High Altitude and Health

HIGH ALTITUDE CHANGE YOUR DIET

Elevations in AEI Base Camp’s area can range from 9,000 to 14,000 feet. Elevations above 8,000 ft. are considered “high altitude,” where the air is “thinner” and contains less oxygen.

Each step up in altitude corresponds with a decrease in air pressure. At 9,000 ft. the pressure is approximately 3/4 what it is at sea level.

Translated: Every time you suck in a lung full of air at sea level you get all the bang for your buck. At 9,000 feet you are only getting $0.75 worth of that buck.

Maintain a diet of 70% or greater carbohydrates and drink plenty of water (96 oz/day) and get plenty of rest 3 days prior to your arrival and during your stay.

Avoid sleeping pills and narcotic pain medications. These can escalate the symptoms of altitude illness.

Restrict salt, sugar, and caffeine intake.

As a program, we help members throughout CLP with these guidelines while encouraging healthy portions and plenty of water during meal times.

High altitude affects almost everyone who climbs high. Most people will not feel the effects, but for those who do, this information will be helpful and encouraging. Some of the discomforts of climbing high include headache, nausea, fatigue, lassitude, loss of appetite, and loss of sleep. More serious signs and symptoms are loss of coordination, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a productive cough. If you are suffering from symptoms of altitude illness, be sure to let someone on staff know right away.

Acclimation is the process your body goes through to adjust to living at a high elevation where there is less oxygen. The body needs time to acclimate, but this process varies from person to person. A healthy person should acclimatize to a given altitude within 24 to 48 hours. During this process you will increase your ventilations or breathe heavier, and your heart rate will increase significantly. After 3 to 5 days your heart rate should return to normal.

SUNSCREEN

Wear a sunscreen (SPF 15 or above), and proper eyewear or sunglasses that filter out 100% UVB 99% UVA. The chance for severe sunburn increases at higher elevations because of decreased oxygen.