The heat is coming: Strategies to prevent heat stress during exercise
For the human body, water is the most important nutrient. Water makes up about 60% of the average person’s weight but can range from 45% to 75% (Campbell & Spano, 2011). Euhydration is a state in which the body water content is adequate to meet a person’s physiologic needs. Hypohydration, a state in which body water content is insufficient and hyperhydration, when the body water content is in excess, both present potential dangers (Campbell &…
Can You Drink Too Much Water When Hiking?
I have written about this as part of another post (here). But let’s take a look at the science behind hyponatremia (aka water intoxication). Hyponatremia (aka water intoxication) is lethal Drinking too much water can lower sodium in the circulating blood to critically low levels, causing mild to life-threatening medical situations. People who take part in activities, such as endurance hiking or backpacking, are at elevated risk. Let’s watch the video from Authority Nutrition and get a handle…
How Much Water Should You Drink on a Hike and Why?
Fluid replacement is critical to athletic performance. Yes, I said it, athletic. That’s what extended hiking is. I’m not talking about your walk in the local park, but intensive hikes that last longer than 1.5+ hours. I hear many theories on how much water one should drink during sporting events and many are “one size fits all” in nature. Intense activities lasting longer than an hour will require a specific re-hydration strategy. This applies to…