How to eat and drink to reduce motion sickness when traveling

Motion sickness is a common reaction when the body travels by car, train, plane or boat. This condition occurs due to conflicting signals from the eyes, vestibular system, and position sense organs sent to the brain. This disagreement stimulates the vomiting center in the brain, and also causes gastric motility disorders, leading to feelings of nausea and dizziness.

Besides choosing an appropriate seating position, nutrition before and during the trip can help stabilize the stomach and reduce the sensitivity of the nervous system. Doctor Nguyen Dieu Hien, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that the state of an empty or full stomach increases the frequency of reverse peristaltic waves, pushing gastric juice and food into the esophagus, causing a feeling of nausea. The stomach maintains a gentle contraction state with stable acid levels, which will reduce the feeling of hangover.

Below are foods that have the ability to absorb excess acid, limit stomach cramps, and support nerve relaxation.

Dry starch group

Items such as bread, crackers or cereal act as a cushion to absorb acidic gastric juices. Eating a small amount about 30 minutes before departure keeps the stomach from emptying and limits reflux.

Group of ginger and herbs

Ginger contains two biological compounds gingerol and shogaol that have the ability to inhibit serotonin receptors in the digestive tract, reduce stomach spasms and neutralize nausea. People who are prone to motion sickness can drink a cup of warm ginger tea, a few slices of fresh ginger or a little ginger jam to help soothe mucous membranes effectively.

Group of fresh fruits

Bananas and apples add potassium and soluble fiber pectin, helping to maintain a stable digestive system, without causing bloating. Oranges and tangerines provide natural citric acid to help soothe the stomach, combined with essential oils from the peel to help relieve stress and reduce the smell of gasoline.

Before and during the trip you should limit greasy and fried foods because they can easily cause bloating and discomfort. Carbonated drinks increase gas pressure in the stomach, alcohol and caffeine irritate mucous membranes, dehydrate and make the nervous system sensitive. Whole milk products are easily fermented in the intestinal tract, causing a feeling of bloating and prolonged nausea.

According to doctor Dieu Hien, to reduce motion sickness through eating and drinking, the important principle is to avoid being too hungry or too full. On long trips, you should divide your meals into small meals. People who often experience motion sickness or severe symptoms can talk to their doctor about appropriate preventive measures before the trip.