Whether an avid climber or a vacationer, you may be seeking a natural alternative to Diamox as altitude sickness poses a significant challenge when visiting high-altitude regions. As a Colorado based company with years of experience, we'll share with you the top six natural alternatives to Diamox and other top tips.
Diamox, also known as Acetazolamide, is a prescription medication for various usages including altitude sickness being one of the more common ones.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) works for altitude sickness by stimulating ventilation and increasing oxygenation in the body. The CDC notes that acetazolamide can also minimize sleep apnea (periodic breathing) that is common in high altitudes and can worsen altitude sickness.
The downside is there are many potential side effect risks including liver injury, lowering red blood cell count, irregular heartbeat, allergic reactions, and kidney stones to name a few. For these reasons people may seek out a natural alternative to Diamox.
While Diamox is effective, some individuals prefer natural remedies due to personal preferences or potential side effects.
A natural alternative to Diamox is not a drug, but can provide support for you body during high altitude trips. (Natural alternatives can't cure, prevent, treat or mitigate any disease.)
Keep reading to find five natural alternatives to Diamox based on the research available.
The main reason some opt to not take Diamox is due to the side effect risks.
The upside of taking Diamox is very promising, to help altitude sickness. Although with the downside risks, some look to a natural alternative to Diamox. Some side effects can be minor, however can actually be similar to symptoms of altitude sickness including headache and fatigue.
Diamox potential side effects (according to Cleveland Clinic):
These conclude the potential side effects, but not to be taken as advice or recommendation. You should consult a doctor or medical professional.
While there is no replacement for a drug or medicine, there's plenty of natural alternatives to acetazolamide (Diamox) that can support the body in high altitudes.
Read more about the top six remedies below — which include CBD, tea, essential oils, supplemental oxygen, coca leaves, and antioxidants.
These natural alternatives to acetazolamide won't cure, treat, prevent, or mitigate symptoms or diseases — rather can fuel the body with nutrients that are helpful in high elevation conditions.
For mountain climbers, vacationers, and skiers — a natural alternative to Diamox is commonly sought out.
With years of high-altitude experience as a company based in Colorado, we'll share with you various natural remedies that are science-backed including including CBD, tea, essential oils, supplemental oxygen, coca leaves, and antioxidants.
6 Natural Alternatives To Diamox:
Each of these six remedies or in combination can be a natural alternative To Diamox — including CBD, tea, essential oils, supplemental oxygen, coca leaves, and antioxidants.
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SOURCES:
1. Diamox — High Altitude Travel
https://healthcenter.indiana.edu/health-answers/travel/diamox.html
2. Acetazolamide Oral Tablets
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18976-acetazolamide-oral-tablets
3. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
4. Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8459575/
5. The Effect Of Drinking Black Tea At High Altitude On Hydration Status And Mood
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14872247/
6. Peppermint Oil
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
7. The effects of peppermint on exercise performance
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236069688_The_effects_of_peppermint_on_exercise_performance
8. High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness - Acetazolamide
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/high-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness
9. Supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric treatment at high altitude: cardiac and respiratory response
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17571664/
10. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
11. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
12. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
