3 Ways To Prevent Taos Altitude Sickness - Zaca

3 Ways To Prevent Taos Altitude Sickness

Taos Altitude Sickness

If you're planning a trip to the Taos Ski Valley, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, or other adventures in Taos New Mexico, Taos altitude sickness can take you by surprise. That's why we're here to tell you about 3 ways you can prevent Taos altitude sickness — and make your trip a picture-perfect memory!

Taos Altitude

Taos sits at an elevation of 6,969 feet above sea level. This is higher than Denver, Colorado (5,280 feet) and about 1/4th of the way to Everest Base Camp (29,032 feet). Most people who visit here for the first time experience some symptoms of Taos altitude sickness. 

Taos, New Mexico is one of the most beautiful destinations in New Mexico. It's a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty, art and history.

Whether visiting the town of Taos, or enjoy the outdoors from hiking and rafting to skiing and snowboarding, there's something for everyone. Although if hiking such as at the highest mountain of Wheeler Peak, keep in mind the altitudes get as high as 13,161 feet.

If you don't take precautions before coming to Taos, it's highly possible that you'll experience altitude sickness. Below we'll give you the best ways to prevent Taos altitude sickness.

Taos Ski Valley Altitude

Taos Ski Valley is a world-class ski resort located at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, with a base elevation of 9,200 feet and summit elevation of 12,481 feet. 

Whether visiting Taos Ski Valley to ski or even a summer vacation at it's many popular resorts such as The Blake, it's only a half an hour drive from Taos. Opened in 1955, it's one of the biggest ski resorts in all of New Mexico, rivaling ones even in Colorado.

Taos Ski Valley altitude is very high if coming from sea level, and poses a high risk of altitude sickness.

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness, is a group of conditions that occur when you go to a higher altitude. The lower oxygen levels at higher elevations can cause your body a lot of physiological stress.

Due to this low oxygen stress on the body, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness which include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • vomiting
  • difficulty sleeping

If you observe any of these symptoms while in Taos, you'll want to read below on our prevention tips.

3 Ways To Prevent Taos Altitude Sickness

Taos is a beautiful place, but the high altitude can be tough on most people. The good news is that you can take steps before your trip to prevent Taos altitude sickness.

Here are 3 ways to prevent Taos altitude sickness:

1. Take It Easy & Acclimate

Don't rush into things when you get to Taos — take it easy and allow your body to acclimate! The elevation is high enough that even a few days of being there can cause problems for your body if you're not used to it.

Don't climb any mountains, ski, or go hiking right away. Just relax and enjoy yourself as much as possible without exerting yourself too much physically during the first 24-48 hours after arriving in Taos.

If you're planning to ski or vacation at Taos Ski Valley, you should spend a night in Taos first. Ascending slowly can help the body better acclimate before arriving at 9,200 feet.

Getting a good nights sleep is also utmost important. If after two days you observe no altitude sickness symptoms, you're safe to start exerting more energy and adventuring out to do activities. 

2. Drink Plenty Of water

Drink lots of water while in Taos — even if you don't feel thirsty! Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue, which can lead to serious problems especially at high elevations.

The air is dryer and thinner at high altitudes, so you'll need more water than usual to stay hydrated. Therefore, dehydration can become a main culprit of Taos altitude sickness.

Also avoid alcohol or minimize it on your few days, which can lead to increase loss of fluids and dehydration.

TIP: Take our Zaca hydration tablets to help maximize water absorption and enhance electrolyte intake.

3. Take A High Altitude Supplement

One of the best ways to prevent Taos altitude sickness is by taking an altitude adjustment supplement before arriving. A high altitude supplement can help fuel your body with natural nutrients to fight altitude sickness.

In our years of research, we've found 2 herbs for altitude adjustment proven to be effective. This includes both Glutathione and DHM.

Here's 2 effective altitude adjustment herbs in supplements:

  • Glutathione
    Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight the negative effects of altitude. Glutathione was found in a study to deplete by up to 45% in high altitude conditions.¹ By supplementing this amino acid you can help replenish Glutathione levels and fight off high altitude oxidative stress.
  • DHM
    DHM (Dihydromyricetin) is a natural compound found in the plant of Japanese raisin tree. It has been shown to improve high altitude physical performance and increase mitochondrial respiration activity.² Supplementing DHM will give you body an edge at higher elevations.
Taking these two ingredients in combination can be the most effective herbal altitude sickness prevention when visiting Taos. You'll want to take an altitude supplement many days before your trip, then every day on your trip.

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High Altitude Supplement
Unlike many other altitude sickness products, Zaca chewables are easy to take, making your trip to high altitudes easier than ever before. Formulated to support your body with altitude ingredients, which include a synergistic combo of Glutathione and DHM. These chewable tablets help you feel better, faster. Try Zaca chewable tablets today and fuel your body for your next altitude trip.









SOURCES:

1. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
2. Dihydromyricetin Improves Physical Performance under Simulated High Altitude
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2014/11000/Dihydromyricetin_Improves_Physical_Performance.6.aspx