7 Natural Foods And Supplements For Altitude Acclimatization : There are several fairly effective pharmaceuticals, such as Diamox, that you can use when climbing Kilimanjaro to prevent and treat altitude sickness. But what about natural remedies? In this blog post, we introduce and explain which organic foods and nutritional supplements may enhance acclimatization at high elevations.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are a normal consequence of oxygen consumption by our body’s cells. Oxidative stress, which is caused by these free radicals, harms cells. Antioxidants are compounds that may guard your cells from free radical damage.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) incidence and mountain climbers’ physiological profiles were both improved by antioxidant supplementation, according to a study of climbers on Mount Everest.
We will serve you fruits and vegetables on the mountain, which are the richest providers of antioxidants. However, taking vitamins in pill form, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, will quickly, affordably, and conveniently give your body a large dosage of antioxidants.
Beet Juice
Our bodies have less oxygen to work with at high altitudes. Therefore, anything that can aid in increasing the body’s oxygenation may be beneficial. This colorful root vegetable fills that role. Nitric oxide is produced by the body from the high concentration of nitrates found in beets. Nitric oxide, sometimes referred to as NO2, relaxes blood vessels and makes it simpler for the body to function in low-oxygen environments. The use of beet juice at high elevations has been found to restore blood vessel function to normal. The body can acclimate faster as a result, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. It’s simple to bring high-quality, freeze-dried beets or beet juice with you on your climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Cordyceps
A fungus called Cordyceps sinensis thrives in high elevations like the Himalayas. The plant has long been employed by Tibetan traditional societies to counteract the negative effects of high altitude. The nitrates in beet juice and cordyceps’ vasodilator properties are similar. It promotes acclimatization by assisting in the delivery of oxygen to the body’s cells.
Studies on Cordyceps have also indicated that it may boost stamina and enhance athletic performance. The three Olympic world records set by the Chinese in the 1993 World Outdoor Track and Field Championships were attributed to cordyceps. For simple transportation and consumption, cordyceps can be purchased in capsule form.
Coca Leaves
You may be familiar with the coca leaf, which is the source of the addictive drug cocaine. Organic substances found in the leaves have physiological impacts on people. The illicit substance is created chemically by extracting these chemicals, which are known as alkaloids. The alkaloid concentration is quite low and extremely safe for eating in raw leaf form, though.
The indigenous people of South America have been using the coca leaf for generations. Coca is a mild stimulant that reduces hunger, thirst, discomfort, and weariness when chewed or made into tea.
Many people think that the coca plant can help people recover from altitude sickness and counteract its harmful effects. On the steep treks of the Andes Mountains in Peru and Bolivia, locals and visitors carry coca plants. Outside of South America, the majority of nations’ legal systems, including Tanzania’s, do not distinguish between the coca leaf and cocaine, making it illegal to possess either.
Ginkgo Biloba
A tree called Ginkgo biloba provides leaves that have been used to treat a number of illnesses. Ginkgo is well known for enhancing blood flow and brain function under low oxygen conditions. It is said to increase oxygen saturation in order to function.
According to studies, it can aid in preventing common altitude sickness symptoms. In one study, participants who had previously experienced AMS symptoms were evaluated for the effects of ginkgo. They experienced fewer symptoms than the control group after receiving ginkgo biloba. They also reported far fewer instances of shortness of breath and no headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, or dizziness.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola is a plant that grows in hilly areas of the world at great altitudes. Due to its capacity to boost tolerance to stress, it is referred to as an adaptogen. Rhodiola was really initially utilized by Sherpas to manage the strain of residing and working at high elevations. The plant root boosts energy and is also used to cure and prevent altitude sickness, 7 Natural Foods And Supplements For Altitude Acclimatization
There have been a few studies on the impact of Rhodiola on high-altitude performance and endurance. It is thought to function as a vasodilator, enhancing cellular oxygen utilization.
Maca Root
Maca root, sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng, is a root vegetable. It has a turnip-like appearance. In the Peruvian Andes’ highlands, Maca has been farmed and cultivated for at least 2,000 years. The root crop is a traditional cuisine eaten in this area for its health-improving and nutritional properties. It has a reputation for assisting with hormonal problems, muscle training, and endurance.
According to studies, Maca may also aid in the body’s ascent to high altitudes. Maca was found to lessen the frequency of chronic mountain sickness and associated signs and symptoms in one investigation. Of course, avoiding altitude sickness altogether is the best course of action. So keep in mind to follow our acclimatization recommendations for the best chance of avoiding AMS while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
