dr. sandman Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 Has anyone had any experience using Ginkgo Biloba to prevent AMS? I know Diamox (acetazolamide) is well established and effective, just looking for an alternative w/ less side effects. Check out www.liebreich.com/LDC/HTML/Climbing/Ginko_Biloba.html for the info I could find on Ginkgo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allee Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 I used it in Peru to 13000 ft with no problems, as did most of the group I was with. Only problems were some random tingly fingers and toes, nothing to really worry about. I don't know about the ginkgo though. The other thing that apparently works brilliantly (and don't laugh) is Viagra. Apparently it does the same thing for the brain as it does for other ahem, parts, and works very well. But I haven't tried that ... and Diamox is way cheaper (or was in Peru - about $2 USD a tablet). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-Sub Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 when I used to drive to mammoth from SoCal Id get fairly sick almost every time. "moderate" with headache, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite...all mild or slightly worse...went away after a few days until I started gettin older. then last year I tried CoQ10 combined with Kava or Valerian for sleep and ginger for nausea... that trip I was there 4 nights, and slept almost straight through all of them. was able to eat almost without a hitch, and felt like I had a little more breathing ease than usual. the combination seemed to work! never tried gingko though. Ill give it a shot! here in Bend, at 3000 feet or so...doesnt bother me, and then the hill is at 6-9000 feet and I only get mildly winded and slight headaches so no big deal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest k-mog Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 I've had favorable results with Ginko to 13,000 feet. It seems to work best when taken starting about 3 weeks before you are at altitude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ethanpt Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 I have used diamox a couple of times. worked amazing. I had no significant side effects Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Dahl Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 apparently viagra traps nitric oxide gas in the bloodstream as its method of operation. L-arginine creates/releases the same gas into the bloodstream w/o the related viagra side effects. L-arginine works for high blood pressure by thinning the blood, also creates (apparently) the same kind of "other" benefits also. POSSIBLY L-arginine may have the same high altitude benifit, only much cheaper and w/o the potentialy deadly side effects of viagra. Am considering L-arginine for my marginally high blood pressure myself, but do not know if it will help at altitude, but if it did, it would be a welcome addition to the climbing kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr. sandman Posted March 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 The other thing that apparently works brilliantly (and don't laugh) is Viagra. Apparently it does the same thing for the brain as it does for other ahem, parts, and works very well. But I haven't tried that ... and Diamox is way cheaper (or was in Peru - about $2 USD a tablet). This was mentioned in the linked article above,...a pricey way to go, but it would give just the opposite of one of Diamox's side effects (temporary impotence!). Sounds like the Diamox is better tolerated than I would have expected. W/ insurance it's $10 for #100 generic vs. about $20 OTC for the Ginkgo. I think I'll take if for a few days now (trip in 2 wks) to see if the side effects are tolerable. Wife is more pro-neutriceutical and less in favor of pharmaceutical so maybe she'll try the ginkgo. Thanks all for the good info! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allee Posted March 21, 2005 Report Share Posted March 21, 2005 Jon, watch the arginine - I read somewhere when I was bodybuilding (it's a very popular bodybuilding supplement as it's a BCAA) that it can depress the immune system, and it's really bad for promoting coldsore attacks. So might not be a great long term supplement ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgsurf Posted March 22, 2005 Report Share Posted March 22, 2005 Check out this all natural supplement that my wife and I use every time we head up from sea level to Mammoth: www.altitude-adjustment.com It works for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil sunday Posted March 22, 2005 Report Share Posted March 22, 2005 i've used Ginko for three weeks prior to travelling to any altitude above 9,000 ft with excellent sucess. (2) 40mg tablets in the morning and (2) 40mg tablets in the evening. just make sure to ride or train for whatever you will be doing at altitiude at your current heigth, so you can make any adjustments. with me the only side effect i experienced was a slight "heady" feeling the first two times i've used it, and a little weird taste in my mouth when i'd take the pills. it prevented altitude sickeness, along with taking care of yourself at altitude.. minimize the alcohol intake, and i slow all my movements down a bit (i.e. walking, stairs, lifting) these things seem to keep the energy for when you need it. even if it's just for the mental "piece of mind" i'd do it. then there's no second guessing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.