Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when a person's body is struggling to adapt to high altitude (which is typically caused by thinner air above 7,500 feet). Preventing AMS is extremely important because it's difficult to treat once you have it.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is characterized by headaches, nausea, and fatigue, is the mildest form, but more severe forms like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) can be life-threatening. Symptoms may manifest within hours of ascent, and prompt recognition is vital.

People who are more at risk for developing altitude sickness include:

• People traveling to elevations above 5,000 feet, from sea level
• People who have had altitude sickness in the past
• Athletes who want to perform their best at altitude
• People who are more fatigued at altitude
• People who feel "hung over" at altitude
• People that are prone to dehydration

SYMPTOMS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Symptoms are diverse, but unmistakable. They can range from very mild to life threatening. Mild symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dehydration
• Difficulty sleeping
• General unease

Many people liken altitude sickness to feeling ‘hung over’ from alcohol. This is why it’s always a good idea to take it easy drinking alcohol when vacationing at high altitude. Alcohol will dehydrate you rapidly, and this is the last thing you want!

More severe altitude sickness symptoms require immediate medical treatment, and getting to a lower elevation as soon as possible. These include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Elevated blood pressure

Prevention is the best medicine for altitude sickness. Resting, staying hydrated and going slower once you arrive are key.  For real. So many people arrive at altitude and are excited to start their vacation - but trust us on this one. Get some good sleep, hydrate, avoid alcohol and be sure to eat a healthy diet will ensure that you minimize the risk of altitude sickness. 

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

You’re at greater risk for acute mountain sickness the higher you go, and the faster you ascend. Here are a few easy ways to prevent altitude sickness:

• Stay overnight at an elevation that is half or three quarters of your final destination altitude to let your body adapt.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption. It will just make your elevation sickness worse by dehydrating you.
• Stay hydrated with something other than water. We really like Electrolye Energy Formula and use it when we leave our home (5,200 feet) and go up to the mountains around 9,500-10,000 feet.
• Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it will help your body utilize its energy more effectively. Rhodiola has been shown to improve performance at altitude.
• A combination of Corvalen (D-Ribose), L-Carnitine, and CoEnzyme Q10 can boost energy and production of ATP (energy) within the cells.
• Energy Xtra provides a blend of important adaptogenic herbs that support mental and physical capacities for work and endurance.
• Cordyceps Sinensis is another botanical medicine that works well with rhodiola to improve energy production.

Any combination of the above will help you adapt to, and feel better when you go up to play at altitude. Give them a try, it beats feeling hung over from the altitude and having a lousy vacation!

Browse our selection of all-natural supplements for altitude sickness, available below.