A DECALOGUE to PREVENT SOROCHE, the ANDEAN ALTITUDE SICKNESS

01. Progressive approach to high altitude, with regular stops of adaptation, particularly sleeping at intermediate elevations.

02. Arriving by air from sea level to high altitude, one must avoid, since the beginning of the journey, to take heavy and/or abundant meals, carbonated drinks, Coca Cola, coffee, cigarettes; it’s advisable to drink one or two cups of infusion of Coca, the mate de Coca, very hot and concentrated, with a few drops of lemon juice; It’s good to eat some candies or toffees with Coca, when available.

03. Arriving to the altitude the first day, one must rest and sleep as much as possible.

04. The headache is a warning signal that the body has not yet fully adapted to altitude; it must be taken very seriously, by strictly following the advices to get out of it, because it could bring complications. It’s an essential priority.

05. Good oral hydration is indispensable, drinking 2-3 liters a day of water and herbal teas, to maintain adequate balance of liquids, regulated by the diuretic effect of Coca.

06. The infusion of Coca, as well as candies, toffees, cookies, chocolates made out with ground Coca leaves are very effective and useful during the day; however it’s advisable to avoid them at least 3 hours before bedtime.

07. It is necessary to stick to a light and highly energetic diet, rich in carbohydrates, low in fat, in small amounts at a time, several times a day, avoiding strange culinary recipes, processed with ingredients the body isn’t used to, which can lead to gastro-intestinal disorders. Always drink a cup of hot infusion of Coca with a few drops of lemon after meals; before bedtime it’s better to drink a cup of chamomile or anise infusion.

08. Cigarettes, alcohol, Coca Cola, coffee, sodas should be avoided, as well as sedative drugs and any other medicine unless prescribed by a doctor or in case one is under a long term treatment, which must not be interrupted following medical indications.

09. As matter of physical activity it’s recommended to plan it gradually and progressively, both in duration and intensity, never forgetting to take Coca during all stay in the Andean area of soroche.

10. For those who want to try the traditional use of Coca it’s advisable to refers to people able to teach the classic technique properly and simply, without any traditional accessory, but only with the leaves and saliva, whereas those arriving from outside the Andean region might not have all the antibodies needed for the assimilation of Coca leaves that come directly from the fields, not submitted to any treatment, which may cause gastrointestinal distress … it will be better to taste the new presentations of the green Coca of the Third Millennium and enjoy its goodness in the green products with Coca, under the form of candies, toffees, chocolates, cookies, among others.