Understanding Seasickness and its Triggers
Seasickness, a form of motion sickness, occurs when there is a conflict between the signals sent to your brain by your inner ear and what your eyes perceive. This sensory confusion can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms, with nausea and vomiting being the most common. While the motion of the vessel is the primary cause, what you consume can significantly influence the severity of your symptoms. Certain foods and drinks are known to irritate the stomach, slow down digestion, or cause dehydration, all of which can intensify the feeling of queasiness.
Why Your Diet Matters on a Boat
When your body is in a state of stress, such as during motion sickness, your digestive system slows down. Eating heavy, rich, or difficult-to-digest foods adds an extra burden, increasing the likelihood of an upset stomach. By choosing the right foods, you can ease the load on your digestive system, helping to prevent or minimize nausea. Conversely, making poor food choices can trigger or worsen symptoms, turning a potentially fun trip into a miserable experience.
The Top Foods to Avoid When Seasick
To ensure a smoother voyage, steer clear of the following food groups:
- Greasy and Fried Foods: These include fast-food burgers, fries, and other deep-fried snacks. High in fat, they are heavy on the stomach and slow to digest, which can prolong or intensify feelings of nausea.
- Spicy and Acidic Foods: Dishes with strong spices like chili or curry, as well as highly acidic items like citrus fruits and tomato-based sauces, can irritate the stomach lining. This increases acid production, which exacerbates nausea.
- Dairy Products: For some, milk, cheese, and other rich, creamy dairy products can be heavy and difficult to digest. This is especially true for those with lactose intolerance, as it can cause bloating and gas, adding to the discomfort.
- High-Sugar Foods: Sugary snacks, pastries, and candy can cause a rapid spike and crash in blood sugar levels. This can lead to lightheadedness and an increase in nausea.
- Foods with Strong Odors: The sense of smell can become heightened and more sensitive during seasickness. Pungent foods like strong cheeses, garlic, or certain fish can trigger nausea simply from their aroma.
The Drinks to Skip
What you drink is just as important as what you eat. Certain beverages are known to worsen seasickness, so it's best to avoid them while on the water.
List of beverages to avoid:
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and can impair the brain's ability to process sensory information, intensifying seasickness symptoms.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, some teas, and energy drinks can increase stomach acidity and contribute to dehydration, making your nausea worse.
- Carbonated Beverages: Fizzy drinks can cause gas and bloating, which can intensify the feeling of an upset stomach.
A Comparison of Foods: Good vs. Bad for Seasickness
| Food Category | Avoid (Potential Triggers) | Embrace (Soothing Options) |
|---|---|---|
| Fats | Fried chicken, french fries, greasy burgers, bacon | Plain toast, saltine crackers, pretzels, broth |
| Spices/Acids | Curry, salsa, spicy chili, citrus fruits, tomato sauce | Bananas, applesauce, mild chicken, plain rice |
| Sugars | Sugary candy, pastries, sodas, fruit juices | Small sips of ginger ale, water, low-sugar snacks |
| Dairy | Creamy sauces, rich cheeses, ice cream, whole milk | Skim yogurt, plain water, dry crackers |
What to Eat Instead: The BRAT Diet and Beyond
When seasickness strikes, the best course of action is to stick to bland, easily digestible foods. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a well-known remedy for an upset stomach and works well for seasickness. Additionally, consuming small, frequent meals can help prevent an empty or overly full stomach, both of which can aggravate symptoms.
Helpful Foods and Snacks:
- Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as candied ginger, ginger ale, or capsules.
- Crackers and Pretzels: These starchy, dry foods can help absorb excess stomach acid and are gentle on the digestive system.
- Plain Water: Staying hydrated is key, and water is the best choice. Taking small sips throughout the day is more effective than drinking a large amount at once.
- Apples and Bananas: These fruits are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients without irritating the stomach.
- Herbal Tea: Peppermint or chamomile tea can be soothing for an upset stomach.
Beyond Diet: Other Strategies for Managing Seasickness
In addition to mindful eating, other techniques can help you manage seasickness:
- Focus on the Horizon: Look at a fixed point on the horizon to help synchronize the signals sent from your eyes and inner ear.
- Get Fresh Air: Go out on deck and get some fresh air. Staying in a stuffy, enclosed space can make symptoms worse.
- Use Acupressure Wristbands: Some people find relief from special wristbands that apply pressure to a point on the wrist associated with nausea.
- Consider Medication: Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to prevent and treat motion sickness. Take them as directed, preferably before symptoms start.
Conclusion: Navigating Seasickness with Smarter Choices
Seasickness can be a major hurdle to enjoying a boat trip, but it's not inevitable. By making smarter food and drink choices, you can significantly reduce your risk and ease your symptoms. Avoiding greasy, spicy, and acidic foods, along with alcohol and caffeine, is the first step toward a more pleasant journey. Combining these dietary changes with other preventative measures, such as staying on deck and focusing on the horizon, will help you feel your best. Remember to keep it bland, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. With the right approach, you can focus on the beautiful scenery, not your stomach.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Motion Sickness.
- Everyday Health. (2025). Nausea After Eating: What Causes It and How to Manage It.
- Medical News Today. (2022). The best foods to relieve nausea.
- NDTV. (2025). Dealing With Motion Sickness? Avoid These Foods To Feel Better.
- Healthline. (2024). 21 Motion Sickness Remedies: Natural, Medication, and More.
