While many of us enjoy the prospect of travelling to new places and going on vacations, we dread spending long hours in cars and planes. If you suffer from motion sickness, you may find yourself unable to enjoy long trips as others do. Motion sickness can be a tricky condition, and it is not always easy to find a solution that works every time. Most experts suggest a combination of precautions related to sitting positions, concentration and food. For instance, people who feel nauseous in moving vehicles are often advised to listen to music to distract themselves, but not engage in activities like reading which require much more focus. They also tend to choose to sit in specific spots, where the movements of the vehicle will not impact them too much. The crucial category, however, is diet. If you suffer from motion sickness, you have to be very careful about what you eat before, during and after travelling. We have put together a list of simple remedies that can make your next trip more comfortable:
(Also Read: 5 Foods To Avoid Eating Before You Board A Flight)
Here Are 6 Foods To Relieve Motion Sickness:
1. Ginger
Ginger is a miracle spice, and can be consumed in many ways to help fight nausea. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Ginger has many long-term health benefits But it is also a wonderfully quick remedy for nausea and motion sickness. You can keep a few finely chopped pieces handy before you begin your journey. Simply chew on them when you start feeling queasy. If you dislike the taste of plain ginger, you can consume other foods and drinks that contain ginger in significant quantity. For instance, you can also opt for ginger lemon, ginger ale or similar drinks while travelling. Other natural cool drinks like coconut water, lime soda, fruit juices, etc may also help you feel better. If you suffer from motion sickness, it is best to stay away from caffeine-loaded drinks such as coffee and certain aerated beverages. Caffeine causes dehydration, which will make you feel worse while travelling.
(Also Read: This Fool-Proof Hack Of Keeping Ginger Fresh Will Make Your Life So Much Easier)
2. Fennel/ Saunf
Fennel aids in digestion and helps avoid bloating. Photo Credit: Pixabay
You can also rely on good old saunf or badishep (fennel seeds) when you're feeling nauseous. Have you wondered why they often serve it after meals in restaurants? It is because has long been considered a great digestive aid. Fennel is said to have carminative properties, which means that it helps reduce gas and bloating. Even if are not usually prone to motion sickness, you might feel queasy if you ate something that did not agree with your system. In this case, common indigestion can easily lead to vomiting, especially in a moving vehicle. The next time you face such a situation, simply chew on fennel seeds.
(Also Read: 7 Foods For Indigestion And How You Can Include Them In Diet)
3. Crackers/ Unsweetened biscuits
Unflavoured crackers are not always delicious. But they are great for when you are feeling queasy. Photo Credit: Pixabay
The last thing one wants to eat when feeling nauseous is anything with a strong flavour. However tasty it may seem, any food with a distinct aroma tends to make one feel worse. This is why it is recommended to munch on bland foods like crackers while travelling. Ensure that you carry non-flavoured ones. Most plain crackers are lightly salted or sweetened, making them edible enough. Crackers are also effective because they are high in starch, which helps in restoring balance to your system.
4. Banana
The potassium content in bananas makes them ideal for those suffering from motion sickness. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Another food that will help you keep up your energy levels is a banana. If you have been sick while travelling (vomiting or diarrhoea), you will feel weak and your body will be low on potassium. This is why bananas are a good choice if you suffer from motion sickness. They also aid in healthy digestion. Besides, they tend to have a blander flavour than other fruits. They are easy to consume and transport too.
(Also Read: Banana For Weight Loss: 5 Banana Shakes And Smoothies For Your Pre And Post Workout Session)
5. Cardamom
Cardamom is another useful spice for those feeling nauseous. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Apart from ginger and fennel, chewing one or two whole cardamoms while travelling can also significantly reduce the effects of motion sickness. The best thing about spices like ginger and cardamom is that they are easily available in most of our kitchens. Moreover, you don't need any fancy preparations in order for them to be effective. All you have to do is remember to take them along before your trip.
6. Mulethi
Mulethi (liquorice root) is another miracle ingredient that can relieve nausea and indigestion. It can be powdered and mixed with water. An alternate way to take advantage of these spices is by infusing their flavours into tea. Herbal tea and concoctions are believed to relieve feelings of nausea and dizziness. These beverages generally contain a nutritious combination of spices and have very low caffeine content.
(Also Read: Mulethi Is Great For Immunity, Acidity, Indigestion And Overall Health - Here's How To Consume It)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.