Tips to Stay Healthy During Your High Altitude Trekking

Nowadays, there is a craze among millennials for adventure sports and they are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to pursuing some of the most thrilling outdoor activities. Among the various kinds of adventure sports that one can undertake, high-altitude trekking is the most popular outdoor activity.

Now, most people don’t poses adequate knowledge about high-altitude trekking and think that anyone can go on such an outing. This is a common misconception prevalent across society; however, high altitude trekking is completely different because it is only recommended for people with vast experience in climbing high peaks.

There is no doubt that trekking is a fun-filled activity, however, high-altitude trekking involves substantial health risks that can sometimes be fatal. This is why it is always important to keep an eye on your health both before and during a high altitude trek.

Moreover, the higher you climb the more rarefied atmosphere you will encounter and the risks also increase eventually. Besides that, you must not forget that you have to climb back & this is where people suffer major health complications.

Here in this article, we will discuss certain tips that will help you stay healthy during your high altitude trekking.

Acclimatization

One of the most important things that every high altitude trekker must keep in mind is that you require a certain amount of time to adjust to the atmospheric condition of high altitude areas. Most of us stay in considerably lower altitudes and here the atmosphere conditions are perfect for everyone.

However, as you assent higher the atmospheric pressure decreases and the air become thinner. This is why it is always said that climbers should take some days off from their intended climb to first acclimatize to the environment in these high altitude areas.

Acclimatization helps your body in preparing for the climb as the body gets adjusted to the climatic conditions of these high altitude areas. Besides that, proper acclimatization will also help you in avoiding high altitude health scares like acute headaches, nausea, disturbed sleep and many other health issues.

Increase Your Carb Intake

Now, you might have heard countless times that protein helps in building muscles, however, when you are preparing yourself for a high altitude trek, then you have to modify your dietary intake and increase the share of carbohydrates in your daily diet.

Moreover, trekking is a very physically intensive activity and when you are climbing and then also you have to monitor your diet and what you are eating. Your body requires a lot of energy to climb and this can only be achieved through proper carbohydrate intake.

You must have a properly charted-out dietary chart with a wholesome breakfast and carbohydrate-rich food for lunch and dinner.

Staying Hydrated is Important

One of the most important health parameters that you should always keep an eye on is your hydration. However, it is seen that climbers often ignore this crucial aspect of their health or forget about it due to the adrenaline rush.

Nevertheless, getting dehydrated on a high altitude trek should be the last thing you wish for because dehydration in these rarefied atmospheric conditions can cause various health issues like dizziness, acute pulmonary edema and other high altitude sicknesses that can prove to be fatal.

Moreover, when you are drinking water, you must focus on drinking at regular intervals rather than gulping down everything at a single instance. You can also consume other alcohol-free liquids for staying hydrated.

Avoid Junk Foods

There are certain categories of food that you must avoid eating when you are going for a high altitude trek or in the middle of one. Any kind of junk food is something that you must avoid eating while you are trekking because these foods don’t provide you with any nutrition.

However, it is common for people to crave something tasty to eat in those harsh climatic conditions and you can always go for chocolates and nuts that not only taste better but also provide you with much required energy. This is why it is better to stock up on chocolates and nuts rather than on junk foods when you are trekking.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the most important things that you must keep in mind when you are going for a high altitude trekking. Besides that, have a word with your guide before starting on your journey as he can provide you with vital information about the trek and the weather conditions you might encounter.

Alaska is known for its high snow-capped mountains that are visited by people across the world for trekking activities. Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities that everyone likes to indulge in.