Tag: Altitude sickness

For over 8,000 years, the leaves of the coca plant have been a sacred staple in Andean cultures, used for medicinal, social, and religious purposes. The question of why is coca good for you, however, requires a careful examination of its traditional uses, its complex chemistry, and its modern-day legal status.

According to a study published in 'High Altitude Medicine & Biology', trekkers at 14,000 feet lose between one and two liters of water daily just through respiration. Knowing what food is best for altitude sickness is critical for maintaining hydration and energy, which can make or break your high-altitude adventure.

Coca chewing in Peru is a practice with deep historical roots, dating back over 3,000 years, and for travelers, a common question arises: is chewing coca leaves legal in Peru? Yes, chewing coca leaves is completely legal within Peru, as it is considered an important part of the country's cultural heritage and is commonly used for its mild stimulating effects and for combating altitude sickness.

Did you know that reduced oxygen levels at high altitude can slow digestion and increase caloric needs significantly? Understanding what to eat for altitude sickness is crucial for a comfortable trip, as proper nutrition can dramatically aid your body's acclimatization process and fuel your adventure effectively.

In a controlled study at 8,700 feet, obese men lost an average of two pounds in one week, primarily due to a decreased appetite. This and other research confirm that yes, high altitude does make you eat less, a phenomenon known as altitude anorexia.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), the mildest form of altitude sickness, lists headache, nausea, and notably, loss of appetite as key symptoms, not increased hunger. The common misconception that high altitudes might increase your appetite is a significant point of confusion for many climbers and travelers heading to higher elevations.

For millennia, Andean cultures have cherished the coca leaf, using it traditionally to combat fatigue and aid in acclimatization to high altitudes. Today, drinking coca tea remains a popular practice, celebrated for its numerous and distinct benefits that offer a gentle alternative to modern stimulants.

Studies show that your body's energy expenditure can increase significantly at high altitudes, sometimes requiring thousands of extra calories per day. Given this increased metabolic demand, the question naturally arises: should I eat more at altitude? The answer is a definitive yes, though the reality is often complicated by a simultaneous decrease in appetite and other physical challenges.

For over 8,000 years, Andean peoples have chewed or brewed the leaves of the *Erythroxylum coca* plant for medicinal, social, and religious purposes. But what do coca leaves do, and how does this traditional use differ so profoundly from its notorious derivative, cocaine?

At 10,000 feet, you can lose more than twice as much water through respiration compared to sea level, making dehydration a significant risk. Understanding your increased fluid needs is the first step toward staying safe and performing well in the mountains.