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3 Steps To Prevent Salt Lake City Altitude Sickness

Salt Lake City Altitude Sickness

Acute mountain sickness is a serious condition that can affect anyone who travels to and from high altitudes too quickly. Learn about Salt Lake City altitude sickness, and to ensure that you enjoy your trip, follow these simple three steps to prevent Salt Lake City altitude sickness.

Salt Lake City Altitude Sickness

Salt Lake City is at an altitude of 4,265 feet. This is higher than most major cities in the United States outside of places like Denver and Albuquerque. The reason Salt Lake City has such a high altitude is because it's located in the Wasatch Mountains at the western edge of the Rock Mountains.

  • Salt Lake City altitude - 4,265 ft (1,300 m)

That's one reason you could feel bad when you visit: the air is thinner and the oxygen is lower at that elevation. So can you get altitude sickness in Salt Lake City? The answer is yes.

Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, can affect anyone who travels to a higher elevation. Although most commonly altitude sickness occurs at elevations of 8000 feet, it can still occur at elevations between 3000 to 5000 feet like in Denver and Salt Lake City. While symptoms may be more more mild, there still is a high likelihood of them occurring. 

Furthermore, if you're visiting Salk Lake City to ski at its many nearby ski resorts, altitude sickness cases can be much worse. You'll want to know how to avoid altitude sickness while skiing. Within an hour you have ski destinations like Deer Valley Resort (altitude of 6,570 to 9,570 feet), Park City Valley Resort (altitude of  6,900 - 10,026 feet), and Snowbird Ski Resort (altitude of 8,100 to 11,000 feet).

Altitude sickness occurs typically within 6-24 hours of arrival when your body doesn't have enough oxygen at high altitudes. The symptoms of altitude sickness include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • fatigue
  • lack of appetite
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble breathing

If you take some precautions before traveling to Salt Lake City Utah and during your trip, then you will be able to minimize and prevent any potential risks of altitude sickness.

3 Steps To Prevent Salt Lake City Altitude Sickness

Salt Lake City Utah is known for its beautiful mountains, gorgeous scenery, and as a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter months. However, the altitude can be challenging to some visitors who are not used to it.

If you're want to know how to prevent altitude sickness naturally without doctor prescribed altitude sickness medicine like Diamox, we detail three simple steps to take.

Here are three steps to help prevent Salt Lake City altitude sickness:

1. Hydrate Yourself Very Well

High altitude conditions increase respiration and also have dry air, leading to major dehydration problems. If you want to know how to avoid altitude sickness dehydration, drinking water is the first step.

At first glance, this might seem like an obvious step. You probably know that when you're thirsty, it's time to drink water. But did you know that if you wait until you feel thirsty before taking a drink, it may already be too late? It's best to start drinking water before your body becomes dehydrated so that you can avoid the symptoms of dehydration which include headaches and nausea.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least half you body weight in ounces of water, and try to avoid alcoholic beverages as much as possible your first few days. The more alcohol in your system, the more likely it is that your body will become dehydrated because alcohol is a diuretic.

TIP: To increase your hydration, adding sea salt to your foods and water can replenish much needed electrolytes in your body. Or taking chewable electrolyte tablets made by Zaca helps increase water absorption and electrolyte intake.

2. Rest & Acclimate

Adjusting to high altitudes takes time, especially if you're coming from sea level or another lower elevation. If you're planning on spending more than one day in Salt Lake City, try to get some rest before you arrive. This will help your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels more easily to prevent altitude sickness.

If possible, spend at least one full day in Salt Lake City before going on any strenuous activities such as hiking or skiing at the higher altitude mountain destinations. A day or two in Salt Lake City is a great way to acclimate before heading to the ski resorts at 7000 to 8000 feet elevations.

While altitude sickness can cause sleep disruption, sleep is critical for altitude sickness prevention or recovery. Get ample sleep just before your trip and the first few days to allow you body time to adjust.

3. Take Supplements To Prevent Altitude Sickness

Taking supplements to prevent altitude sickness are sometimes an unknown option, while being one of the best options. Altitude supplements come in various forms such as altitude sickness tablets and high altitude pills. You typically want to take these supplements at least 24 hours before traveling to a high elevation location and continued for each day of your visit.

In our research, two ingredients have shown promising studies and results to combat altitude sickness. Here are the top two herbs for altitude adjustment:

  • Glutathione - Glutathione is shown in research to be depleted in the body as you go higher in altitude.¹ As the body's master antioxidant, this nutrient is vital to take so that you can replenish lost Glutathione and fight free radical damage from lower oxygen levels.
  • Dihydromyricetin (DHM) - As an Hovenia Dulcis extract, DHM is a flavonoid proven to enhance high altitude performance. It also improved mitochondrial respiration activity.² Whether travelers or athletes, DHM shows evidence to be a vital supplement for altitude sickness.
    These two herbs for altitude adjustment, Glutathione and Dihydromyricetin, in combination have synergistic benefits to help prevent Salt Lake City altitude sickness and better your vacation experience.

    Top Altitude Supplements

    altitude supplements
    Zaca chewables are great for high altitude journeys as a natural and safe way to feel better faster. Formulated with both Glutathione and DHM, these chewable tablets can help increase recovery, improve endurance, and lower fatigue. Increasing in popularity throughout Utah and Colorado, Zaca is a top choice among altitude supplements. Try Zaca chewable tablets today and enjoy your travels without worry.

     





     

    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
    3. Salt Lake City Elevation
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Lake_City




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