Altitude Sickness - Prevention, Symptoms  Treatment
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As the amount of oxygen in your lungs decreases, the blood becomes less and less efficient at acquiring and transporting oxygen, so no matter how many breaths you take, you are unlikely to attain a normal blood level of oxygen.

It takes your brain a few days to figure out it has to breathe more.  Although everyone reacts differently, anybody can get AMS, even those who are physically fit, with lots of high altitude experience, young or old, male or female.  

The most common reason for getting AMS is directly related to how quickly you ascend, so if you plan to go high, your best guarantee is to go slow.  If that's not possible, at least know the symptoms and what to do, and you should be able to feel better quickly and avoid the severe, life-threatening forms.

Drink lots of liquids, exercise moderately, eat small meals high in carbohydrates and low in fat and take a few herbs.

According to Dr. Lynne Drakos, acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental Medicine, a must for altitude adjustment is Siberian Ginseng.  

She also suggests eating foods high in iron, including molasses, green leafy vegetables, beets and red meat for the moisturizing value they give the body.