I just returned from a fun trip to Colorado Springs, which is more than a mile above sea level at an elevation of 6,035 feet (higher in some places).
We were told to drink a lot of water leading up to & during the trip to avoid altitude sickness.
I did drink my water (which made for lots of breaks throughout the trip – lol). Fortunately did not experience any effects from the change in altitude.
Often when I travel, my ankles will swell slightly. And I always come home weighing a few pounds heavy due to water weight. I assume that has something to do with flying.
This time I did not experience any of that. And it made me wonder…
Does a higher altitude affect your water weight?
I did a quick search on Google and came up with some interesting articles on the topic. Apparently a higher altitude DOES affect your water weight, as well as other things.
For example, in this article they discuss how altitude affects your metabolism & energy expenditure. Also your appetite (lowered), water intake vs water loss, what types of foods to eat at higher altitudes to maintain your energy balance (carbs lol), etc…
“Subjects showing negative water balance by an increased diuresis in the first days of altitude exposure show a great reduction in acute mountain sickness…” source
Interestingly, I didn’t suffer from “altitude sickness” outside of getting a little more winded than usual on a walk. But by the 4th day in Colorado Springs I was able to take a nice 1-2 mile walk (in 90+ degree heat) with no problem at all.
Another article suggests that Weight Loss is easier at higher altitudes:
Research suggests that high altitudes suppress appetite and increase metabolism
“Researchers found that basal metabolism increased at high altitude, though it’s not clear why. Levels of leptin, a hormone known to suppress hunger, also increased, perhaps in response to decreased oxygen. Participants ate less, even after symptoms of altitude sickness had disappeared.” source
Several articles I read, including this one, recommended higher water intake and eating carbohydrates as a means of avoiding the common altitude symptoms. While I did make it a point to drink 2-3 glasses of water each day I was in Colorado Springs, that obviously isn’t more than I’m supposed to drink. I also stayed on my low carb diet. Two things that I assume contributed to my loss in water weight.
And fortunately, without causing me to get the “altitude sickness”. In fact, I felt fabulous while there – better than usual even.
At one point during my stay, about 48 hours into the trip, I even had to tighten my belt another notch!
All very interesting. As I said, I usually come home from a trip weighing in a few pounds heavy, which pans out on the scales after a few days. Not this time. I arrived home weighing the same as when I left! 🙂
I expect I’ll see the scales move (down) over the next few days, as flying alone does tend to cause water retention. Or in my experience anyway…
Lori Pirog says
Very interesting!
Lynn, are you aware of any individuals at the conference who did experience altitude sickness? If so what did they experience? Were they eating a more typical “western” diet with an overabundance of fat, salt, AND sugar/refined carbs?
Lynn Terry says
My stepdaughter and her family experienced it when they moved out there. My roommate at the event did as well. I’m not sure about their eating details though …
CK says
Hi Lynn – Thanks for your article – but for me it’s when I’m at sea level that I bloat and “gain” weight with water retention and I don’t know what to do about it. Can you help me at all?
Thanks!
CK
CK says
Lynn – just so you know, I eat a very low carb, veggie rich diet. I drink at least 6 glasses of water a day, do green smoothies and only eat sweets and have a couple of cocktails on weekends (Saturdays). I have been going to the west coast for years and usually stay for a couple of months at a time. It has gotten worse over time. Anyway, I can manage it?
Lynn Terry says
Hi CK π You mentioned eating “very low carb” but eat sweats and have cocktails – they are low carb / sugar free I assume? And what about your green smoothies? How are you tracking? I ask to get an idea of your usual fat/protein ratios.
I eat 20 net carbs max, 70% healthy fats minimum. I’ve found this is really helping me with water weight and fluid retention / swelling of the legs & ankles…
CK says
Thanks. Wow – that was fast! Really appreciate it.
I’m not sure what the count of carbs. I’m not sure what you mean by “70% healthy fats minimum”. But I’m not talking swelling legs and ankles, I’m talking all over – face, belly mostly.
Lynn Terry says
Maybe you have allergies to something out there? Or just bloating in general you mean – perhaps something you eat or drink out there?
I eat LCHF (20/70) which does away with the bloating and such I used to experience traveling. Here’s an explanation of how that works: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/4606/lchf-diet-explained/
Flying is known to cause bloating and water retention too. So it could just be the flight that does it to you. Make sure you drink plenty of water and don’t indulge in salty high carb/sugar snacks when traveling…