Are There Alternatives to Taking Diamox at High Altitude

Are there alternatives to taking Diamox at High Altitude? Before we get into that, just remember the tried and tested drug is Diamox. Our high altitude doctors and specialists recommend taking Diamox from the first day of your trip. 125mg in the morning and 125mg in the afternoon. Check out all our upcoming trips.

What is Diamox Used for

Acetazolamide is a diuretic medication that treats swelling caused by heart disease. It works by helping your body make more pee so you can lose salt and excess water from your body. It can also treat seizures, certain types of glaucoma and prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. The brand name of this medication is Diamox.

Remember, Diamox might not be recommended for you personally. It is always worth having a full health check up with your doctor. Your doctor will know your medical history best.  Importantly, your doctor can give you clear advice on traveling to a low oxygen environment.

Are you Allergic to Sulfas ?

Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies.

Taking Diamox before going on a trek to altitude is important,  to make sure there are no major side effects.  Diamox is a diuretic so you do need to manage your hydration carefully. Follow us on Instagram.

Altitude Specialists

Ian Taylor Trekking has helped over 3,600 people reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364/ 17,500 feet. We run usually have 250+ people trekking in the Everest region annually. Our experience had led us to having 3 nights in Namche Bazaar before, moving higher.  With over 17 years of high altitude experience we have developed unique itineraries with additional acclimatization.  This means a safer and more enjoyable experience for you at high altitude.

Island Peak

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to low oxygen environments. Hydration is also key, we urinate out the bodies over production of alkaline that make us sick. We recommend 4 to 5 liters daily. The increased respiratory rate begins within the first few hours of arriving at altitudes as low as 5,000 feet. The lost carbon dioxide causes the body to become more alkaline.

To compensate for the body’s increasing alkalinity, the kidneys excrete bicarbonate (an alkaline substance) in the urine. We pee out the alkaline if we hydrate properly.  If we don’t we get sick hence, less altitude sickness and in some cases none at all or tolerable. If hydration is taken seriously, most people will not need to take any medications at high altitudes. Hydrate hydrate hydrate along with, acclimatization being done correctly.

Are There Alternatives to Taking Diamox at High Altitude

There are Some Alternatives

There are a few alternatives to taking Diamox undoubtedly, there are no substitute for acclimatization. With 20 years of experience definitely having more acclimatization offers you better safety and success.  Always pick the itinerary with more days and more acclimatization, especially in the early stage of any trip.

Island Peak Glacier

1). The Most Important Piece of Advice

On our treks to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu we spend more time acclimatizing. We have 3 nights at 3,440m/ 11,300 feet on our Everest treks.  It should be noted, an additional 24 hours of producing more red blood cells at altitude is important. We have these additional nights to help carry more oxygen around the body as we move higher. Not having enough acclimatization can make or break your trip.  On Kilimanjaro we have a minimum of 8 days on the mountain. This usually results in, getting 100% of our clients to the summit.

On our Inca Trail Treks we always have 2 nights in Cusco at 11,152 feet. We do this for your safety going onto any Inca trail trek in Peru. Extra acclimatization without a doubt,  is critical for a safe and enjoying a successful adventure going to high altitude.

Personally, I tried to cut corners on acclimatization and failed miserably. When I climbed Everest to the top I added additional acclimatization.  As a result, I had no issues above 26,000 feet.  In summary, it is important to pick the right itinerary with more acclimatization.  If you would like further information  CONTACT US today.

Are There Alternatives to Taking Diamox at High Altitude

2). Take Ibuprofen When Going to Altitude

Ibuprofen without a doubt, is tried and tested for high altitude trips. It is great for inflammation, headaches, pain, muscle pain at high altitude. Ibuprofen is best taken right be sleep. Recent research suggests that Ibuprofen is proven to be very useful in low oxygen environments.

