3 Tips To Prevent Quito Altitude Sickness

Quito Altitude Sickness

Have you ever wondered if altitude sickness exists in Quito, Ecuador? You're not alone. The truth is, Quito's high elevation can cause serious harm to your body when you first arrive. We'll cover more about Quito altitude and 3 tips to prevent Quito altitude sickness.

Quito Altitude 

Quito, Ecuador is located in the Andes Mountains at 9,350′ feet (2,850 meters).  For reference, Denver CO is 5,280 feet above sea level and Flagstaff AZ is 6,909 feet above sea level.

Quito is a city of exceptional beauty, and is considered the second highest capital city in the world. The city's location at this high altitude makes it a popular tourist destination for visitors from other parts of Ecuador and from many other countries worldwide.

Does Quito Give You Altitude Sickness?

Many visitors wonder does Quito give you altitude sickness? Yes, many people can expect to experience some altitude sickness.

The air is thin at this elevation of 9,350′ feet. The high altitude and low oxygen levels of Quito can leave you feeling exhausted and lightheaded at the very least. But the effects of altitude sickness can be even more severe, including:

Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), generally occurs within 24 hours of arriving at high altitudes and can last for many days. Symptoms may include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • malaise
  • loss of appetite
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble sleeping

It is still important to be aware of the symptoms of Quito altitude sickness and take precautions that we discuss below on how to avoid them.

Do You Need Altitude Sickness Tablets For Quito?

We highly recommend taking homeopathic altitude sickness prevention such as altitude sickness tablets when visiting Quito. Products like our Zaca chewable tablets help fuel your body with nutrients to help fight the stressors on the body from high altitude. You can take Zaca chewable tablets days before arriving and then every day on your trip.

3 Tips To Prevent Quito Altitude Sickness

If you’re not used to such high elevations, you may end up ill with altitude sickness that ruins your trip. This is why we’ve compiled this list of 3 tips for preventing Quito altitude sickness.

Here are three ways to prevent Quito altitude sickness:

1. Stay Hydrated

Although it may seem obvious, drink lots of water! The more water you drink before you reach the high elevations of Quito, the less likely it will be that you'll feel sick when you arrive.

High altitude conditions tend to be very dry and lead to higher rates of respiration in your body. As a recipe for causing dehydration, drinking water throughout your trip is utmost important. Staying hydrated may help prevent any number of health conditions associated with high altitudes including headaches and dizziness.

Avoid alcohol as much as possible during your first day stay in Quito. Even if you do not feel any symptoms of altitude sickness yet alcohol can make things worse by increasing your dehydration levels even more so avoid it at all costs!

TIP: To enhance water absorption and increase electrolyte intake, take Zaca's chewable electrolyte tablets.


2. Take It Easy & Acclimate

Your body needs time to adjust to high altitudes, especially at altitudes as high as Quito at 9,350′ feet with much lower oxygen levels. You will feel better if you take it easy during this period of acclimation.

The higher the elevation, the more important it is to take it easy. If you live at sea level, you may want to spend a night or two in Quito before you start hiking, exploring the mountains, or doing any strenuous activity.

Once your body has adjusted a bit, you'll begin to feel better and more energetic at this higher elevation. However, if you continue to exert yourself too much after the acclimation period, your body may not be able to handle it and you could get sick again.


3. Take Altitude Adjustment Supplement

Lastly, but maybe most effective, take an altitude adjustment supplement. This will help fuel your body with herbs for altitude adjustment to acclimatize much easier and faster.

In our research we've found that two herbs and amino acids, Glutathione and DHM, are key for altitude shown by scientific studies. These two altitude ingredients are:

  • Glutathione - Considered the body's master antioxidant, this amino acid is shown in a study to deplete up to 45% due to high altitude.¹ Supplementing Glutathione can help replenish levels and as an antioxidant assist in fighting the free radical damage from high altitude conditions.
  • DHM - As a flavonoid extracted from Hovenia Dulcis, DHM is shown in research to improve high altitude performance.² By increasing mitochondrial respiration activity in the body, DHM is a vital herb to supplement at high altitudes.
The synergistic effects of Glutathione and DHM are a powerful combo in an altitude adjustment supplement.


Top Choice For Altitude Trips

Altitude Sickness Tablets For Quito
Formulated with both altitude-recognized ingredients Glutathione and DHM, Zaca chewables are a top choice for altitude trips and long flights. These fast-acting chewable tablets provide your body with the herbs, antioxidants and nutrients needed by those who travel to high altitudes. Take Zaca a few days leading up to your trip, and then each day on your visit. Try Zaca chewable tablets today and feel better faster at high altitudes.







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