Getting high this summer?

During summer (and winter) travel, whether for pleasure or work, you may be choosing to visit high-altitude locations. This means your body will need to adjust to the demands of the lower oxygen levels. Even Denver, at 5,000 feet, can bring on altitude adjustment symptoms, such as shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue.

Generally, your body will adapt over several days, but there are many things you can do to soften the edges of altitude adjustment. This is your primer for fully enjoying getting high.

1. Be well rested. It’s common to start trips underslept since there is always much to do before leaving. But being extra tired will make adjusting to altitude harder, not to mention taxing your immune system. 

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This is so important. I once went backpacking at high altitude with two friends. We had a bottle of wine with dinner and then were too tired to filter water, figuring we’d deal in the morning. Despite having youth on our side (which accounted for our decisions!) it wasn’t pretty. Avoid alcohol the first couple of days and keep your water intake high.

3. Use electrolytes. Here are some brands the Energy Matters staff use: NUUNS, Redmond Electrolyte powder, and LMNT. If you don’t already use electrolytes, find one that suits you before your trip and use it while traveling. Note: many brands have high salt content, so if you have high blood pressure, check the label.

4. Overnight at altitude. Rather than driving in the morning and hitting the trails as soon as you arrive, drive the night before. Even 12 hours at altitude will soften the adjustment period.

5. Use Altigen. This Chinese herbal formula is designed for athletes who train and compete at high altitudes. But you don’t have to be a competitive skier to benefit. This formula is game-changing. When one of the friends from the wine story and I returned to backpacking in our 50s after a two-decade hiatus, we were very impressed by how well the Altigen worked, and now use it for all our trips. You need to start it 3-4 days ahead of time. We always have Altigen in stock at Energy Matters - call or text the front desk ( 510-597-9923) -  or you can order directly from the company online.

Use these tips to enjoy your stay in the rarified air!
Kirstin Lindquist,
Owner