Denver Hangovers: Altitude Stealing Gummy Saves?
By Franklin Everett ShawEver walked around downtown Denver, feeling strangely off after a few hours, even though you weren’t hitting the breweries too hard? It’s not just you. Denver’s mile-high elevation can sneak up and deliver a unique kind of hangover, even without excessive drinking.
The question is, can those trendy “altitude stealing” gummies really save you? Let’s dive into the science, separate fact from fiction, and explore what actually works to combat altitude-induced hangovers in the Mile High City.
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the villain here. It occurs because at higher altitudes, the air is “thinner,” meaning there’s less oxygen available. Denver sits at 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level, a height where many people start to experience the effects of lower oxygen levels.
This lack of oxygen triggers a cascade of physiological responses. Your body tries to compensate by breathing faster and increasing your heart rate. This can lead to symptoms like headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping – all strikingly similar to a regular hangover.
Dehydration is also a major factor. The air in Denver is typically drier than at lower altitudes, and you lose more fluids through respiration at higher elevations. This dehydration exacerbates the symptoms of altitude sickness and contributes to that hangover feeling.
Now, let’s examine those “altitude stealing” gummies. They typically contain a blend of ingredients marketed to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms. Common ingredients include electrolytes, dihydromyricetin (DHM), ginger, and vitamins.
Electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, are crucial for maintaining fluid balance. They can help combat dehydration, a key contributor to altitude sickness. However, you can easily replenish electrolytes through sports drinks, electrolyte tablets, or even just by adding a pinch of salt to your water.
DHM is an extract from the Japanese raisin tree. It’s often touted for its ability to reduce hangover symptoms by accelerating alcohol metabolism. While some studies suggest DHM may have benefits in reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms in animals, the evidence for its effectiveness in preventing or treating altitude sickness-related hangovers is limited and inconclusive.
Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea. It can help settle your stomach if you’re feeling queasy due to altitude sickness. However, ginger primarily addresses the symptom of nausea and doesn’t tackle the underlying cause of oxygen deprivation.
Vitamins, such as B vitamins, are often included in these gummies. While B vitamins are essential for overall health, there’s no strong scientific evidence to suggest they directly prevent or alleviate altitude sickness.
So, do these gummies “steal” altitude sickness? The short answer is no. While some ingredients may offer mild symptom relief, they don’t address the fundamental problem of lower oxygen levels. They’re more like a band-aid than a cure.
The real key to preventing altitude-induced hangovers in Denver lies in acclimatization and proper hydration. Acclimatization is the process of allowing your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes.
If you’re visiting Denver from a lower altitude, give yourself time to adjust. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours. Take it easy on your first day, and gradually increase your activity level as you acclimatize.
Hydration is paramount. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in the days leading up to and during your time in Denver. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can worsen dehydration.
Consider spending a night in a lower-altitude city like Colorado Springs (around 6,000 feet) before heading to Denver. This can help your body begin the acclimatization process.
For more severe cases of altitude sickness, consider consulting a doctor about prescription medications like acetazolamide (Diamox). This medication can help your body acclimatize faster by increasing your breathing rate and helping you excrete bicarbonate, which makes your blood more acidic and stimulates breathing.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude if possible. Even a few hundred feet can make a significant difference.
Denver also offers resources for altitude sickness relief. Several clinics and mobile services provide oxygen therapy, which can quickly alleviate symptoms by increasing the oxygen levels in your blood.
- The Altitude Clinic in Denver offers oxygen therapy and other treatments for altitude sickness.
- Mobile IV therapy services, like Hydrate IV Bar, can deliver fluids and electrolytes directly into your bloodstream for rapid rehydration.
Common mistakes people make when trying to prevent altitude sickness include:
- Overexerting themselves too quickly upon arrival.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Consuming excessive alcohol or caffeine.
- Relying solely on unproven remedies like “altitude stealing” gummies.
To overcome these challenges, plan ahead, prioritize hydration, pace yourself, and seek medical advice if needed. Don’t fall for marketing hype; focus on evidence-based strategies.
In conclusion, while “altitude stealing” gummies might offer some minor relief from specific symptoms, they are not a magic bullet for preventing altitude-induced hangovers in Denver. The most effective strategies involve acclimatization, proper hydration, and, if necessary, medical intervention. So, skip the gimmicks, drink your water, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains responsibly.