Travelling is always fun but it has its own shortcomings! And if you are a mountain lover, then your trips will definitely make you aware of Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS) in high altitude areas. But that’s never a reason enough to not backpack around the magnificent mountains across the world! So here are a few points to help you deal with AMS while travelling in high altitudes with less oxygen.
1. Proceed Slowly In Mountain Regions
The first thing to do while travelling in mountainous regions where you have less oxygen is to understand the value of time and patience. These are your keys to dealing with altitude sickness. You need to proceed slowly, let your body relax, and rest. If you are on a bike, ride slowly. And keep in mind, after a climb above 2400 meters, you have to allow your body enough time to acclimatize.
2. Ginger Water Is A Saviour In Mountain Regions
Suffering from altitude sickness during your mountain trips? Ginger is one of the best medicines for you! Before a climb or a ride on any high-altitude region, just grind some ginger to extract the juice. Make sure you consume 1 tbsp of it in a glass of water the morning before you start travelling. And if you worry about what happens during your journey, carry along the remaining ginger juice and have it midway when you feel nauseous.
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3. Best Sleeping Habits When In High Altitude Regions
Your regular sleeping habits will need a change in high-altitude mountain ranges. If you want to avoid AMS, try to avoid sleeping during the day and at a place where you have altitude sickness. Once any symptoms start, stop immediately and let your body rest. However, proceed downward if you don’t get better. Your sleeping position matters a lot as well. It is advisable you sleep in an upright position and with your head on a pillow.
4. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol In High Altitude Regions
4. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol In High Altitude RegionsIt’s no secret that with an increase in altitude, the number of oxygen molecules per breath gets reduced. And with roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath, your body is bound to adjust to having less oxygen. So smoking and alcohol in such a situation will only interfere with the body’s oxygen metabolism. So be safe!
5. Lavender Oil/Garlic
Just like Ginger water is a saviour, garlic and lavender oil too help in tackling AMS. Just apply 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil to your head and it will instantly decrease the restlessness or stomach discomfort that you might get because of AMS.
Garlic is another food item that reduces altitude sickness in mountain regions. Chew garlic once in a while during your journey and it will help the body use oxygen more efficiently.
Now that you know quite a few tips to deal with mountain sickness in high-altitude areas, when are you planning your next trip? Do tell us in the comments section below!
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