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Rocky Mountain high means drink more — water

by Mike Soraghan - 08/22/08 2:09 PM ET

There are lots of ways to have a good time in Denver, and many of them include alcohol and exercise. But those can also be two things that make you sick, particularly if you head up into the mountains.

Denver really is a mile high. On the steps of the state Capitol, you’ll find the marker showing the exact place that is 5,280 feet above sea level.

But that means the air is thinner and drier than in Washington. And that means you need to drink more water while you’re in Denver so you don’t get dehydrated. Dr. Ben Honigman, director of the Altitude Research Center at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine recommends drinking an extra 24 to 32 ounces of water every day.

Soda, even caffeine-free soda (they call it “pop” there), does not count. The Altitude Research Center is distributing thousands of water bottles with tips on how to stay comfortable in Denver.

Honigman would suggest avoiding alcohol, or at least minimizing consumption. But since alcohol is a diuretic (it makes you urinate), you will need to drink even more water.

He said it’s an urban myth that the effect of alcohol is enhanced at 8,000 to 10,000 feet. It’s really just that the hangover can be worse because you’re even more dehydrated.

“In this climate you tend to get dehydrated,” he said. “So there’s a tendency to feel the hangover more.”

Some of the more severe effects of high altitude, like headaches and sleeplessness, aren’t likely to kick in until you get to mountain altitudes. In fact, altitude experts recommend stopping in Denver on the way to the mountains to acclimate to conditions, particularly if you’re flying to your destination. About one in four people will feel the effects of high altitude in the mountains.

But even in Denver, some shortness of breath is to be expected. If you have an exercise routine, you will be more winded by it. People with heart or lung conditions in particular should take it easy for the first day or two.