Our top tips for fighting seasickness
You've planned your dream cruise vacation. You've visualized the crystal-clear waters, imagined the exotic ports of call and anticipated the relaxing moments on deck. But there's that little voice in your head that whispers: what if my stomach decides to spoil the party?
Imagine yourself: The sun is slowly setting over the horizon, and you feel like you're living in the moment. But suddenly, an unexpected swell reminds you that your body doesn't quite agree with this beautiful maritime romance. Nausea threatens, cold sweats appear, and you ask yourself: why now?
No need to panic. Seasickness, that out-of-sync dance between your brain and the waves, can affect the best of us!
But with a few simple and effective tips, you can tame this feeling and regain control of your sea voyage.
With Orca Retail, get ready to find out how to prevent and treat seasickness, so you can enjoy every moment of your vacation with complete peace of mind.
What causes seasickness? Causes
It all starts with your inner ear. Think of it as a miniature gyroscope that enables your body to find its bearings in space and maintain its balance. When traveling by boat, the ship's movements disturb this sensitive system, sending contradictory signals to the brain.
On the one hand, your eyes perceive a stable environment: the boat seems motionless and the horizon doesn't move. On the other hand, your inner ear, tossed by the waves, senses significant movement.
It's this shift in information that creates sensory confusion in the brain, leading to motion sickness or seasickness.
What are the symptoms of seasickness?
Unable to reconcile this contradictory information, the brain becomes disoriented. It then triggers a series of physiological reactions in an attempt to restore balance, hence the unpleasant symptoms of seasickness:
- Nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation: the body tries to get rid of substances it thinks are responsible for its discomfort.
- Pallor and cold sweats: signs of autonomic nervous system disturbance.
- Fatigue, drowsiness: the body fights against imbalance and uses energy to adapt.
- Headaches: Nervous tension can lead to headaches.
These symptoms can vary in intensity from one person to another, and are generally more pronounced at the start of a voyage, often subsiding after a few days at sea.
What can you do upstream to prevent seasickness?
To minimize the risk of seasickness, it is advisable to take several preventive measures:
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Cabin choice: Opt for a cabin located amidships, where movements are less felt.
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Stress management: Reduce anxiety by arriving in port early and relaxing on the boat. Breathe deeply and regularly to calm your nervous system.
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Position on the boat: Stay outside as much as possible, staring at the horizon to limit the sensation of movement. Avoid reading or using electronic devices that could increase symptoms.
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Clothing and hydration: Dress comfortably for the climate at sea and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the trip.
- Diet: Eat light meals before and during your trip to avoid an empty or overfull stomach, which can aggravate symptoms. Avoid fatty and heavy foods.
Foods to avoid (rich in histamine or irritating to the stomach) :
- Canned or prepared food
- Alcohol, red wine
- Cocoa, chocolate
- Black and green tea
- Seafood
- Walnuts
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Pulses
- Citrus
- Cheese
- Soybeans
- Yeast and wheat products
- Fresh meat and white fish (stomach irritants, increase gastric acid)
Recommended foods :
- Bananas
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (except citrus)
- Raw carrots
- Light soups
- Rusks
- Chamomile, mint and ginger infusions
How to treat seasickness after symptoms have appeared?
Natural remedies and alternative medicine
Soothing essential oils
Essential oils such as peppermint and ginger are known for their anti-nausea properties. Apply a few drops of peppermint or ginger essential oil to a handkerchief or portable diffuser and breathe deeply to relieve nausea.
Acupressure bands
Acupressure bands are specially designed bracelets with a small ball that exerts pressure on the P6/Nei-Kuan acupuncture point, located around two finger-widths behind the wrist. This point is known in traditional Chinese medicine to combat nausea by regulating the body's energy. Wear these bracelets around the wrists for continuous stimulation and relief of seasickness symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is effective in breaking down the neurotransmitter histamine, often associated with allergic reactions and nausea. Professor Dr. Reinhart Jarisch has confirmed its effectiveness in several studies. Start taking vitamin C a week before your sea voyage, at a dose of one to two grams a day. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, as well as peppers and redcurrants, are good natural sources of vitamin C. You can also take it in capsule form for ease of use while cruising.
Ginger
In addition to its olfactory properties, ginger can also be ingested to reduce nausea, dizziness and cold sweats. In fact, it was used in the ancient navy, often chewed into pieces to combat seasickness. Today, it is available in a variety of forms, including ginger tea, ginger candy, candied ginger and even ginger powder capsules such as Zintona. Ginger acts in a similar way to antihistamines, but is gentler on the stomach.
Medicines
For more severe or recurrent cases, drugs such as metopimazine, antihistamines or scopolamine may be prescribed. These drugs work by reducing the symptoms of nausea and dizziness, but can cause drowsiness and require a doctor's prescription.
Metopimazine (Vogalib®)
This medication is effective in reducing the vomiting associated with seasickness.
Antihistamines (Mercalm®, Nausicalm® or Nautamine®)
These medications are recommended to reduce the risk of nausea. It is crucial to consult a doctor before use, as some antihistamines are not suitable for children under 2 or even 6 years of age.
Scopolamine (Scopoderm®)
This medication works by blocking the transmission of disturbing information from the inner ear to the brain, helping to prevent seasickness. It requires a doctor's prescription to be obtained and used safely.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to cast off without fear of seasickness?
With these simple tips at your fingertips, you can say goodbye to worries and hello to a smooth cruise.
May your adventures at sea be filled with joy and discovery, and may you savor every moment in peace. Godspeed and bon voyage!
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