Remedies for Seasickness
Seasickness is basically the terrible effect that motion sickness has on your body. It is the result of your inner ear falling out of balance with the sudden new change in motion instability caused by the water. The effects of seasickness can be very unpleasant. When possible, it's best to try and stave off the major effects of seasickness before they kick in.
Preventative Action
If you are going on a cruise ship and fear the affects of ensuing sickness, be proactive and book a larger ship. Bigger ships are less susceptible to swaying back and forth in choppy waters. The larger the boat, the smoother the ride will feel.
Hydrate yourself in advance of the trip. Dehydration can enhance the effects of feeling seasick by lowering your body's resistance to motion sickness. Soft drinks and juice are not a substitute for water.
Booking a cabin as close to the middle of ship as you can will also provide the most stability. According to a January 21, 2009 article by Hugo Martin in the Los Angeles Times, Dr. John Bradberry, medical director at Carnival Cruise Lines, says the equivalent is sitting in the middle of a playground seesaw instead of at an end.
Over-the-Counter Cures
There are some over-the-counter, nonprescription medicines that will help keep seasickness at bay. These are meclizine and dimenhydrinate. They are sold under the names Antivert, Bonine, Meni-D and Antrizine, and Dramamine, Gravol and Vertirosan respectively. These drugs help restrict the mechanism that sends signals from the inner ear that causes the dizzy feeling. Take the medication several hours before actually boarding the boat, as it can take a couple of hours for it to kick in.
The Patch
Seasickness patches have become a common remedy amongst seagoers. They release a drug called scopolamine through the skin behind your ear. These patches release this drug in small doses over the course of several days, which limits nausea for extended periods of time. This drug has been tied to some negative side effects. According to the Los Angeles Times article, these are possible delusions and delirium for the elderly, and vision problems for those that get the medicine on their fingers and touch their eyes.
Alternative Solutions
Chewing ginger is something that is commonly thought to reduce nausea. However, scientific evidence is yet to be proven. Another popular nausea-fighting practice is wearing an acupressure bracelet. Dr. Malcolm Taw, an assistant clinical professor of East-West medicine at UCLA, says in the Los Angeles Times article that for this to really work, the "bracelet would have to be worn so tightly that it could cut off circulation."
A commonly suggested remedy is standing in the open air, taking deep breaths and focusing your eyes on the horizon to reduce nausea.
Eating and Drinking Tips
Drinking alcohol and eating greasy or spicy foods should be avoided while on board as they enhance nausea. The night before your trip to sea, do not drink excessively or eat a heavy meal. The natural side effects of a hangover will be increased when the effects of seasickness start to emerge.
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