Hydration

This is an important topic when going outdoors. Most people are dehydrated to begin with and continuing to hike or camp without enough water in their system. This can be a real problem.

The brain is about 90% water. Reduce that amount and you affect your thinking process. Most of us are so used to being dehydrated and we don’t notice it. Take your fingernail and scratch your skin. Does it leave a white mark? You are probably dehydrated. Do you have a low grade headache? You are probably dehydrated.

I like to hydrate before camping trips and hikes. It is easy to do and I usually start the day before. Drink about 8oz of water every 15 minutes until you are urinating about every 15 minutes. At that point your body is holding enough water that it expels it at a regular rate and time.

You will notice that you have more energy and feel better when you are properly hydrated.

When hiking or doing strenuous work you lose electrolytes as you sweat. If you drink too much water you wash them out of your system. I always take some powdered Gatorade and the salt dehydrated foods usually keeps things in balance.

I have noticed that when I hike at high altitudes that I don’t get headaches when I am properly hydrated. I have also noticed that my heart doesn’t have to pump so hard to get that thick blood through my system.

Take care of yourself,

Ray