**Taos Air: Altitude Stealing Summer Electrolytes?**
By Franklin Everett ShawForget those “beach body ready” ads. The real challenge? Preparing your body for a rapid ascent from sea level to the rarefied air of Taos, New Mexico, or Telluride, Colorado, especially when you’re an active adult flying in on Taos Air. It’s not just about packing your skis; it’s about understanding how your body reacts to altitude and proactively managing your electrolytes.
The problem is this: a quick flight from, say, Houston, Texas (elevation: 80 feet) to Taos (elevation: 6,969 feet) or Telluride (elevation: 8,750 feet) throws your body into a state of shock. The lower oxygen levels trigger a cascade of physiological changes, including increased respiration and heart rate. This, in turn, leads to increased fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances.
Why electrolytes? They’re crucial for nerve and muscle function, hydration, and maintaining proper blood pH. Altitude exacerbates electrolyte loss through increased urination and sweating, even in cooler temperatures. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are the key players here.
So, how do you, the savvy active adult, conquer this challenge? It’s a three-pronged approach: pre-trip preparation, in-flight management, and on-location replenishment.
Pre-Trip Hydration and Electrolyte Loading (Starting 3 Days Before Departure):
This isn’t just about chugging water. It’s about strategic hydration with electrolyte-rich solutions.
- DIY Electrolyte Drink: Mix 1 liter of water with ¼ teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt (sodium and trace minerals), ½ teaspoon of potassium chloride (Nu-Salt or similar), and ½ teaspoon of magnesium citrate powder. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for taste and vitamin C. Sip this throughout the day, in addition to your regular water intake.
- Coconut Water: A natural source of potassium and electrolytes. Choose unsweetened varieties.
- Bone Broth: Rich in sodium, potassium, and collagen, which aids in hydration.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These are diuretics and will dehydrate you further.
In-Flight Electrolyte Management (The Taos Air Advantage):
Taos Air’s smaller planes and direct flights mean a quicker ascent, intensifying the altitude’s effects.
- Pack TSA-Friendly Electrolyte Solutions: Empty electrolyte powder packets or tablets are your best bet. You can add them to water after you pass through security.
- Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security. Aim to drink at least 1 liter of water during the flight, supplemented with your electrolyte mix.
- Salty Snacks: Pack trail mix with salted nuts, pretzels, or even some beef jerky. The sodium will help retain fluids.
- Avoid Alcohol (Again!): The complimentary wine might be tempting, but it will worsen dehydration and altitude sickness.
On-Location Replenishment (Taos and Telluride Resources):
You’ve arrived! Now, maintain your electrolyte balance.
- Local Grocery Stores: Both Taos and Telluride have well-stocked grocery stores (Smith’s in Taos, Clark’s Market in Telluride) where you can find electrolyte powders, sports drinks, and coconut water.
- Pharmacies: Walgreens in Taos and pharmacies in Telluride carry electrolyte replacement solutions like Pedialyte and electrolyte tablets.
- Restaurants: Opt for soups and broths, which are naturally high in sodium and other electrolytes.
- Altitude Sickness Remedies: Consider talking to your doctor about prescription medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) to help your body adjust to the altitude. Start taking it a day or two before your trip, as directed by your physician.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:
- Ignoring Early Symptoms: Headache, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness are all signs of altitude sickness and electrolyte imbalance. Don’t push through it. Rest, hydrate, and replenish electrolytes.
- Overexertion: Take it easy on your first day. Avoid strenuous activities until you’ve acclimatized.
- Relying Solely on Water: Water alone won’t replenish lost electrolytes. You need sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Forgetting Magnesium: Magnesium is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for muscle function and energy production. Supplement with magnesium citrate or glycinate.
- Not Consulting Your Doctor: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, talk to your doctor before traveling to high altitude.
A Customizable Packing Checklist:
- [ ] Empty water bottle
- [ ] Electrolyte powder packets or tablets (enough for the flight and first day)
- [ ] Salty snacks (trail mix, pretzels, beef jerky)
- [ ] Magnesium supplement
- [ ] Acetazolamide (Diamox) prescription (if prescribed by your doctor)
- [ ] Rehydration plan printed out
Real-World Scenario:
Imagine you’re a 65-year-old active adult from Miami, Florida, flying to Taos for a ski trip. You’ve followed the pre-trip hydration protocol, packed your electrolyte solutions, and avoided alcohol on the flight. However, upon arrival, you experience a mild headache and fatigue. Instead of pushing through it and hitting the slopes immediately, you check into your hotel, drink a liter of electrolyte-rich water, and take a short nap. The next day, you feel much better and are ready to enjoy your ski vacation.
The Takeaway:
Don’t let altitude sickness and electrolyte imbalances ruin your Taos or Telluride adventure. By proactively managing your hydration and electrolytes, you can minimize the effects of rapid altitude changes and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Remember, preparation is key. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience in the mountains.