We humans need Oxygen in air to survive. Oxygen is absorbed from air in the Lungs and then it is mixed in the blood to be used by the body for energy and survival.
As we go higher in altitude from1500 - 3500 m (5000 - 11500 ft) or higher the oxygen in the air reduces significantly and the body has to adapt to this phenomenon. the adaptation or acclimatization process takes time from days to weeks. During acclimatization the body adapts in many ways. The Lungs, Blood, metabolism and other organs undergo adaptation. Muscle adapts by using all types of Fibers and using glucose as alternative to oxygen for fuel. increase in glucose and carbohydrate food is beneficial at high altitude. Changes are seen in basal metabolic rate.
Red blood cells increase significantly helping to increase oxygen carrying capacity of blood as a compensatory phenomenon to low oxygen content and pressure.
Gradual acclimatization over 4 to 6 days for altitudes from 10000feet to 20000feet helped us to bear the altitude gain safely and we could enjoy all the benfits of the training process!
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