So, you’re dehydrated, now what?

[twinfin]

The Doomsday Book of Medicine

[user120312]

One thing I learned decades ago in endurance cycling was drink early, drink often, and not wait for one's body to present with thirst. If one discerned color in a roadside pee-stop, one wasn't drinking enough. I mixed a powder in my drink water for replenishment but that was long before the internet and learning cool tips like shared here.

In Africa, I had potassium pills and a hand pump water filter. It was easy to get dehydrated without any exercise there. Again, long before the internet and all I had for guidance was the Merck Manual regarding medical stuff. I'd fill collapsible bags with water at the watering hole, lake or river and take the pills.

Thank you for the tips. I don't have any potassium chloride on hand. I do still have potassium pills. They're huge, like a horse pill.

[TheChief]

A couple of other recipes:

From The Survival Medicine Handbook (4^th Ed)

Add these to 1 liter of water for adults, or two liters for children:

• 6 tsp sugar
• Pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or sodium citrate to decrease acidity

From Where There is No Doctor
Option 1
Add these to 1 liter of water

• 8 tsp of sugar or molasses

Option 2
Add these to 1 liter of water

• 8 heaping tsp of either ground to powder cereal, or finely ground maize, what flour, sorghum, or cooked and mashed potatoes

Boil for 5-7 minutes to form a liquid gruel or watery porridge. Cool quickly and give to patient. Taste the drink each time before giving to confirm it is not spoiled. It can spoil in just a few hours in hot weather.

20240707_222636.jpg

[Avocado Toast]

On tonight's local news (SoCal) it was reported that a motorcyclist died today from dehydration on Death Valley.

The rider was part of a group of six riders riding there on a possible world record hot day. Wearing all the motorcycle gear, and with extremely hot temps, and it's not hard to see how this happened. Another one of the group also severed from severe dehydration, and was transported to a local facility. He did not, at last reporting, die.

Drink more than you think you need. If you're thirsty, you are already a quart behind and need to catch up. If you're not peeing and it's hot and/or you're exerting yourself, you are on the path to trouble. Water, some sort of electrolyte replacement, such as above or commercial, and also consider coconut water. They all work. Recognize the signs of heat illness, starting off with heat cramps, heat exhaustion and finally, heat stroke. Drink, drink and drink. Check the color of your urine - clear to straw is fine. Dark is another sign of trouble.

[twinfin]

A couple of other recipes:

From The Survival Medicine Handbook (4^th Ed)

Add these to 1 liter of water for adults, or two liters for children:

• 6 tsp sugar
• Pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or sodium citrate to decrease acidity

From Where There is No Doctor
Option 1
Add these to 1 liter of water

• 8 tsp of sugar or molasses

Option 2
Add these to 1 liter of water

• 8 heaping tsp of either ground to powder cereal, or finely ground maize, what flour, sorghum, or cooked and mashed potatoes

Boil for 5-7 minutes to form a liquid gruel or watery porridge. Cool quickly and give to patient. Taste the drink each time before giving to confirm it is not spoiled. It can spoil in just a few hours in hot weather.

20240707_222636.jpg

The value of a good reference library is not to be underestimated!

[DrjonesUSA]

Great info! Thanks for sharing.
I have had these on hand for a few years. IF ind they generally give me a little energy boost on occasion:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1P1ODD

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Magnesium is another important mineral / element that helps w/dehydration?

[DrjonesUSA]

On tonight's local news (SoCal) it was reported that a motorcyclist died today from dehydration on Death Valley.

The rider was part of a group of six riders riding there on a possible world record hot day. Wearing all the motorcycle gear, and with extremely hot temps, and it's not hard to see how this happened. Another one of the group also severed from severe dehydration, and was transported to a local facility. He did not, at last reporting, die.

Drink more than you think you need. If you're thirsty, you are already a quart behind and need to catch up. If you're not peeing and it's hot and/or you're exerting yourself, you are on the path to trouble. Water, some sort of electrolyte replacement, such as above or commercial, and also consider coconut water. They all work. Recognize the signs of heat illness, starting off with heat cramps, heat exhaustion and finally, heat stroke. Drink, drink and drink. Check the color of your urine - clear to straw is fine. Dark is another sign of trouble.

This is all 100% correct & perfect advice. Bears repeating.
I discovered years ago a trick that helps me keep more than hydrated;
I bought a 64 oz. insulated stainless water jug, and a case with carrying straps. I pack it full of ice, then top off with water.
Each & every day - no matter the season - I fill it at least once, sometimes twice. I've actually had to CUT BACK on my water intake on occasion...!!!

[madland]

Way back when I was a youngster and got a bit dehydrated during a hot day of playing paintball, a teammate gave me a bottle of Gatorade and a bag of Lay's potato chips. The Gatorade and the salt from the chips got me back in action fairly quickly. I'm older and wiser now, with kids, so I teach them the importance of staying hydrated and preparing in advance for any upcoming strenuous activity.