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Nos meilleurs conseils pour combattre le mal de mer

Our best tips for fighting seasickness

You have planned a dream holiday vacation. You have visualized the crystal clear waters, imagined the exotic and anticipated stops the moments of relaxation on the deck. But, there is this little voice in your whisper head: what if my stomach decides to spoil the party?

Imagine yourself: the sun sets slowly on the horizon, you feel living the moment. But suddenly, an unexpected swell reminds you that your body does not quite agree with this beautiful maritime romance. Nausea threaten, cold sweats appear, and you wonder: why now?

Don't panic. Seasickness, this dancing dance between your brain and the waves, can touch the best of us!

But with some simple and effective tips, you can Take this feeling and regain control of your trip to sea.

With Orca Retail, prepare to discover how to prevent and treat seasickness, in order to savor every moment of your vacation with confidence.

 

Where does sea mood come from? Causes

Everything leaves at the origin of your inner ear. Imagine it as a miniature gyroscope that Allows your body to find their way in space and maintain its balance. During a boat trip, the movements of the ship disrupt this sensitive system, sending contradictory signals to the brain. 

On the one hand, Your eyes perceive a stable environment : The boat seems motionless and the horizon does not move. On the other, Your inner ear, tossed by the waves, feels important movements.

That's it information offset which creates sensory confusion in the brain, and causes transport evil or seasickness. 

 

 

What are the symptoms of seasickness?

Unable to reconcile this contradictory information, The brain is disoriented. He then triggered a series of physiological reactions to try to restore balance, Hence the unpleasant symptoms of seasickness:

  • Nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation: The body tries to get rid of substances that it thinks responsible for discomfort.
  • Pallor and cold sweats: signs of the disruption of the autonomic nervous system.
  • Fatigue, drowsiness: The body is fighting imbalance and uses energy to adapt.
  • Headache, headache: Nervous tension can result in headache.

These symptoms can vary in intensity from one person to another and are generally more marked at the start of the trip, often diminish after a few days at sea.

 

How to act upstream to prevent seasickness?

To minimize the risks of seasickness, it is recommended to take several preventive measures:

  • Cabin choice: Opt for a cabin located in the middle of the ship, where the movements are less felt.

  • Stress management: Reduce anxiety by arriving in advance at the port and relaxing on the boat. Breathe deeply and regularly to calm your nervous system.

  • Position on the boat: Stay outside as much as possible, fixing the horizon to limit the feeling of movement. Avoid reading or using electronic devices that could increase symptoms.

  • Clothing and hydration: Dress comfortably for the climate at sea and make sure you remain hydrated throughout the trip.

  • Food : Eat light meals before and during the trip to avoid having empty or too full stomach, which can worsen symptoms. Also avoid fatty and heavy foods. 

 

Foods to avoid (rich in histamine or irritating for the stomach):

  • Canned or prepared dishes
  • Alcohol, red wine
  • Cocoa, chocolate
  • Black and green tea
  • Seafood
  • Nut
  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Legumes
  • Citrus
  • Cheese
  • Soy
  • Yeast and wheat products
  • Fresh meat and white fish (stomach irritating, increase gastric acid)

Recommended foods:

  • Banana
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables (except citrus)
  • Raw carrots
  • Light soups
  • Rusk
  • Chamomile, mint and ginger infusions

 

How to treat seasickness after the appearance of symptoms? 

Natural remedies and alternative medicine

Essential oils soothing

Essential oils like the peppermint and the ginger are known for their anti-nausea properties. Apply a few drops of peppermint or ginger essential oil on a handkerchief or a portable diffuser and breathe deep to relieve nausea.

 

Acupressure bands

The acupressure strips are bracelets specially designed with a small ball which exerts pressure on the acupuncture point P6/Nei-Kuan, located about two finger widths behind the wrist. This point is known in traditional Chinese medicine To fight nausea by regulating bodily energy. Wear these bracelets around the cuffs for continuous stimulation and relief of the symptoms of sea sickness.

 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is effective in degrading the histamine neurotransmitter, often associated with allergic reactions and nausea. Professor Dr Reinhart Jarisch has confirmed his effectiveness in several studies. Start taking vitamin C a week before your sea trip, one to two grams per day. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as pepper and currants, are good natural sources of vitamin C. You can also take it in the form of capsules for ease of use during the cruise.

 

Ginger

In addition to its olfactory properties, ginger can also be ingested to reduce nausea, dizziness and cold sweats. It was also used in the ancient navy, often chewed in pieces to fight seasickness. Today, it is available in different forms such as the tea in ginger, the candy In ginger, ginger confit and even in capsules of powder of ginger like Zintona. Ginger acts similarly to antihistamines while being milder for the stomach.

 

Drugs

For more serious or recurring cases, drugs such as metopimazine, THE antihistamine or the scopolamine  can be prescribed. These drugs act by reducing the symptoms of nausea and vertigo, but they can cause drowsiness and require medical prescription.

 

Metopimazine (Vogalib®)

This medication is effective in reducing vomiting associated with seasickness.

 

Antihistamines (Mercalm®, NausicalM® or Nautamine®)

These drugs are recommended to reduce the risk of nausea. It is crucial to consult a doctor before use, because some antihistamines are not suitable for children under 2 years of age, or even under 6 years of age.

 

SCOPOLAMINE (ScopODerM®)

This medication acts by blocking the transmission of disturbing information from the inner ear to the brain, which helps prevent seasickness. It requires medical prescription to be obtained and used safely.

 

Conclusion

So, ready to drop the moorings without fear of seasickness?

With these simple tips at hand, you can say goodbye to the worries and hello to a cruise without incident.

May your adventures at sea be filled with joy and discoveries, savor every moment, in peace. Good luck and good trip!

 

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