Pepsi or Coke? Safe to drink on a Dive??

[TRUETEXAN]

Hello everybody, thought I would give a little input being as I am a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic and often have problems with dehydration in the 110 degree heat here in the great state of TEXAS. When I was first certified to dive I set out to find the best ways to stay properly hydrated so that I did not have problems underwater that could endanger myself or others who might have to come bail me out if I got into trouble. Let me first say that you can not go wrong with water, however having been on the receiving end of numerous IV's I can tell you that almost never do they administer straight saline IV's to someone who is dehydrated, there is usually at least some sugar content such as 5% or 10%, also I have heard many doctors recommend the dilution of Gatorade with water to be superior to water alone. There is also another excellent source that I have found works very well that most people probably never think about, it is called Pedialyte, those of you with children probably know what I am talking about, it is a drink made for infants which can dehydrate very quikly and it works very well on big people too. I would also like to remind people to remember and start fluid intake well before the dive and continue it throughout the day and not just tank up right before going into the water.:mean:

 

[VTWarrenG]

PediaLyte is good stuff -- except it tastes HORRIBLE!!

- Warren

 

[rcohn]

From a previous discussion on caffeine and diving.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=7493&highlight=hydration#post7493

 

[detroit diver]

Getting back to CO2 for a second. I would think it unwise to have elevated levels of CO2 in my bloodstream, especially at depth. I don't know what a can of Coke would mean for this, but if you were deep and had some unusual task load (ie swimming hard to fight a bad current), that extra CO2 would not come in handy and might even lead to some problems.

I like water. Plain old water. Okay, a little ice is good too!

 

[Dr Deco]

Dear Readers:

I doubt that carbonated beverages would increase the gas load to a sufficient level to increase the chance of gas bubble growth in a decompression situation. The lungs would excrete whatever was to enter the venous system.

During the 1940’s, two concepts arose concerning the origin of tissue gas bubbles responsible for decompression sickness (DCS). One of these was termed the “Work Hypothesis” and essentially stated that physical work resulted in more DCS because it promoted the formation of carbon dioxide. This in turn was a gas that contributed to the growth of decompression bubbles.

The alternative opinion was the “Stress Theory” promulgated by E. N. Harvey and stated that low-pressure microvolumes were formed from musculoskeletal activity (= hydrodynamic cavitation) and this formed micronuclei.

I personally favor the micronuclei hypothesis, and it forms the basis for contemporary decompression biophysics. The result of this is that the gas in carbonated beverages, for several reasons, would not promote DCS.

Dr Deco
:doctor:

 

[BIGJC]

I was in the keys 2 years ago and got swept off a wreck by the current and surfaced about 200 yards from the boat in 5-7 foot seas, I had mountain dew for breakfast that morning (we were in a hurry to catch the boat, okay??) needless to say I got sea sick and vomited green into my regulator, then the yellow tail fish came up and started eating it which made me even sicker.... I have not drank soda before or during a trip since.... not a very scientific reason I know, but the experience was one I DO NOT want to repeat!!!

:spew:

 

[Dr Deco]

Dear BIG:

I would say that was “negative reinforcement.” Nothing against Mountain Dew, but for the fish it became the “soup de jour.” :fishy:

The two little figures in the “gif” are something else. I note that it is an official "King Neptune" figure but at the very end of the list.

Bon Appetit! (or as we say in Texas, “Bon appetit, you’ all” )

Dr Deco :doctor:

 

[devjr]

Nightraven, there are no special diving related issues with carbonated drinks except those common to all acidic foods; the problem is acid reflux which is more serious than it sounds. Underwater, the combination of gas and acid can be driven into the throat causing a spasm and making breathing impossible. This can be frightening; the diver should immediately go vertical and remain calm. The problem will usually correct itself after 20-30 seconds.

 

[NightRaven77]

thanks you guys.....

you have been a great help in furthering my education of diving.....look for more from me in the future......

appreciate it..!!

 

[bearingboy]

Not being much of a soda/pop drinker this discussion really doesn't affect me one way or another.

But what absolutely blows my mind is that while on a dive boat, either before a dive or savoring a surface interval or even post dives, is that when plain ol' water is freely available how few people take a moment to hydrate themselves.

Seems like such a cheap and inexpensive insurance policy that most chose not to take. Surprising I guess is my point. Plus ... don't these people know just how nice it feels to be able to eliminate these fluids while diving? Kind of takes everyone back to childhood ... <grin>