A long car journey - how to prepare?

Long car journey: have a light meal

A very common cause of nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness is eating a heavy meal. Fatty foods cause the feeling of an oppressively full stomach, which in the perspective of a long car journey may exacerbate some of the symptoms, e.g. abdominal pain and tendency to vomit. What meal can you prepare before a trip?

• Cream of vegetable soup with lentils and croutons
• Sandwiches with hummus and cooked chicken breast and lettuce
• Steamed vegetables with wholemeal pasta, olive oil and mozzarella light

You should avoid deep-fried meals, red meat and dairy products in the form of milk or yoghurt with additives. It is also advisable to limit the intake of fruit - the sweet taste can cause the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Long car journeys: ensure optimal hydration

For a long car journey there is nothing better than chilled and still mineral water. Regularly hydrating your body, especially during hot weather, will help to quench your thirst and eliminate the bothersome feeling of dryness in the mouth. What is more, drinking water will help to maintain the optimum rate of metabolism and will help to maintain the efficiency of digestive processes. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks as well as products with stimulating properties such as coffee or energy drinks.

Long car journeys: opt for comfortable and relaxed clothing

When travelling by car, it is important to ensure optimum levels of comfort. Stretchy, flexible clothes that do not restrict your movements or put too much pressure on your body are better for a long journey. If possible, instead of tight jeans with a belt, it is better to opt for comfortable sweatpants - and to replace an elegant shirt with a flowy T-shirt. This will prevent the body from overheating, which reduces the risk of motion sickness symptoms.

Long car journeys: limit reading and phone use

Often, motion sickness is a combination of digestive problems and feelings of fatigue. During a long car journey, passengers choose to read newspapers, surf the internet or play games on their smartphones - all options that increase the potential risk of overloading the nervous system and eyesight. This type of entertainment can very often result in headaches and dizziness, leading to nausea and a tendency to vomit. If there is such a possibility, it is worth choosing sleep. Therefore, passengers should ensure special cushions, which will relieve the pressure on the neck section of the spine during the journey.