Motion sickness is a common condition that affects many people when they travel by car, plane, boat, or even on amusement park rides.
Symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and sweating can make the experience unpleasant.
Fortunately, certain foods can help ease motion sickness naturally and keep those uncomfortable symptoms at bay.
Understanding which foods to eat and why can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Understanding Motion Sickness
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals about movement from the inner ear, eyes, and other sensory organs. For example, when you are inside a moving vehicle, your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes might see the interior of the car that appears stationary. This mismatch confuses the brain, resulting in nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting.
Dietary choices can influence how your body responds to motion sickness. Some foods have natural properties that soothe the stomach, reduce nausea, or help maintain a steady blood sugar level. Incorporating these foods before or during travel can make a big difference.
Ginger: The Classic Remedy
Ginger is one of the most well-known natural remedies for motion sickness. It has been used for centuries in various cultures to relieve nausea and digestive discomfort. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects.
You can consume ginger in many forms: fresh slices, ginger tea, ginger candies, or even ginger supplements. Drinking a cup of ginger tea before your journey or chewing on a small piece of candied ginger can help reduce nausea. Ginger is gentle on the stomach and usually safe for most people.
Peppermint: Cooling and Soothing
Peppermint is another herb known for its stomach-calming properties. The menthol in peppermint helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing spasms and cramping that often accompany motion sickness.
Peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candies during travel can provide relief. Peppermint oil is also used aromatically to help ease nausea, but for dietary purposes, peppermint tea is a simple and effective choice.
Crackers and Plain Toast: Settling the Stomach
Simple, bland carbohydrates like crackers, plain toast, or rice cakes are excellent choices for people prone to motion sickness. These foods help absorb excess stomach acid and prevent an empty stomach, which can worsen nausea.
Eating a small snack of plain crackers before travel can reduce the likelihood of nausea. Avoid salty or heavily seasoned snacks, as excessive salt can lead to dehydration, worsening symptoms.
Bananas: Gentle on the Stomach
Bananas are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients like potassium, which helps maintain electrolyte balance. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, which some studies suggest may help reduce nausea.
Eating a ripe banana before or during travel can help keep your stomach settled and maintain energy levels. Bananas are convenient and do not cause heaviness, making them a practical travel snack.
Apples: Natural Antacids
Apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help absorb excess stomach acid and aid digestion. The natural sugars in apples provide a gentle energy boost without overwhelming the stomach.
Sliced apples or applesauce can be consumed before or during travel to help calm the digestive system. Choosing fresh apples over sugary processed snacks is a healthier option that supports nausea relief.
Yogurt: Probiotics and Digestion
Yogurt with live probiotic cultures supports healthy digestion and can help maintain the balance of gut bacteria. A healthy gut may be less susceptible to motion sickness-related nausea.
Opt for plain, low-fat yogurt to avoid excess fat and sugar, which can upset the stomach. Eating a small serving of yogurt before your trip may aid digestion and reduce discomfort.
Water and Hydrating Foods
Dehydration can worsen motion sickness symptoms. Drinking plenty of water before and during travel is crucial. Along with water, eating hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can help maintain hydration and reduce nausea.
Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning optimally and helps manage motion sickness better.
Avoid Heavy, Fatty, and Spicy Foods
While some foods help alleviate motion sickness, others can exacerbate it. Heavy, greasy, or fried foods take longer to digest and can increase stomach discomfort and nausea. Spicy foods may irritate the stomach lining, making symptoms worse.
It’s best to avoid large meals and heavy foods before traveling. Instead, opt for small, frequent snacks that are light and easy to digest.
Timing Your Meals
When dealing with motion sickness, the timing of meals also matters. Eating a small snack about 30 minutes before travel helps prevent an empty stomach, which can trigger nausea. However, avoid eating large meals immediately before or during travel, as this can increase the risk of discomfort.
Planning your meals and snacks around your travel schedule can help you stay comfortable and reduce motion sickness symptoms.
Additional Tips
Besides food, there are other strategies to manage motion sickness. Sitting in the front seat of a car, focusing on the horizon, getting fresh air, and avoiding reading or screen time while moving can reduce symptoms.
If motion sickness is severe, over-the-counter medications may be helpful, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Conclusion
Motion sickness can put a damper on travel plans, but dietary choices can play a significant role in prevention and relief. Foods like ginger, peppermint, bananas, crackers, apples, and yogurt provide natural remedies that soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. Staying hydrated and avoiding heavy or spicy meals further support comfort during travel.
By incorporating these foods and mindful eating habits, you can better manage motion sickness and enjoy your journey with less discomfort. Remember to listen to your body and prepare ahead to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.