Saoirse Downs
Seasickness, or motion sickness, is an unpleasant feeling caused by conflicting signals from our eyes, ears, and body. It can be triggered by any mode of travel, including boats, cars, buses, planes, and even amusement park rides. While some people experience mild symptoms, for others, it can be incapacitating. So, what can you do to prevent seasickness and enjoy your time on the water? Here are some tips to help you beat that queasy feeling and stay on deck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Triggers | Acidic and greasy foods, extreme rolling motion, close and warm spaces, engine exhaust fumes, close focus, thinking about upchucking |
| Prevention | Get plenty of rest, medication, fresh air, stay active, eat light and bland foods, ginger, acupressure wristbands, avoid nausea-triggering stimuli, pick the right cruise itinerary |
| Cures | Medication, lie down, look at the horizon, add distractions, eat dry crackers, suck on a lozenge, drink light and fizzy drinks, wristbands, convince yourself you're not seasick, desensitize yourself, ginger, acupressure, pressure point devices, stay hydrated |
What You'll Learn
Choose the right cabin
Choosing the right cabin can make a big difference when it comes to seasickness. You want to be in a cabin where you're less likely to experience the swaying and movement of the waves. The middle of the ship is the best place to be as the seasickness-inducing motion is minimal. The higher up you go, the more you will feel the movement of the boat, so it's best to choose a cabin on a lower level. If you're going on a cruise, request a mid-ship cabin near the middle of the ship. A room with a window will also help as you will be able to see the horizon more easily. If a mid-ship cabin is not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.
If you're prone to seasickness, you should also stick to bigger ships and choose routes that traverse calmer waters. Newer ships feature cutting-edge stabilization systems that help reduce the feeling of motion.
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Avoid greasy, fatty, acidic and spicy foods
Motion sickness, or seasickness, is an unpleasant feeling caused by any motion that disturbs your inner ear, including travel by boat, car, bus, plane, or even amusement park rides. It can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, cold sweats, headaches, and pain. To prevent motion sickness, it is important to avoid certain triggers, such as lack of sleep, close focus, and nausea-triggering stimuli. One of the most important triggers to avoid is consuming greasy, fatty, acidic, and spicy foods.
Greasy and fatty foods can cause nausea and an upset stomach, which can be made worse by the motion of the boat. Eating greasy foods before getting on a boat can increase your risk of experiencing motion sickness. It is recommended to eat a light breakfast, such as toast or oatmeal, and avoid foods like bacon and eggs, which are high in fat and grease.
Acidic foods and drinks can also trigger motion sickness. Orange juice and coffee are common culprits for causing acid reflux and heartburn, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting. It is best to avoid these acidic substances and opt for bland, light foods like pretzels, plain bread, and saltine crackers.
Spicy foods should also be avoided as they can irritate the stomach and trigger nausea. Eating heavy, spicy foods can aggravate motion sickness symptoms and make you feel worse. Instead, stick to bland, light foods and drinks that are easy on the stomach, such as ginger ale, peppermint, and crackers.
In addition to avoiding greasy, fatty, acidic, and spicy foods, it is important to stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Alcohol should be avoided as it can accelerate dehydration and weaken your resistance to motion sickness. By following these dietary tips and staying hydrated, you can help reduce the risk of experiencing motion sickness on a boat.
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Try ginger
Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea and has been used to treat the condition for centuries. It is a good option for those who want to avoid medication, and it is considered safe for pregnant women. It is best to take a gram or two of ginger about 30 minutes before you travel. If you are taking blood thinners, you should consult your doctor before taking ginger.
Ginger can be consumed in a variety of ways, including raw, crystallised, brewed in a tea, in capsules, or as candy. Light, fizzy drinks such as ginger ale can also help to settle the stomach.
While some people swear by ginger as a cure for motion sickness, others are less convinced of its effectiveness. One source states that while some people find it works, they have also "seen plenty of folks losing their ginger-tinted breakfast over the side" of the boat.
In addition to ginger, there are several other natural remedies for motion sickness. These include eating dry crackers or plain white bread, sucking on a lozenge, and drinking water or clear soup.
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Focus on the horizon
Focusing on the horizon is a great way to beat motion sickness on a boat. This is because the horizon gives your brain a point of reference and helps to minimise the weird sensory signals you experience while boating.
When you're on a boat, your inner ear detects the rocking motion of the waves, but your eyes don't register much motion at all. This confuses your brain, and in turn, makes you feel unwell. By focusing on the horizon, you can give your brain a fixed point to focus on, which helps to rebalance your senses and reset your equilibrium.
It's also important to look out, not down. Watching the waves of the ocean can be disorienting, so be sure to look at the horizon, not the water.
If you're feeling unwell, it can also help to focus on your breath and staying calm. And if you're on a boat, it's always a good idea to get some fresh air. Head to the front of the boat or somewhere on the top deck, kick back, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
If you're struggling with motion sickness, it's best to avoid looking at your phone or reading a book, as this can make you feel worse.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is a key part of preventing and treating seasickness. Seasickness and related medications can cause dehydration and headaches, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best option, but low-acidity juices like apple and carrot juice, clear soup, and light, fizzy drinks like ginger ale are also good choices. Avoid milk, coffee, and citrus juices, which can irritate the stomach and increase acidity. Alcohol should also be avoided, as it can accelerate dehydration and weaken your resistance to seasickness.
It's important to sip fluids regularly throughout the day rather than guzzling large amounts at once. This will help you maintain your fluid intake and prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated is especially important if you're taking medication for seasickness, as these drugs can be dehydrating.
In addition to drinking fluids, eating foods with high water content can also help you stay hydrated. For example, plain crackers or plain white bread can help settle the stomach and provide some hydration.
Overall, staying hydrated is an important part of preventing and treating seasickness. It's crucial to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids, avoid dehydrating substances like alcohol and coffee, and eat hydrating foods like crackers and bread.
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