Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, presents itself with queasiness and a range of symptoms, such as sweating, headache, vomiting, mild nausea, salivation, belching, and dizziness. In extreme cases, hyperventilation may occur. It isn’t fully understood why some people get sick while others do not, although genetic factors play a role.
Motion sickness is a widespread and complicated condition present where the actual or imagined motion is taken into account. The sensitivity to motion sickness is considerably variable among individuals.
According to One Medical, researchers believe that incongruence in the body’s sensory system causes travel sickness. For example, when you’re on a slowly-moving ship, your eyes may send signals to your brain, communicating that you are not in motion at all. However, your inner ear, which controls your posture and balance (through the somatosensory and vestibular systems), says otherwise. This mismatch of information causes brain confusion, and a range of symptoms present themselves.
There are both short- and long-term remedies that you can use to alleviate motion sickness. You may sometimes even need to take specific vitamins or medications. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any as they may interact with medications you are currently taking or any underlying conditions you may have. If you’d like to try to permanently get rid of motion sickness, here are five techniques you can try:
CONSUME GINGER
Ginger is a floral plant from Southeast Asia. It is one of the most savory (and healthiest) spices globally and is a prevalent ingredient in many recipes. It’s useful in various forms: powdered, dried, oil, juice, or fresh. Ginger has a long history of conventional and complementary use in diverse fields of medicine. It is useful for digestive assistance, managing fever and the common cold, and reducing nausea, giving you relief from motion sickness. Its most significant bioactive compound is gingerol, which is responsible for many healing properties. According to research, gingerol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
DRINK WATER
Sipping on a carbonated drink like ginger ale or drinking cold water can curb nausea. Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and some soda types, as they may worsen nausea and cause dehydration. Other good options to consume are apple juice and milk.
AVOID CERTAIN FOOD & DRINKS
During and before travelling, watch your beverage, alcohol, and food consumption. Do not drink excessive alcohol, smoke, or take foods that make you feel overly full. Consuming a light snack such as saltine crackers will relieve nausea. Greasy, fatty, and acidic foods can aggravate your illness because these are slow to digest. In some individuals, these may cause nausea or vomiting. Carry snacks for your journey as most stops only offer fast-food. Cereal, apples, bananas, bread, and nuts are healthy snacks.
DRIVE YOURSELF
Not being in the driver’s seat may make you feel ill when travelling by automobile. The driver of a vehicle is less likely to experience motion sickness than a passenger. This is likely because the driver’s brain’s motor controls are in use, and the motion can be predicted.
Being behind the wheel may ease nausea. If you’re not in a position to drive, the front passenger seat may be your next best option. It offers a feeling of control that is better than riding in the rear. Stare at the horizon, keeping your eyes fixated on a stationary object. If the only position you can travel is in the car’s rear seat, engage in conversation to distract yourself from the anxiety that builds up when you are not in control. If necessary, open a fresh air ventilation source and avoid reading.
USE DISTRACTIONS
Turn on the stereo or start a conversation to distract your mind from your feeling of sickness. It may help you feel better. Research indicates that listening to music may aid in alleviating nausea or other motion sickness-related physiological symptoms.