Understanding Seasickness and Your Stomach
Seasickness, a form of motion sickness (or mal de mer), occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from your sensory systems—your eyes see a stationary cabin, but your inner ear detects motion. This sensory mismatch can trigger the body's nausea response.
Contrary to popular belief, going to sea on an empty stomach is often counterproductive. Without food to absorb stomach acids, these acids can irritate the stomach lining, intensifying feelings of nausea. The key is to have a "calm stomach" by consuming the right types of food before departure and throughout your journey.
The Best Foods to Eat Before Going Seasick
To prevent seasickness, plan to eat a light, low-fat meal about 45 to 60 minutes before you board the boat. These foods are easy to digest and help keep your blood sugar stable without overloading your system.
Recommended Pre-Voyage and Onboard Foods:
- Bland Carbohydrates: Foods like plain toast, crackers, pretzels, and plain bagels are excellent choices.
- Fruits: Bananas and apples are easy to digest and can help settle the stomach. Some sources also mention green apples as particularly helpful.
- Oatmeal/Cereal: A small bowl of low-sugar, non-creamy cereal or oatmeal can provide sustained energy.
- Ginger: Ginger is a well-known natural anti-nausea remedy. Consume it in various forms: ginger tea, ginger candies, ginger chews, or capsules before and during the trip.
- Light Proteins: Small amounts of lean protein, like a bit of turkey or yogurt (if dairy doesn't trigger you), can be beneficial.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Just as important as what you eat is what you avoid. Certain foods can increase stomach acid, cause bloating, or slow digestion, making you more susceptible to motion sickness symptoms.
Prohibited Items:
- Heavy and Greasy Foods: Avoid fatty and fried meals like bacon, eggs, and rich sauces, which are difficult to digest.
- Spicy Foods: These can irritate your stomach lining.
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: Orange juice, coffee, and sodas can increase stomach acidity.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic that causes dehydration, which can worsen seasickness. Avoid it for at least 24 hours before your trip.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and certain teas can contribute to dehydration and may upset your stomach.
- Dairy Products: For some, milk and other dairy products can increase mucus production and cause digestive discomfort.
Eating Strategy Comparison Table
| Strategy | Pros | Cons | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty Stomach | Nothing to vomit. | Increased nausea from stomach acids, low blood sugar, dizziness. | No |
| Heavy Meal | Fullness, energy. | Slow digestion, increased nausea risk, discomfort. | No |
| Light, Bland Meal | Settles stomach, provides energy, absorbs acids. | May require planning. | Yes |
Practical Tips for Staying Settled at Sea
Beyond just eating right, several other strategies can help prevent seasickness:
- Stay Hydrated: Sip water regularly throughout the journey. Dehydration makes symptoms worse.
- Focus on the Horizon: Look at a fixed point on the horizon. This helps your eyes and inner ear synchronize signals to the brain.
- Get Fresh Air: Stay on the deck in a well-ventilated area. Avoid going below deck if you start to feel ill.
- Avoid Reading Screens: Do not read books or stare at phones, as this exacerbates the sensory conflict.
- Consider Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines like Dramamine or Bonine should be taken 30-60 minutes before departure to be effective.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to eat before going seasick is a simple choice: a light stomach is better than an empty one. By choosing bland, easily digestible foods and staying well-hydrated, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing nausea and ensure a much more pleasant experience on the water. Preparation is key to avoiding mal de mer.
