Our top tips for combating seasickness
You've planned a dream cruise holiday. You've visualised the crystal-clear waters, imagined the exotic ports of call and anticipated the moments of relaxation 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 on the horizon, you feel yourself 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 sensation 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 holiday with complete peace of mind.
Where does seasickness come from? Causes
It all starts at the origin of your inner ear. Think of it as a miniature gyroscope that allows your body to find its way in space and maintain its balance. During a boat trip, the movements of the ship 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 does not move. On the other, your inner ear, tossed about by the waves, feels major movements.
It is this information mismatch that creates sensory confusion in the brain, and causes motion sickness or seasickness.
What are the symptoms of seasickness?
Unable to reconcile this contradictory information, the brain becomes disorientated. 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 responsible for the discomfort.
- Paleness and cold sweats: signs of autonomic nervous system disturbance.
- Fatigue, drowsiness: the body fights against the imbalance and uses energy to adapt.
- Headaches, headaches: nervous tension can result in headaches.
These symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person and are generally more marked at the start of the voyage, often lessening after a few days at sea.
How to act upstream to prevent seasickness:
To minimise the risk of seasickness, it is advisable to take several preventive measures:
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Choosing your cabin: Opt for a cabin located amidships, where movements are felt less.
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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 journey.
- Dietary: Eat light meals before and during travel to avoid an empty or overfull stomach, which can worsen symptoms. Avoid fatty and heavy foods too.
Foods to avoid (high in histamine or irritating to the stomach):
- Canned or prepared foods
- Alcohol, red wine
- Cocoa, chocolate
- Black and green tea
- Seafood
- Nuts
- Tomates
- Fraises
- Légumineuses
- Agrumes
- Fromage
- Soy
- Yeast and wheat products
- Fresh meat and white fish (stomach irritants, increase stomach acid)
Recommended foods:
- Bananes
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (except citrus fruits)
- Raw carrots
- Light soups
- Biscottes
- Chamomile, mint and ginger infusions
How to treat seasickness after symptoms appear
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 about two finger widths behind the wrist. This point is known in traditional Chinese medicine to combat nausea by regulating body energy. Wear these bracelets around your wrists for continuous stimulation and relief from seasickness symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is effective in breaking down the neurotransmitter histamine, which is 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 dose of one to two grams a day. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, as well as peppers and roseilles, are good natural sources of vitamin C. You can also take it in capsule form for ease of use while cruising.
Gingembre
In addition to its olfactory properties, ginger can also be ingested to reduce nausea, dizziness and cold sweats. It was also used in the ancient navy, often chewed into pieces to combat seasickness. Today, it is available in various forms such as tea with ginger, bonbons with ginger, confit ginger and even in powder ginger capsules like Zintona. Ginger acts in a similar way to antihistamines, but is gentler on the stomach.
Médicaments
For more severe or recurrent cases, drugs such as metopimazine, antihistamines or scopolamine may be prescribed. These medicines work by reducing the symptoms of nausea and dizziness, but they can cause drowsiness and require a doctor's prescription.
Metopimazine (Vogalib®)
This drug is effective in reducing vomiting associated with seasickness.
Antihistamines (Mercalm®, Nausicalm® or Nautamine®)
These drugs 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 the age of 2, or even under the age of 6.
Scopolamine (Scopoderm®)
This drug 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, 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, savour every moment, in complete tranquillity. Godspeed and bon voyage!
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