Nutritional strategy for exercising in high altitudes

• Autor(a) principal: BUSS, Caroline
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Reischak de OLIVEIRA, Álvaro
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista de Nutrição
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.puc-campinas.edu.br/nutricao/article/view/9798
• topic: altitude; exercise; sports nutrition; food planning; altitude; exercício; nutrição esportiva; planejamento alimentar

When athletes are subject to high altitudes, they are exposed to a lower barometric pressure and the physiological effects that accompany these atmospheric pressure changes can have a strong influence on their bodies and performance. Hypoxia is thought to be responsible for triggering a cascade of signaling events that eventually leads to altitude acclimatization. Acute exposure to hypoxia causes sleepiness, mental and muscle fatigue and prostration. Headache, nausea and anorexia are some of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness which may occur in the first days of high altitude sojourn. An adequate nutritional strategy is essential to protect the body from any additional stress. The aim of this paper was to present the main effects of altitude on the human body and physical performance; to discuss and/or suggest nutritional recommendations for thissituation; and, if possible, to present practical nutritional guidelines for athletes in high altitudes. Some of themain conclusions found were: energy intake must be increased; it is essential to monitor fluid intake and tochoose palatable energy and nutrient-dense foods. It is recommended to work with a sports dietitian inadvance, so that an individual nutrition plan can be made and put into practice even before being exposed tohigh altitudes.