5 tricks to prevent Seasickness
Symptoms of seasickness or motion sickness are nausea, dizziness and/or vomiting. Many travelers ask us about tricks to prevent seasickness. Fortunately, there are many good measures you can take that usually work well.
1. Medicine
Both in Panama and Colombia, you can buy motion sickness medicine that will help a lot. In Colombia, it is called Mareol and Viajesan in Panama. The trick, however, is always in the preparation.
Medicine against motion sickness has to be taken before you start traveling to have any effect. Start by taking your pill 2 hours before setting sail. If you take the pill when boarding it may be too late.
2. Ginger
Ginger has always been an old remedy for seasickness and actually proven by studies to have an effect. 1-2 gr of ginger per day is recommended.
3. Quarantine yourself
If you are prone to motion sickness and someone on the boat is getting sick it is time to getaway. Hearing vomiting or people talking about seasickness may be contagious and it could trigger your motion sickness.
Of course, getting away could be challenging on a small sailboat, so keep the music and your headset close as it can be a lifesaver.
4. Alcohol & Food
Keep alcohol consumption at moderate levels and do not over-eat. Fatty and spicy food may make you feel worse if you are disposed to motion sickness.
5. Fresh air
Stay out in the open fresh air and face the direction you are sailing and stay in the cockpit where there is the least motion. The front of the boat is where you will experience the most movement.
Pack your things in such a way that they are easily accessible when you are sailing. This means less time bellow deck and more up in the fresh air. Nothing that invites seasickness than sticking your head in a backpack searching for stuff.
Keep reading, phone, tablet and computer use to a minimum when under sail. Try to relax and keep the horizon in sight, but don’t stare at it. Also you may want to avoid staring at things that would normally be stable, such as walls and furniture.
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