Hydration?

[fmw625]

I have seen many post about the importance of hydration before diving to help prevent DCS. My question is how can you know if you are hydrated enough?

 

[Skyjunky]

If you're not pissing enough you're not drinking enough.

 

[Rubbersoul]

it's all determined by looking at your pee. if its clear like water then you're set, if it's yellow then have a little more water.

 

[fmw625]

Thanks, guess I'll have to start paying more attention to my pee.

 

[underwater daphne]

lol, ye, do that.

and you'll notice that you're less likely to have headache after a dive. and you might also feel less tired.

by the way, there are good wetsuit shampoos for those who like to let it run

ps don't do it in a dry suit though. i've heard of cases. lol.

 

[Wildcard]

Everyone gets enough sodium but most don't get enough potassium. Eat a couple of bananas and you will fell much better. If you like sports drinks, look for one with no more than 3:1 Na:K, 2:1 is better. Power Aid is 2:1, Gatoraid is 4:1, FYI. Also, one sport drink to 3-4 times that much good clear water. You will feel so much better.

 

[getwet2]

Thanks, guess I'll have to start paying more attention to my pee.

And when you think you've had enough to drink............drink more!

 

[scububa]

I have seen many post about the importance of hydration before diving to help prevent DCS. My question is how can you know if you are hydrated enough?

I don't think anyone knowledgable will assert that hydration (or anything else short of staying at 1 ATA) will prevent DCS. It is certainly a key variable in the equation and one we have a lot of control over...so, being concerned about it is a pretty good idea. But, I think you will find that there will be no magic answer that results in ozs/min or somesuch...this is going to have a individual and condition specific aspect.

Be very careful of any answers that suggest a certain formula of drink or things to eat. It may or may not be helpful to you as an individual. Participating in lots of cycling and triathlon activities and training gives me a high level of interest in staying informed about similar things...basically, things will depend on your level of fitness, the conditions you are under, your overall nutrition, your particular physiology and perhaps the phase of the moon :06:

If you take any vitamin supplements, your 'pee' may never be clear, but you may be well hydrated. Most people do not hydrate enough in general... it leads to fatigue, joint aches, under-performance...it will be hard to help this much if you only focus on hydrating on diving trips/days. Banannas may help, but you may need more potassium or magnesium than a whole bunch of banannas would provide (although, if you are not cramping, I wouldn't worry excessively about that.)

What I am trying to say is that it is best to explore your personnel needs. Keep a few notes in your log about how much you are hydrating and how you feel. Diving cold versus being on a boat all morning in the tropics is going to make a difference. Drinking coffee or alcohol is going to make a difference. Sleeping in 'conditioned' air versus sleeping with the windows opened will make a difference. There is a lot of material available about hydration and performance. Best to learn more about it, experiment, and listen to what your body tells you via the feedback about how you feel. I have read that the majority of people have such a weak thirst mechanism that they generally confuse thirst for hunger. (This underscores the reason for knowledge in addition to trying to read your body feedback.)

Even these are just starting points...

http://www.tothenextlevel.org/docs/coaches_corner/nutrition/fluid_replacement/default.asp

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_7_18/ai_88583527

Hope this was somewhat helpful...

 

[goodknight411]

Also don't wait til you feel thirsty to start drinking. By that time you are already becoming dehydrated.

 

[DocVikingo]

(nt)