27 FEB 2018: In my last column, I was preaching the benefits of the sea. The reality is, for some, the sea can also make you sick. By sick, I mean the motion of the ocean that does not settle so well in the belly, and leaves you nauseous, dizzy, uncomfortable and in some cases, bent over the side and tossing your cookies into the water.

If you’re like me, this list also extends beyond sailing and water sports and onto dry land activities including sitting in the backseat of a car on a long drive, sitting backward on a bus, 3D action movies, reading on a train. It also applies in the air on any sort of amusement park ride or long flight… I am a fun person, I SWEAR!

I am confident in that promise because I have figured out how to greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, my motion sickness symptoms that have plagued me for the better part of my life.

Fears of motion sickness should not keep you from exploring the great outdoors and the greater world we live in. All it takes is a little forethought, as feelings of motion sickness are easier to prevent then they are to treat.

Whether you are being hurtled through the air on an airplane, stuck in the back of a van on mountainous terrain, or being shaken and stirred as you whip around and back again on the Zipper ride at your local amusement park, it can be a little confusing for your system.

When you are in motion your body understands and processes this information mainly based on the work of your eyes and your inner ears.

There is fluid inside our ears that moves when we move, and its motion sends signals to our brain. We confirm this information with sensory signals from our eyes.

When our inner ear is saying go but our eyes are saying no – we have a problem.

So, when we are flying in an airplane, sitting on a tour bus, or riding the waves on a fancy boat, the inner ear says we are in motion but our bum is planted and our eyes see that we are stationary on our mode of transportation. This mismatch is what causes feelings of motion sickness.

What is interesting (or frustrating – depending on your point of view) is that there is no clear explanation as to how one seatmate can have their head down, calmly filling out their customs forms in a bout of turbulence, while their neighbour is reaching for the bag in the seat pocket in front of them.

Some say it’s genetic, others say it’s a combination of experience and adaptability. Some argue that with repeated exposure the body will eventually find a way to adapt, but that does not sound like a good time. Thankfully, you don’t have to run head first into the fire over and over again with the hope of finding your sea legs.

My secret weapon is something I never leave home without, especially when I’m travelling.

Ginger.

I’ll bet the general reaction was “oh”, and I’ll bet half of those were interested and the other half were disappointed. Ginger has a very strong and distinctive taste, but the components that give ginger its polarizing flavour are the active compounds that also give it its superhero powers. Ginger is very soothing to the digestive tract which is what makes it incredibly effective at mediating the nausea and stomach upset that occurs when your brain can’t quite figure out whether you’re coming or going.

I prefer the ginger capsules. They’re easily transportable, easy to take when you’re sprung with an impromptu boat tour of the local port on the Mediterranean, and as far as supplements go, pretty inexpensive. You could have the ginger in the raw form if you’re really keen, although I’m sure even its biggest fan would have a hard time eating enough of it at once. You can also get candied ginger, while okay for 1 or 2 pieces, the sugar you ingest to hit your necessary quota is not worth it in my opinion. Heck, even Gravol offers a natural ginger variety at your local pharmacy!

While it will offer some relief in the thick of your symptoms, it is infinitely more effective if taken roughly 20 mins before you expect to experience the motion sickness. Just like the mechanism as to why we don’t all experience nausea is unclear, the mechanism by which the ginger acts is equally unclear.

All I know is it has absolutely TRANSFORMED the way that I travel as well as for those for whom I have recommended it to. You really have nothing to lose and you deserve to explore the world at your leisure without constantly wondering when you’ll suddenly be struck by the urge to heave.

You can combo the ginger capsules with a peppermint tea which has also been associated with soothing digestive properties. Peppermint and ginger essential oils can also be inhaled as an alternate coping mechanism. Firing on all canons helps to provide broad-spectrum coverage, which depending on the severity of the symptoms you experience, may be helpful.

Try to fix your gaze on the horizon and anticipate the motions of the vehicle as much as possible to delay the onset of your symptoms. Winning the mind is half the battle, if you believe you are going to be sick, chances are you will. Preparing yourself will set your mind at ease and allow you to relax and you may be surprised at how well you can manage the twists and turns, and the ebbs and flows.

Charles Darwin was quoted saying, “If it weren’t for seasickness, I’m sure the whole world would be sailors.”

Pack yourself some ginger so you too can sail off into the sunset with confidence.