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Nos meilleurs conseils pour combattre le mal de mer - ORCA Retail by Pennel & Flipo

Our best tips for combating seasickness

You have planned a dream vacation on a cruise. You have envisioned the crystal-clear waters, imagined the exotic stops, and anticipated the moments of relaxation on the deck. But, there's that little voice in your head whispering: what if my stomach decides to ruin the party?

Imagine: The sun is slowly setting on the horizon, and you feel like you're living in the moment. But suddenly, an unexpected swell reminds you that your body isn't quite in agreement with this beautiful maritime romance. Nausea threatens, cold sweats appear, and you wonder: why now?

Don't panic. Seasickness, that desynchronized 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 sensation and regain control of your sea journey.

With Orca Retail, get ready to discover how to prevent and treat seasickness, so you can enjoy every moment of your vacation in complete serenity.

 

Where does seasickness come from? Causes

It all starts with your inner ear. Imagine it as a miniature gyroscope that allows your body to orient itself in space and maintain its balance. During a boat trip, the ship's movements disrupt this sensitive system, sending contradictory signals to the brain. 

On one hand, your eyes perceive a stable environment: the boat seems motionless and the horizon doesn't move. On the other, your inner ear, tossed by the waves, feels significant movements.

This information discrepancy creates sensory confusion in the brain, causing motion sickness or seasickness. 

 

 

What are the symptoms of seasickness?

Unable to reconcile these contradictory pieces of information, the brain becomes disoriented. It then triggers a series of physiological reactions to try to restore balance, hence the unpleasant symptoms of seasickness:

  • Nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation: the body tries to get rid of substances it thinks are causing the discomfort.
  • Paleness and cold sweats: signs of disruption of the autonomic nervous system.
  • Fatigue, drowsiness: the body fights against the imbalance and uses energy to adapt.
  • Headaches, migraines: nervous tension can manifest as headaches.

These symptoms can vary in intensity from one person to another and are generally more pronounced at the beginning of the trip, often subsiding after a few days at sea.

 

How to act in advance to prevent seasickness?

To minimize the risk of seasickness, it is recommended to take several preventive measures:

  • Cabin choice: Opt for a cabin located in the middle of the ship, where movements are less felt.

  • Stress management: Reduce anxiety by arriving early at the port and relaxing on the boat. Breathe deeply and regularly to calm your nervous system.

  • Position on the boat: Stay outside as much as possible, focusing on the horizon to limit the sensation of movement. Avoid reading or using electronic devices that could increase symptoms.

  • Clothing and hydration: Dress comfortably for the sea climate and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the trip.

  • Diet: Eat light meals before and during the trip to avoid having an empty or too full stomach, which can worsen symptoms. Also avoid fatty and heavy foods. 

 

Foods to avoid (high in histamine or irritating to the stomach):

  • Canned or prepared dishes
  • Alcohol, red wine
  • Cocoa, chocolate
  • Black and green tea
  • Seafood
  • Nuts
  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Legumes
  • Citrus fruits
  • Cheese
  • Soy
  • Yeast and wheat-based products
  • Fresh meat and white fish (irritating to the stomach, increase gastric acid)

Recommended foods:

  • Bananas
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables (except citrus)
  • Raw carrots
  • Light soups
  • Rusks
  • Infusions of chamomile, mint, and ginger

 

How to treat seasickness after symptoms appear? 

Grandmother's remedies and alternative medicine

 

Acupressure bands

Acupressure bands are specially designed bracelets with a small ball that applies pressure to the P6/Nei-Kuan acupuncture point, located about two finger widths behind the wrist. This point is known in traditional Chinese medicine for combating nausea by regulating the body's energy. Wear these bracelets around the wrists for continuous stimulation and relief from seasickness symptoms.

 

The earplug

Used alone, in one ear — the one of your choice — this plug aims to deliberately disrupt the natural balance of your inner ear. By creating a slight auditory asymmetry, it encourages your brain to rely more on sight to maintain balance. Result: sensory desynchronization, which causes seasickness, is reduced or even completely eliminated.

 

Anti-seasickness glasses

What if a simple pair of glasses was enough to stop seasickness? This is the bet of several manufacturers, some of which are available at Decathlon. These specific glasses use a system of liquid circles to artificially recreate a stable horizon in your field of vision, thus helping your brain better interpret the movements of the boat. An original and promising solution to enjoy the sea without nausea.

 

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 on a handkerchief or portable diffuser and breathe deeply to relieve nausea.

 

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 trip, at a rate of one to two grams per day. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as peppers and currants, are good natural sources of vitamin C. You can also take it in capsule form for ease of use during the cruise.

 

Ginger

In addition to its olfactory properties, ginger can also be ingested to reduce nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. It was indeed used in ancient maritime practices, often chewed in pieces to combat seasickness. Today, it is available in various forms such as ginger tea, ginger candies, candied ginger, and even in ginger powder capsules like Zintona. Ginger acts similarly to antihistamines while being gentler on the stomach.

 

Medications

For more severe or recurrent cases, medications such as metopimazine, antihistamines, or scopolamine may be prescribed. These medications work by reducing symptoms of nausea and dizziness, but they can cause drowsiness and require a medical prescription.

 

Metopimazine (Vogalib®)

This medication is effective in reducing 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 years old, or even under 6 years old.

 

Scopolamine (Scopoderm®)

This medication works by blocking the transmission of disturbing information from the inner ear to the brain, which helps prevent seasickness. It requires a medical prescription to be obtained and used safely.

 

Conclusion

So, ready to set sail without fearing seasickness?

With these simple tips at hand, you can say goodbye to worries and hello to a smooth cruise.

May your sea adventures be filled with joy and discoveries, savor every moment, in complete tranquility. Fair winds and safe travels!

 

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