High Altitude Hike

Dear Dr. Meletis,

I am planning to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro (elevation 19,400 ft) in September.

Through my research and personal testimonies, the drug Diamox® greatly helps to prevent altitude sickness. I believe it is an off label use. I am allergic to Sulfa drugs and will be unable to use Diamox. Are there any supplements that you could recommend to help with preventing altitude sickness? I am 64 years old, in excellent health and my only medication is for hypothyroidism. Thank You.

Ms. W.

Dear Ms. W.,

Wow, what a great adventure. As you know, there are a few crucial limiting issues with altitude including sustaining oxygen and hydration levels. When I help my patients pursue high altitude athletic endeavors, my focus is to ensure that from a cardiac perspective they are up to the challenge. So, getting baseline cardiac work done is prudent, including either a stress EKG or ECHO. From a metabolic perspective, supporting performance with CoQ10-H2™, D-Ribose, Magnesium (Opti-Mag) and B Complex (Extension B-Plex) are also foundational. I also look at circulatory viscosity (blood thinness) and often incorporate Ginkgo as well.

Also, all my patients get a simple CBC with differential to measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin and MCV. This test looks at iron levels within the red blood cells that bind onto oxygen, the iron content and concentration of the blood and also the size of the red blood cells. I have my patients optimize their RBCs to a size of 90 (range 80-100), and relative to gender parameters try to get hemoglobin and hematocrit at the top 75 percent of the range for such ventures.

To support lung health, I focus on LipoCeutical™ Glutathione and also N-Acetyl Cysteine 3 to 6 months prior to the period of high altitude. On a side note, I always ensure that my patients do not have any underlying sleep de-oxygenation or apnea issues as such circumstances that occur at low altitudes are potential time bombs at extreme altitude.

Thank you for the excellent and very interesting question. I currently have a patient preparing for his 50th birthday present for himself that includes a 100-mile run at 11,000 feet; so I appreciate your pending need to prepare for such a lifetime adventure.

Working with a specialist in high altitude training is a given.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND