what to eat before a dive/ motion sickness

[topflowerrubberforever]

hey guys

Last year I went diving and became a bit seasick on the boat. It was the first time I ever get seasick on a boat. I realised that it might have been caused by the sandwich I was eating around 20 minutes before we left the port.

So my questions:

1) What should one eat before a dive? Does food the night before the dive count as well?

2) Are there any natural medications that cure seasickness? I tested a "non-drowsy" motion sickness medicine at home. I fell asleep 25 minutes later and woke up the next morning.

Jalal

 

[Scubaguy62]

I try to not eat anything within 45 min - 1 hr. before the dive, and what I eat is usually something light, or non-greasy. I have no problems using triptone to prevent sea sickness; what did you use? Triptone is truly non drowsy, and the reason I say that is because I'm very succeptible to drowsiness with dramamine. At the LDS my wife works they suggest raw ginger, or ginger capsules for people who get drowsy on triptone.

 

[topflowerrubberforever]

The medicine was a "non-drowsy" medicine(dont remember the name). The pharmacist assured me that it was non-drowsy. So I took the pill there and took a cab home. I reached home and slept immediately. I'm glad I didnt try the pill before a dive!

I heard Ginger relieves the stomach well. I will try that. Thanks

Jalal

 

[Jason B]

when I was in the Navy, anytime we were at sea, they always had a huge box of saltine crackers out on the mess decks all day. These and a 7up make for some great under-way snacking.
If you get queazy easy, going inside the cabin is the worst place to be. Keep your eye on the horizon and you'll have no problems.

Jason

 

[Soggy]

Carry ginger snaps with you. They always help me if I start getting queasy. I also take generic Bonine/Dramamine II (same stuff) just before bed the night before and just after getting up the morning of the dive if I think it'll be rough at all.

 

[mwpowell]

I'm very prone to seasickness. I'm not talking about the "a little green behind the gills" stuff. I'm talking violent uncontrollable projectile vomiting. Here is my recipe for not getting sick:

1.) Get a good nights rest before the dive. For me, this is crucial.

2.) Stay well hydrated. I make sure I'm well hydrated the night before, and make sure to stay hydrated while out on the boat.

3.) Make sure I eat something in the morning to soak up all the stomach acids. I like ginger snaps, dry toast, and cheese and crackers.

4.) Medication: I take 1 dramamine the night before, and 1 about an hour before leaving the dock.


Avoid foods that are acidic such as orange juice and coffee. I pretty much stick to bread and water.


Good luck,

Mike

 

[munkispank]

Hi Jalal,
I think I have tried every medication in the book- I am very prone to seasickness.
All made me drowsy- including triptone- some are worse than others though. There have been times when I feel semi-drunk due to medication - not a safe way to dive.

For me- the patch from the doctors was less drowsy- but didn't work too well- and made me get seasickness on land when I took it off.

the Absolute best thing I found which had no - and I mean NO drowsiness was a Japanese medication called SEMPER AD. If you are ever travelling around- try to find in in airports. A Japanese friend told me it contains lots of herbs- which I guess is why it works.

Also- a British medication called STURGERON is also excellent- no drowsiness and no seasickness- which is amazing for me!! You might be able to find it in UAE or get it sent from a British chemists (try Boots).

as for food- I find I have to eat something otherwise I get more sick- eat non-greasy/rich food the night before- ironically things like pizza work well, and have something hearty but plain int he AM- I usually have a bagel. It helps to dry up the stomach acid so if you are sick, it doesn;t taste so bad :O

good luck

 

[munkispank]

lol-mwpowell " I'm talking violent uncontrollable projectile vomiting"
that me too!!!!- I had someone stand to near me once on a boat when the tides rose- and my buddy had to advise them to move for their own safety!!!

makes you wonder why we dive really.....

 

[Buoyant1]

I always take pretzels..good absorption for anything acidic, plus they have salt, and are just GOOD!

 

[cyklon_300]

a liverwurst, onion, bleu cheese, and sauerkraut sandwich washed down with strong, cold coffee...

Actually, I've tried numerous methods and still ended up puking...seabands, ginger capsules, peppermint, Dramamine, Bonine, Scopalamine, combinations of these...

For me, Scop patches have yielded the best results, everything else has been much less effective. Simply watching the horizon didn't do squat...

Eat bland, non-greasy, non-acidic foods, hydrate, stay topside amidships (less motion there than at the bow or stern), try to avoid diesel fumes and cigarette smoke.