Acclimatization : Adapting to Environmental Changes for Survival
Acclimatization is the process of temporary adjustment of an organism to changes in its environment, such as alterations in altitude, temperature, humidity, etc. This allows it to maintain fitness and adaptability in a variety of environmental conditions.
At high altitudes we face a lack of oxygen due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure, so acclimatization is a biological process of producing more red blood cells and increasing the flow of oxygen in the blood, which makes it possible to normalize the heart rate.
Ignoring Acclimatization can lead to certain medical conditions, such as ( Acute mountain sickness)
The further enhancement of the AMS can cause HAPE( High altitude pulmonary edema )
And HACE ( High altitude cerebral edema )
Always try to ascend Gradually, going slow prevents exhaustion and allows your body to gradually Acclimatize
In the mountains, it is cold so trekkers don’t prefer to drink plenty of water
It is necessary to drink a minimum of 4 liters of water every day
You can take fluids in the form of hot soup, tea, or in the form of other beverages as well
Always try to eat a balanced and Nutritious diet and avoid more spicy and oily food
Wear clothes suitable for the new environment. In the cold, layer up your clothing to keep you warm, and wear light and breathable clothing for a sunny day
Try to change your clothes after reaching to next camp
Ascend to a higher altitude during the day and then descend to a lower altitude to spend the night. This method allows your body to experience the thinner air at higher elevations while still getting a chance to recover and adjust during the nighttime
Never try to sleep during the day in the mountains, if you sleep during the day then you will definitely have bad sleep at midnight.
Always try to avoid smoking and drinking in the mountains it can depress your respiratory drive and increase the risk of AMS
If you are facing this mild then your body is telling you don’t gain more elevation, your body needs more time to function. If you keep gaining elevation then it turns into AMS
Staying well hydrated can reduce the effects of AMS
If the symptoms show no signs of abating, then start descending
Some medications, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), can help you to prevent and reduce the symptoms of AMS. However, these should be taken under the guidance of a medical professional
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