5 Ways to Avoid the Woozy, Nauseous Hell That Is Motion Sickness
Boat and road trips are way more fun when you’re not puking everywhere
When it comes to motion-related nausea—whether from hitting the open sea or spending time in a car—it’s often simpler to prevent an issue than it is to resolve one once your stomach has begun doing cartwheels.
To stop motion sickness before it starts, follow these tips. (And feel better starting today with Rodale’s The Thyroid Cure, a new book that’s helped thousands of people finally solve the mystery of what’s ailing them.)
WATCH WHAT YOU SWALLOW
Don’t skip your pre-voyage meal, but be sure to eat relatively bland stuff—think eggs and toast, or a salad with chicken. Limit or skip acidic stuff like fried foods or coffee.
And pack carbonated beverages like sparkling water or ginger soda, which helps calm an upset stomach. (Also good: Avoid being hungover, as it contributes to nausea.)
Related: 11 Ways to Cure a Nasty Hangover
TRY THESE MEDS
Meclizine-type medications like Dramamine help suppress the interaction between your brain and inner ear, and so can help prevent motion or seasickness, explains Thomas Grosch, M.D., an otolaryngologist in Burbank, California.
But if you’re going to take meds, you’ll want to swallow them at least an hour before you set sail or hop in the car. Some medications are more effective when taken the night before, so read the label carefully.
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CONSIDER HOMEOPATHIC HELP
Wristbands adorned with pressure balls have proved effective against motion and seasickness. These bands connect to a pressure point located above your wrist and on the inside of the arm.
Because it connects to your diaphragm and stomach, it’s one of the pre-eminent points to treat nausea and vomiting, says Lori Guynes, a licensed acupuncturist in Santa Barbara, California.
Available at drug stores and boating stores, the bands are reusable and inexpensive. Several versions exist, such as BioBands and the Sea-Band.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE HORIZON
Whether on land, in the air, or at sea, keeping your eyes fixed on the horizon or surrounding landscape can help prevent feelings of sickness, which tend to crop up when your body’s experiencing motion your eyes can’t see.
MORE DOS AND DON’TS
Don’t read or sit facing backwards. This can cause additional confusion for your brain as it tries to reconcile what it sees with what it feels.
When you’re on a boat, avoid standing near the motor as the exhaust can contribute to nausea. If you’re going on a cruise, book a cabin in the middle of the ship but on a lower deck, close to the waterline.
The article 5 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness was originally published by our partners at Prevention.com.
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