Sailors know the vitamin supplement trick that reduces nausea and seasickness

Have you ever seen a seasick pig?

Of course not. Two reasons: 1) Pigs rarely go boating, and 2) Histamine.

Your body produces histamine when you experience sensory conflict–such as the rolling motion of a boat. And among other responses, histamine stimulates gastric acid secretion. Which is why you eventually go running for the railing.

Pigs get a break here. They happen to produce large amounts of an enzyme that degrades histamine.

But there is something you can do to give yourself a pig-like advantage.

Experienced sailors know they can help prevent seasickness with plenty of vitamin C. This was recently confirmed in an Austrian study that showed a histamine spike in people who were seasick. But one or two grams of Vitamin C disrupted histamine production and curbed seasickness.

This tip might also be useful to moviegoers who attend 3D movies. During the recent theatrical run of Avatar, there were many reports of nausea–especially in IMAX theatres where the enormous images are sometimes overwhelming.

Production of histamine can also be suppressed by avoiding alcohol and chocolate. Histamine is degraded during sleep, so a good night’s rest can help too.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Sea Sickness: A Medical Story” Dr. Erich Lederer, DocCheck News, 6/3/10, news.doccheck.com