What To Know
- In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to help avoid nausea while swimming.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are a few additional things you can do to help prevent it while swimming.
- There are several things you can do to avoid nausea while swimming, including getting used to the water gradually, avoiding swimming on an empty stomach, staying hydrated, avoiding swallowing water, taking breaks, using a swim cap, and considering taking medication.
Swimming is an excellent way to get exercise, have fun, and cool off on a hot day. But for some people, swimming can also trigger nausea. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Nausea while swimming is a common problem, but there are several things you can do to avoid it.
Causes of Nausea While Swimming
There are several possible causes of nausea while swimming, including:
- Motion sickness: The movement of the water can cause your inner ear to become disoriented, which can lead to nausea.
- Swallowing water: If you swallow too much water while swimming, it can irritate your stomach and cause nausea.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can make you more susceptible to nausea.
- Hunger: Swimming on an empty stomach can also lead to nausea.
- Anxiety: Anxiety about swimming can also trigger nausea.
How to Avoid Nausea While Swimming
If you’re prone to nausea while swimming, there are several things you can do to avoid it:
- Get used to the water gradually. If you’re new to swimming, start by swimming for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration of your swims as you get more comfortable.
- Avoid swimming on an empty stomach. Eat a light snack before you swim to help prevent nausea.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after swimming to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid swallowing water. Keep your head above water as much as possible, and if you do swallow water, try to spit it out.
- Take breaks. If you start to feel nauseous, get out of the water and rest for a few minutes.
- Use a swim cap. A swim cap can help to keep water out of your ears and reduce your risk of motion sickness.
- Consider taking medication. If you’re prone to severe nausea while swimming, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking medication to prevent it.
Other Tips to Avoid Nausea While Swimming
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to help avoid nausea while swimming:
- Swim in a pool or other body of water that is calm and has clear water. Avoid swimming in rough water or water that is murky or polluted.
- Avoid swimming after eating a heavy meal. Wait at least an hour after eating before swimming.
- Warm up before swimming. Do some light exercises, such as stretching or walking, before getting in the water.
- Cool down after swimming. Get out of the water and rest for a few minutes before showering or changing clothes.
- Listen to your body. If you start to feel nauseous, get out of the water and rest. Don’t push yourself too hard.
Additional Tips for Preventing Motion Sickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are a few additional things you can do to help prevent it while swimming:
- Sit in the front of the boat or car. This will help to reduce your exposure to movement.
- Look at the horizon. This will help to keep your balance and reduce your risk of dizziness.
- Avoid reading or using electronic devices while in motion. This can make motion sickness worse.
- Take medication. If you’re prone to severe motion sickness, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking medication to prevent it.
The Bottom Line: Enjoying the Water Without the Nausea
Nausea while swimming is a common problem, but it can be avoided with a few simple steps. By following the tips above, you can enjoy the water without the queasy feeling. So dive in and have some fun!
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What are the most common causes of nausea while swimming?
A: The most common causes of nausea while swimming are motion sickness, swallowing water, dehydration, hunger, and anxiety.
Q: What are some things I can do to avoid nausea while swimming?
A: There are several things you can do to avoid nausea while swimming, including getting used to the water gradually, avoiding swimming on an empty stomach, staying hydrated, avoiding swallowing water, taking breaks, using a swim cap, and considering taking medication.
Q: What are some additional tips for preventing motion sickness while swimming?
A: If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are a few additional things you can do to help prevent it while swimming, such as sitting in the front of the boat or car, looking at the horizon, avoiding reading or using electronic devices while in motion, and taking medication.
