How to Prevent Seasickness: 9 Steps

Table of contents:

How to Prevent Seasickness: 9 Steps
How to Prevent Seasickness: 9 Steps
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Seasickness is caused by the difference in height between visual stimuli and movement receptors present in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. About one third of the world's population is very susceptible to seasickness and about two thirds are affected when the sea is rough. While not dangerous to your health, seasickness can ruin your travels.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Before Going on the Boat

Prevent Seasickness Step 1
Prevent Seasickness Step 1

Step 1. Start taking your medication 24 hours before your trip

The medicine will be most effective if it is already in your bloodstream when you get on the boat. Plus, you won't be forced to swallow the medicine if you're already nauseous.

Both over-the-counter and doctor-prescribed medicines are available. Speak to your primary care physician first for details

Prevent Seasickness Step 2
Prevent Seasickness Step 2

Step 2. Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water and light fruit juices or energy drinks

Dehydration can cause seasickness symptoms.

Prevent Seasickness Step 3
Prevent Seasickness Step 3

Step 3. Eat light, starchy foods such as toast or baked potatoes before travel

Method 2 of 2: On the Boat

Prevent Seasickness Step 4
Prevent Seasickness Step 4

Step 1. Drink

Drink water and diluted energy drinks. Ginger flavored drinks are very effective against nausea, especially ginger ale.

Prevent Seasickness Step 5
Prevent Seasickness Step 5

Step 2. Look towards the horizon to allow the inner ear and the eyes to perceive the same type of movement

Prevent Seasickness Step 6
Prevent Seasickness Step 6

Step 3. Close your eyes if you can't look at the horizon

In this way you will eliminate the conflict of signals between the eyes and the inner ear.

Prevent Seasickness Step 7
Prevent Seasickness Step 7

Step 4. Press the outer part of the ears with your index finger

You should feel an increase in pressure inside the ear. The increase in pressure slows the movement of liquids in the semicircular canals, reducing the sensation of movement.

Prevent Seasickness Step 8
Prevent Seasickness Step 8

Step 5. Lie on your side, parallel to the side of the ship and with your head facing the bow

Prevent Seasickness Step 9
Prevent Seasickness Step 9

Step 6. Eat ginger or mint

For example, drink some tea, or suck on a ginger root; eat ginger cookies and sweets, which you can find at Asian food stores and some supermarkets. Other herbs that reduce nausea include: basil and mint (which you can ingest or smell).

Advice

  • If you start to feel nauseous but don't feel like swallowing water, keep the water in your mouth. The thin tissues of the mouth, in fact, are able to absorb liquids.
  • Don't read or do activities that force you to fix your eyes on a fixed point. As mentioned before, it is advisable to look towards the horizon or the earth without focusing too much.
  • If possible, help maneuver the boat. Predicting the movements of the boat is helpful in reducing nausea.
  • If possible, stay on the bridge. You will breathe fresh air and you will be able to see the horizon.
  • Consider wearing an anti-nausea bracelet. You can buy it in pharmacies and on board many ships.

Warnings

  • If the sea is rough, stick to the boat as your balance will be compromised.
  • If you will lean on the side of the boat, make sure you are securely attached with a harness or something similar.
  • Consult your doctor before taking any medicines, including non-prescription ones.

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