A recent study highlights the unique adaptations of Sherpas living on the Tibetan Plateau, suggesting that their ability to combat altitude sickness may stem from evolutionary changes in kidney function. Researchers compared blood samples from Sherpas and lowlanders during a Himalayan trek, focusing on how Sherpas maintain blood acidity amidst hypoxia. This phenomenon reveals crucial insights into the body’s response to low oxygen levels, emphasizing the Sherpas' remarkable physiological adaptations that help them thrive at high altitudes while avoiding severe health complications often faced by lowlanders.
Researchers found that Sherpa kidneys play a vital role in managing blood acidity during hypoxia, enabling them to adapt to high altitudes more effectively than lowlanders.
The Sherpas have lived in the high Himalaya for generations, providing them with an evolutionary advantage in adapting to lower oxygen levels compared to their lowlander counterparts.
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