 Motion
Sickness
Does traveling have your stomach in knots?
Motion sickness is caused when the brain and central nervous system
receive conflicting messages from the inner ear and eyes. This causes
dizziness, nausea, vomiting and can also give you the sensation
of moving when you're not.
Because travelers often experience motion sickness when riding
in a car, boat or airplane, it can also be referred to as seasickness,
airsickness and carsickness.
If motion sickness puts a damper on your travel plans, here are
some tips to help avoid the problem:
- When traveling by car, try to sit in the front seat and
avoid reading.
- When traveling by boat, try to sit in the middle section
of the boat and keep your eyes on a stationary object.
- When traveling by plane, try to request an aisle seat
and focus your eyes on the chair in front of you. Ear plugs may
also help alleviate the feelings of motion sickness.
- Avoid unpleasant or strong odors. Unpleasant odors, such
as exhaust from an engine or the smell of a strong perfume, can
trigger an upset stomach.
To Eat or Not to Eat?
If you are prone to motion sickness, you may decide to hold off
on eating before you travel. If you feel you shouldn't travel on
an empty stomach, crackers and dry toast are highly recommended
along with small sips of a non-carbonated beverage, like water.
The Do's and Don'ts
- Don't eat a heavy, greasy breakfast, such bacon, eggs
and homefries.
- Do eat light foods, such as toast and fruit, at least
an hour before traveling.
- Don't drink a lot of coffee, tea or alcohol.
- Do keep yourself hydrated with water, juice, sports drinks
or caffeine-free sodas.
The next time you're traveling, remember these tips to help put
you on your way to a great vacation.
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