Breathe Easy — 5 Tips to Fight Altitude Sickness
On a recent trip to Cuzco, Peru, I was hit with a wicked case of altitude sickness.
For those of you who have never experienced it, altitude sickness occurs when your body can’t get enough oxygen at higher elevations. It typically happens to people visiting an altitude of 8,000 feet or higher.
While your body attempts to acclimatize, you might experience symptoms like headache, loss of appetite, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and trouble sleeping — I, unfortunately, experienced all of the above.
The silver lining is that my altitude inexperience has resulted in this list of helpful tips for you. So before you head to the mountains this winter, check out this list to ensure you can breathe easy at higher elevations.
#1 — Medication
Take an altitude sickness pill BEFORE you get on your flight. In many cases you can buy these over the counter and they function as simple stimulants. This way, you’re already fighting the elements before you land.
If you’re looking for a more heavy duty approach, make an appointment with your doctor who can write a prescription a medication like acetazolamide (Diamox), which speeds up acclimatization.
Take one pill one every morning to fight the effects as you go about your day.
#2 — Rest
Don’t plan any activities for your first 24 hours at a higher elevation. It will give your body time to acclimatize without stress. (Photo: iStock)
As soon as you get to a high elevation…rest. I know it’s tempting to go sightseeing, but take a few hours to get horizontal and drink a lot of water.
When you do get up to walk around, move at a sloth-like pace. Take your time and don’t even think about working out! Easing the stress on your body will help you to acclimate.
Related: Worst Nightmare: Feeling Motion Sick Years After a Trip — It Happened to These People
#3 — Eat light
Your body will be working overtime to digest food, so overeating might lead to nausea. So at least on your first day, eat light and try to limit the amount of meat you eat. It’s also helpful to limit booze. Sorry!
#4 — Natural Remedies
Coca tea is a natural remedy used throughout South America to fight altitude sickness. (Photo: iStock)
Coca leaves are grown all throughout Peru, and have been used by locals for centuries to deal with the headaches, nausea, and shakiness that come with altitude changes. Drink coca tea in the morning, or buy coca in candy or gum form.
If you’re not visiting Peru, you can buy coca tea online and have it shipped to your destination. But be sure to research it first, Coca tea is illegal in the United States unless it is decocainized.
#5 — Inhale freshness
Believe it or not, you can buy oxygen in a can. If you’re feeling light headed, take three or four puffs, and keep it moving.
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