Understanding the effects of altitude on health
Greetings! I’m Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk,’ a men’s peer support initiative. Recently, I embarked on a two-week humanitarian trip to Nakuru, Kenya. This experience was both enriching and eye-opening, offering me a fresh perspective on life. Today, I want to share with you some insights from my trip, specifically focusing on how the altitude affected my physical and mental health.
The Adventure Begins
Nakuru is a beautiful city located in the Great Rift Valley, sitting at an elevation of approximately 1,754 meters (5,755 feet) above sea level. As someone who enjoys staying active and healthy, I was curious to see how this change in altitude would impact my body.
Oxygen Levels and Altitude
Back home, my oxygen saturation level is typically around 97.4%. However, during my stay in Nakuru, I noticed a significant drop to 92.8%. Why did this happen?
At higher altitudes, the air contains less oxygen. Our bodies must adjust to this reduced availability of oxygen, which can result in lower oxygen saturation levels. While a drop to 92.8% isn’t dangerously low, it indicates that my body was working harder to deliver oxygen to my tissues and organs.
Resting Heart Rate and Altitude
Another noticeable change was my resting heart rate. Normally, my resting heart rate is about 55 beats per minute (bpm). In Nakuru, it increased to 63 bpm. This increase is also linked to the altitude.
When the body senses lower oxygen levels, the heart compensates by beating faster to pump more blood and thus deliver more oxygen to the cells. This is a natural response to ensure that all parts of the body receive adequate oxygen despite the thinner air.
Impact on Physical Health
At the age of 43, I’m quite conscious of how changes in my environment can affect my health. The initial days in Nakuru were challenging. The combination of lower oxygen levels and a higher heart rate made simple activities more tiring. I experienced mild headaches and shortness of breath, which are common symptoms of altitude adjustment.
However, after a few days, my body began to acclimatize. The headaches diminished, and my energy levels improved. This process of acclimatization is the body’s way of adapting to the new conditions, making the stay more comfortable as time went on.
Impact on Mental Health
The physical symptoms of altitude adjustment were a bit daunting at first. However, the experience reinforced the importance of mental resilience. Understanding why these changes were happening helped alleviate anxiety. It was a reminder of how interconnected our physical and mental health are.
Being in Nakuru, contributing to humanitarian efforts, and witnessing the resilience of the local community had a profoundly positive effect on my mental well-being. The trip reminded me of the importance of perspective and gratitude. Despite the initial discomfort, the experience was ultimately uplifting and enriching.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to higher altitudes can have noticeable effects on both physical and mental health, particularly for those of us not used to such environments. The key is to give your body time to adjust, stay hydrated, and maintain a positive mindset. My trip to Nakuru was a powerful reminder of the body’s incredible ability to adapt and the strength that comes from understanding and accepting these changes.
At ‘For Men To Talk,’ we often discuss the importance of mental resilience and physical health. My experience in Nakuru underscored how vital it is to be mindful of both, especially in challenging situations. Whether you’re traveling, facing a new life challenge, or just going through a tough time, remember that understanding and patience are crucial in navigating these changes.
Thank you for reading, and I hope my experience sheds some light on how our bodies respond to new environments. Stay healthy, stay resilient, and keep talking.