Motion sickness can disrupt travel plans and cause discomfort. Fortunately, certain foods can help prevent or alleviate symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Here are some of the best foods to eat before and during your journey to avoid motion sickness, excluding ginger, peppermint, and banana.
1. Crackers: Simple and Easy on the Stomach
- Why It Helps: Plain crackers are bland and easy to digest, making them ideal for settling an upset stomach. They can also help absorb excess stomach acid, which is often a trigger for nausea.
- How to Use It: Keep a pack of plain crackers with you and eat a few before your trip or whenever you start feeling queasy. Their simplicity makes them a go-to option for calming the stomach.
2. Apples: Refreshing and Digestible
- Why It Helps: Apples are light, hydrating, and contain natural sugars that can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is important for avoiding nausea. The pectin in apples can also aid digestion.
- How to Use It: Eat a fresh apple or drink a small glass of apple juice before traveling. The crisp texture and mild acidity can help settle your stomach without being too heavy.
3. Toast: Bland and Comforting
- Why It Helps: Toast, especially when dry or lightly spread with honey, is a bland, easily digestible food that can help prevent nausea. It can also absorb stomach acid, reducing the likelihood of feeling sick.
- How to Use It: A slice of plain toast before your journey can serve as a light, calming meal. Avoid adding butter or other rich toppings that might upset your stomach.
4. Yogurt: Cooling and Probiotic-Rich
- Why It Helps: Yogurt is soothing for the stomach and rich in probiotics, which support digestive health. Its cool, smooth texture can be calming, especially if your stomach feels unsettled.
- How to Use It: A small serving of plain or Greek yogurt can be a good pre-travel snack. Consider adding a little honey for natural sweetness, but avoid adding fruits that might be too acidic or hard to digest.
5. Rice: Soft and Gentle
- Why It Helps: Plain, cooked white rice is soft, bland, and easy to digest, making it an excellent option for preventing motion sickness. It helps in absorbing stomach acids and stabilizing the digestive system.
- How to Use It: A small bowl of plain rice, perhaps with a pinch of salt, can be eaten before your journey. This light meal won’t overwhelm your stomach and can keep nausea at bay.
6. Oatmeal: Warm and Satisfying
- Why It Helps: Oatmeal is warm, filling, and easy on the stomach. It contains fiber, which helps maintain stable digestion, and is bland enough to avoid triggering nausea.
- How to Use It: A bowl of plain oatmeal with a little honey or a few apple slices can be a comforting pre-travel breakfast. Avoid adding too much sugar or milk, which might upset your stomach.
7. Clear Broth: Hydrating and Nourishing
- Why It Helps: A clear broth is light and hydrating, providing necessary fluids and electrolytes without overwhelming the stomach. It’s a great option for those who need nourishment but want to avoid anything too heavy.
- How to Use It: Sipping on a cup of warm, clear broth before or during travel can help keep you hydrated and soothe your stomach. Opt for low-sodium broth to avoid excess salt, which can lead to dehydration.
Final Tips:
- Light Meals: Stick to light, easily digestible meals before and during travel. Avoid greasy, spicy, or rich foods, which can trigger or worsen motion sickness.
- Small Portions: Eat small, frequent meals or snacks instead of a large meal. This approach keeps your stomach from becoming too full, which can exacerbate nausea.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout your journey, but avoid large amounts of liquid right before or during travel to prevent a full stomach, which can contribute to nausea.
By choosing these foods, you can reduce the risk of motion sickness and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable travel experience.