Adjusting to the Altitude change

Adjusting from a low-altitude locale to the higher altitude of Salt Lake City (4,000+ feet/1000+ meters) may cause some visitors to exhibit some mildly uncomfortable symptoms like these:

headaches
dehydration
body aches
(“flu”-like symptoms in the muscles and joints)

How can you adjust comfortably to the higher altitude and avoid or diminish these kinds of symptoms?

First and foremost: Drink plenty of water! Utah’s water—right from the faucet—is clean, pure, healthy, and delightful. You’ll enjoy drinking LOTS of Utah water!

Keeping your body hydrated is very important because high altitudes can dehydrate your system. This can be further complicated in arid regions like Utah. AND “jet-lag” can make matters worse! Water assists your body in flushing toxins, which is critical because altitude affects the body’s ability to dispose of carbon dioxide through
breathing. Keep drinking water. Remember that if you feel thirsty, you have waited too long to drink.

If possible, on the first day you arrive, REST—and avoid strenuous exercise—to give your body time to adjust. Small and frequent meals of protein and complex carbohydrates can help keep symptoms to a minimum. Drink water BEFORE you feel thirsty!

At the higher altitude, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and simple carbohydrates like sugar. Instead, drink plenty of water. You should also avoid heavy meals and smoking. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and simple carbohydrates affect your body’s ability to metabolize, and can bring more symptoms or make them worse. Remember, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can remain in your system for some time and should be avoided even 48 hours before traveling to a higher altitude.

Oh yes, and did we say, “DRINK LOTS OF WATER!”?