Eating Before Travel: Does It Help or Hurt Motion Sickness Sufferers?
Will eating before traveling help with motion sickness? Yes, but for most motion sickness sufferers, the best approach is neither an empty stomach nor a full one.
If you’re the type who plans every detail of a trip (the packing list, the playlist, the hostess gift for the friend you’re visiting), your pre-travel plate deserves a spot on that list too. Here’s how to get it right.
Why Skipping Food Can Backfire
It’s tempting to think an empty stomach means there’s nothing to lose. But traveling hungry can leave you feeling shaky, light-headed, and more aware of every twinge of queasiness, and that can make mild motion sickness feel worse.
A small, low-fat meal built around bland protein and complex carbohydrates gives your stomach something to work with without overloading it. Health authorities including the CDC, Mayo Clinic, and the Merck Manual recommend small amounts of food over large, heavy meals when you’re on the move.
There’s one notable exception. For very short trips, especially quick flights on small planes, skipping food and drink altogether may be the better call, but bring a snack or some crackers just in case.
Why a Big Meal Isn’t the Answer Either
On the flip side, a heavy meal is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for a rough ride. Being too full, eating spicy or greasy foods, and drinking alcohol can backfire when traveling. Your eyes and inner ear are already sending your brain mixed signals about movement. An overstuffed stomach on top of that can tip mild discomfort into full-blown nausea.
The Sweet Spot: Bland Proteins + Complex Carbs
So what should you eat before traveling to avoid motion sickness? Try small amounts of low-fat, bland, starchy foods and steer clear of anything strong-smelling or strong-tasting. Pairing a gentle protein with a complex carb helps you stay satisfied longer, so you’re not arriving famished or grabbing drive-thru fries halfway there.
Here are some budget-friendly pairings that are easy to make or prep the night before:
- Whole-grain toast with a hard-boiled or scrambled egg
- Plain oatmeal topped with sliced banana
- A turkey sandwich, or half-sandwich, on whole-wheat bread (skip the spicy mustard)
- Brown rice with plain baked chicken
- Whole-grain crackers with a few slices of lean turkey or low-fat cheese
Most of these come straight from your regular grocery run, and packing them from home beats paying airport prices.
What to Skip Before You Go
Some foods and drinks are worth leaving off the menu until you arrive:
- Greasy or fried foods, which sit heavy and digest slowly
- Spicy dishes that can irritate an already sensitive stomach
- Strong-smelling foods like garlic-heavy leftovers or tuna salad (your fellow passengers will thank you too!)
- Alcohol, which can aggravate nausea
- Too much caffeine
Keep Snacks Small on the Road
For longer trips, graze instead of feasting. Keep plain crackers, pretzels, or dry cereal within reach and nibble a little at a time. Soda crackers are a classic for good reason and may help relieve nausea. Sip water steadily too, since staying hydrated is another recommended prevention strategy.
Make Food Part of Your Prevention Regimen
Smart eating is just one part of a routine you can count on. Motion sickness is much easier to prevent than to stop once it starts, so it pays to have your plan in place before the car leaves the driveway.
Dramamine® motion sickness medicine can be taken before you travel to help prevent nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Check the package for timing, since many formulas work best when taken 30 to 60 minutes before departure. If you have to stay sharp for a work trip, look for an option that won’t make you too sleepy. Dramamine® Less Drowsy comes in three convenient formulas for on the go—powder and chewables, which don’t require water, and tablets that come in a small travel vial. Since many motion sickness medicines can cause mild to moderate drowsiness, be sure to avoid alcohol which can intensify this effect.
Prefer a non-medicated option? Try ginger-based Advanced Herbals® by the Makers of Dramamine®. When used as directed, they’re safe for everyday use and come in capsules, ginger chews, and kids gummies. Plus, ginger is a long-trusted ingredient for calming nausea.* Be sure to read the dose limits on any supplement or medicine you choose.
Practice Makes Perfect
You know your stomach best, and finding the sweet spot when it comes to motion sickness prevention may take some experimenting. If you’re going on a long trip, consider this as your starting base—don’t travel with an empty stomach or a full one.
What tends to settle your stomach? Choose those foods. Before you leave, have a light plate of bland protein and complex carbs or something light that you are confident you can tolerate. Along the way, stick to small snacks. That combination can help you arrive feeling like yourself and ready for whatever’s on your agenda next.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.