COMMENTARY

High-altitude sports and activities include alpine or cross-country skiing, mountain climbing and hiking, and/or living and exercising in high altitude regions (5,000 feet or more above sea level). High altitude activities have increased dramatically over the past decade. Some biochemical adaptations occur. Red blood cells become larger at higher altitudes, requiring more iron to create their increased supply of hemoglobin molecules. In the rarefied atmosphere of high altitudes, the “thin” air will exhaust muscles that are not conserving oxygen and utilizing it efficiently. Carbon dioxide will build up in the blood. Special fractions of the vitamin E complex (E2) are oxygen-conserving. Oxygen starvation will result in fatigue, cramping, and buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissue.

The special dietary needs of sports and activities at this level have been recognized by expeditions throughout the world. Adrenal exhaustion from physical exertion at high altitudes can result in low blood pressure and faintness or light-headedness. Angina pectoris risk is increased at high altitudes. Foods rich in vitamin C complex (raw fruits), sodium and potassium (green vegetables, sea salt, and molasses [which also has iron], and essential amino acids (complete proteins, such as fish or poultry) should be emphasized. Typically, high-altitude sports are engaged in for longer periods than other sports. Slow and long-burning complex carbohydrates (whole grains, such as brown rice, millet, and buckwheat) provide sustained energy release, while fresh fruit that has a low glycemic index (cherries, plums, apples, and peaches) will provide quicker blood sugar fuel that will not cause a hypoglycemic reaction if accompanied by adequate protein.

Dehydration and exposure to ultraviolet radiation are also special risk factors at high altitudes. Pure water should be regularly consumed. Sunscreens and a hat should be standard equipment. To prevent hypervitaminosis D (excessive vitamin D) resulting from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, use CATAPLEX F (polyunsaturated essential fatty acids) to ionize blood calcium, which causes the calcium to move from the blood into the tissue. Hypervitaminosis D is marked by elevated blood calcium levels and tissue calcium starvation. Additional ionizable calcium (CALCIUM LACTATE) may be required.

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

High Altitude Sports

PROTOCOL

OBJECTIVES: To strengthen heart muscle, improve oxygen efficiency, increase endurance, prevent cramps and “Charlie horse (s)”. Best to begin these one week before your outing.

1. CATAPLEX E2 (3-9 per day; use higher amount during venture): oxygen-conserving factor for the blood stream.

2. FERROFOOD (3 per day): organic iron for red blood and hemoglobin maintenance. Increases oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

3. DRENAMIN (3-9 per day;  use higher amount during venture): Provides adrenal support, for energy and to combat light-headedness. Contains adrenal PMG, vitamin C and B complexes.

4. WHEAT GERM OIL PERLES (3-6 per day): Contains octacosanol for endurance and the vitamin E complex for strength.

5. CARDIOTROPHIN PMG or MYOTROPHIN PMG (3 per day): Heart/muscle PMG for specific support.