Peat Archive

Ray Peat was fascinated by the health effects of altitude and frequently referenced epidemiological data showing that people living at higher altitudes tend to have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and obesity. He attributed this to the mild hypoxia at altitude stimulating protective metabolic adaptations — increased CO2 retention, improved mitochondrial efficiency, and enhanced thyroid function.

Peat noted that the 'altitude effect' mirrors many of the metabolic improvements he advocated through other means: increased CO2, reduced lactic acid production, and a shift toward oxidative metabolism. He saw altitude research as powerful evidence supporting his broader views on the importance of CO2 and oxidative metabolism for health.