How to Combat Sea Sickness
- 1). Prevent seasickness before it occurs with some simple measures such as making sure to be well-rested and well-fed on foods that are not greasy and that are low in acid, such as croissants, milk, muffins and bananas. Drink lots of water and avoid drinking alcohol.
- 2). Treat seasickness with some natural supplements, such as ginger and vitamin B-6. Ginger, by itself or in foods such as cookies or crackers, has been shown to relieve nausea in pregnant women and may possibly help motion sickness on the water. Crackers with ginger can also help absorb stomach acid. Vitamin B-6 has also been shown to decrease symptoms of nausea in pregnant women. The recommended dosage of B6 to treat nausea and vomiting is 10 to 25 mg, three times per day.
- 3). Try a natural wrist band remedy. A wrist band applies pressure to an acupressure point an inch and a half above the wrist on the underside of the forearm, which is supposed to alleviate nausea and vomiting. You can find such a wrist band at biobands.com.
- 4). Take a motion-sickness medication, such as the antihistamines Bonine and Dramamine, both of which can be bought without a prescription. Dramamine may cause drowsiness, but not Bonine, although there are non-drowsy versions available for both medications. Take the medication before symptoms of seasickness even come on, usually about two hours before your trip on the water. Scopolamine is another medication option and is available in two forms, as patches, which are worn behind the ear and can last for three days with time release, and as a pill. Check with a doctor before taking these or any medications.
- 5). Avoid staying still in enclosed spaces such as a cabin. Go for a walk in the fresh air instead, staying in the center of the ship or boat, where rocking motion will be at its lowest level, and look out at the horizon. On smaller boats or ships, you may be able to steer, which can help bring relief to nausea symptoms.