicule from others. This increases my psychological pressure, making it even harder to eat. Additionally, I frequently catch colds and my cough tak...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, maintaining a regular lifestyle and exercise routine is the most fundamental advice. You can start by adjusting your daily schedule and developing consistent habits to see if there is any improvement. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and ...

Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, last October I experienced vomiting after staying up all night to catch up on my studies. Since then, I have had a persistent loss of appetite. I consulted a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After treatment, my appetit...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description of physical discomfort and the situation regarding medical consultations and prescriptions, it is inferred that you may be experiencing anxiety and depression. Additionally, it is important to consider the possibility of endocrine disorders, such ...