The usual dose of ibuprofen is one to two 200mg tablets. You can take Ibuprofen every four to six hours only if needed. Do not take more than 1,000 mg of ibuprofen daily. Take ibuprofen with food or after meals if it seems to bother your stomach. Ibuprofen does get absorbed by the blood stream much faster than Diamox making it a quick acting drug.Mera Peak summit 21,246 feet

3). Take Garlic Tablets

For 20 years I have always taken garlic supplements when I go on high altitude treks and climbs. Garlic does have natural properties that help you when suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Your blood is getting thicker at high altitude. Garlic thins out your blood so you can take one capsule per day while you are trekking. Consider having garlic soup regularly while on your trek or expedition.Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4). Chew Coca Leaves

The Incan people and culture have many recipes for curing illness importantly, these recipes all come from plants. For centuries the Inca’s and Quechua people have been using coco leaves undoubtedly,  to aid them in low oxygen environments.  Our staff in Peru love chewing coco leaves and the research suggests it actually works.

I usually drink hot water with coco leaves every morning.  Getting in much needed hydration in addition, the homeopathic rewards offer you a more comfortable journey. You can buy coca leaves in the US and around the world. I have personal made over 10 treks on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and use coco leaves on all my Inca Trail Treks.

Are There Alternatives to Taking Diamox at High Altitude

5). Drinking Beet Juice is a Good Idea

Research from an Norwegian University suggests. “It may be the extra boost your body needs to deliver enough oxygen to your tired muscles. Beet juice will keep you healthy when you are climbing a high mountain.” You should consider drinking beet juice before climbing a high-altitude mountain.

Also consider beet juice right before a regular workout, this can improve your blood vessel function. This can deliver oxygen more quickly to your muscles. High altitudes have a powerful effect on the human body, due to thinner air and lower oxygen.  Above 11,500 feet you will experience  some altitude sickness, feeling fatigued, short of breath, and sometimes even nauseous.

Over time, our bodies will acclimate to high altitudes, but it can take days, weeks, or even months. If you want to climb a mountain and limit altitude sickness clearly, you need more time.  In addition to acclimatization, researchers are now suggesting to bring some beet juice with you.

They found it to provide health benefits in low oxygen environments.  At high altitudes, our bodies are less likely to produce enough Nitrate Oxide thus,  our bodies need plenty of oxygen. That’s where beet juice comes in; it’s packed with nitrate, a compound that the body can use in low oxygen environments.  No harm in trying it out.

Are There Alternatives to Taking Diamox at High Altitude

6). Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. These effects may translate into some benefits for certain medical problems, but the results have been mixed.

Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed. Other studies have not found a benefit.

Alternatives to Diamox

Remember These Natural Remedies

Prevention Tips:

  1. Acclimatize Slowly:
    • Avoid abrupt ascents above 8,000 feet.
    • Consider spending a few days at intermediate altitudes to allow your body to adjust gradually.
  2. Stay Hydrated:
    • Maintain adequate hydration by consuming 4 liters of water daily.
    • Minimize intake of diuretics like caffeine and alcohol.

Natural Remedies:

  1. Snack on Omega-3 Rich Foods:
    • Walnuts, salmon, tuna, and fortified eggs possess anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate altitude-induced headaches.
  2. Increase Carbohydrate Intake:
    • High altitudes require more carbohydrates for energy.
    • Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole oats and quinoa for sustained energy.
  3. Incorporate Beet Juice:
    • Beet juice contains nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide, promoting vasodilation and enhancing oxygen delivery. However, it may not be suitable for individuals prone to kidney stones.
  4. Oxygenation:
    • Supplemental oxygen can alleviate altitude-related symptoms but only in emergency and descent immediately.
    • Oxygen supplementation systems, like Altitude Control Technology (ACT), simulate lower altitudes indoors, providing relief without the discomfort of traditional methods.

While descending to lower altitudes remains the most effective solution for altitude sickness, these natural remedies and prevention strategies offer relief and aid acclimatization, enabling individuals to enjoy high-altitude environments with minimal discomfort.

Contact the Experts

Are There Alternatives to Taking Diamox at High Altitude? yes, and our itineraries give you better acclimatization so you are not reliant on anything other than natural adaption to the lack of oxygen. We have been leading high quality treks and tours around the world with great success. Get in touch today and learn from our experience and how to fully prepare for your next high altitude adventure.

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