Dr. Oz Answers: How Can I Prevent Motion Sickness In a Car?

It’s the common problem that can make traveling in a car the absolute worst: motion sickness.

So how exactly does it happen and what can we do to avoid it?

Dr. Oz explains: “Your head is moving, but your eyes might be following the horizon. [...] Your semicircular canals have fluid inside of them. When the fluid is moving in the wrong direction and it doesn’t match what’s happening to your eyes, the fluid shakes the nerve cells in the ear but your eyes are giving you a different message. It’s that mismatch that causes motion sickness.”

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He adds that children (aged 2-12) and women are more likely to experience motion sickness.

Luckily, there are three easy ways to help prevent motion sickness before it ruins your travel plans.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEAT & STABILIZE YOUR NECK

Dr. Oz says that if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to take the front seat. That way, your eyes can track what your brain and ears are telling you. He says it’s also important to stabilize your neck by putting your head on the headrest. This will keep your head from bopping around and the fluid in your semicircular canals will continue to move in the right direction.

2. BRING A SNACK

Don’t leave home without the snacks!

“It’s a bad, bad thing to do,” Dr. Oz says. “Bring snacks onboard with you and snack while you drive. You can get nuts, apples or ginger candies. Ginger soothes the stomach.”

3. TRY ACUPRESSURE WRISTBANDS

Dr. Oz also suggests purchasing acupressure wristbands, which are inexpensive and available at most drugstores. The idea is to put the pressure point in the middle of your wrist to help alleviate any motion sickness. Dr. Oz says the technique comes from traditional Chinese medicine and can work wonders.