Staying Hydrated
Posted on May 2, 2008
Summer is quickly approaching and in some places, like here in Birmingham, its already getting hot. And the hotter it gets the more important it is to stay hydrated. Dehydration and loss of water and important blood salts is a common illness that affects many travelers – particularly those traveling in extremely hot climates and those traveling to underdeveloped countries.
In extremely hot climates the source of dehydration is obvious, sweating. In an average non-exercising day with comfortable temperatures, you typically lose about 1/2 liter of water in the form of sweat and respiratory losses. This must be replaced at the same rate to avoid dehydration. Walking or even relaxing in a hot climate only intensifies that loss.
In underdeveloped countries, one of the most common causes of dehydration is traveler’s diarrhea (TD). Left untreated, this gastrointestinal malady can last an average of three to seven days. This is a constant depletion of your body’s water and blood salt resources.
So when your out in the hot sun seeing the sights this summer, make sure you have plenty of water with you. Also, mix your tour time between inside and hopefully air-conditioned venues like museums and shops with outside sights and spectacles. And the best way to prevent TD is to pay close attention to your choice of food and beverage. Make sure all water intakes are purified – even the ice. If eating fruits and vegetables, choose varieties with thick skins that you can peel yourself.
The World Wide Will
MedjetAssist -Take Trips, Not Chances
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