So, what exactly is "hydrated"?

[liberato]

Remember: Too much water/fluids wont hurt you - it's the lack of it that will

Though in the context of scuba diving it is unlikely someone will over saturate, it is not uncommon in more active sports, especially because of the erroneous mantra that you can't drink too much water. Balance in everything is a better rule of thumb.

 

[DocVikingo]

Though in the context of scuba diving it is unlikely someone will over saturate, it is not uncommon in more active sports, especially because of the erroneous mantra that you can't drink too much water. Balance in everything is a better rule of thumb.

Actually, given the millions world-wide who participate in "more active sports" hyponatraemic encephalopathy & other forms of "water poisoning" appear to be very rare, and related fatalities extraordinarily rare. This level of over-hydration is not easy to achieve. Moreover, given the natural diuretic and dehydration mechanisms inherent in scuba, it would be nearly impossible for this to occur.

Nonetheless, it would be prudent for divers to read the guidelines promulgated by USA Track & Field at http://www.usatf.org/news/showRelease.asp?article=/news/releases/2003-04-19-2.xml

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[archman]

I have observed anecdotally a relationship between the public's perception of "water poisoning" and an episode of "ER" a few years back that prominently featured it.

Before that episode aired, I was barely aware of it, even as an EMT. Afterwards, I can't get away from it. It's touched on in lifeguarding, wilderness survival, outdoor education, and even many of my students know about it. Highly exaggerated as to it's occurrence, too.

Television, our window to the medical world...

 

[Wildcard]

There was a feature article a couple of months ago in JEMS about exertional hyponutremia. Can't seem to find a link. Ya realy have to be pumping out sodium and sucking down water to get there.

I'll add this comment again. Last time some self proclaimed health expert that reads mens health or something decided to bash it but it is a good rule of thumb. When you need large quanities of water you also need sodium and potassium. All the other minerals will stay pretty close to balanced if you can keep these two in line. So, for every 3-4 of water, suck up 1 sports drink. The best have a 2 or 3 to 1 ratio of sodium to potassium. Gatoraide is 4:1, Power aid has 2:1. Check the labels. Red bull and such have a very qustionable result....This is just a guide line. Use it as you will.

 

[ICY ICE]

There was a feature article a couple of months ago in JEMS about exertional hyponutremia. Can't seem to find a link. Ya realy have to be pumping out sodium and sucking down water to get there.

I'll add this comment again. Last time some self proclaimed health expert that reads mens health or something decided to bash it but it is a good rule of thumb. When you need large quanities of water you also need sodium and potassium. All the other minerals will stay pretty close to balanced if you can keep these two in line. So, for every 3-4 of water, suck up 1 sports drink. The best have a 2 or 3 to 1 ratio of sodium to potassium. Gatoraide is 4:1, Power aid has 2:1. Check the labels. Red bull and such have a very qustionable result....This is just a guide line. Use it as you will.

I have read this theory before, But if we go back 80 yrs, no gatoraide, power aid, Red Bull etc., What did they drink? "WATER".

I believe water and the proper food/snacks(dryfruit, bananas, nuts etc.) you consume is more crucial than a high fructose drink that will give you a boost and followed by a lag/fatigue after you drink it.

Been there…Done that

 

[ICY ICE]

Though in the context of scuba diving it is unlikely someone will over saturate, it is not uncommon in more active sports, especially because of the erroneous mantra that you can't drink too much water. Balance in everything is a better rule of thumb.

Great article/link but this is leaning towards "Drinking too much fluid when exercising vigorously"

I don't see scuba as a vigorous sport unless whitey in on your a's.

Everybody metabolism is different, including how each one of us retain/perspire the fluids we consume.

So I stand "drink till you piss every hour or two"

 

[Wildcard]

Why exactly do you think Gatoraid was invented? If your drinking a lot of water you NEED extra sodium, potassium, calcium, mag, ect.....For every day activity, yes, water if fine. But if your going through 1-2 liters/hr, the sports drinks help a lot.

 

[Darin]

Hmmm, this is very interesting...

I remember in the military, depending on the heat cat, they had us drinking two quarts (canteens) of water an HOUR.As I recall, this wouldn't be sustained for 10 hours or so but 5-6 hours was normal.So 3 gallons of water of water a day wasn't uncommon. I don't remember anyone having problems with over-hydration or becoming hydrocephalic. This was of course with intense activity. But we never took any salt tabs or anything like that. Which leaves me to agree with earlier posts about that type of injury being very rare.

When I was helping with a youth group, I would have everyone, including myself, drink a quart of water before any hike or other activity. To the point of feeling slightly sick to the stomach, that feeling would go away and everyone felt great in 10 minutes or so.

Darin

 

[Wildcard]

Just wondering how long ago that was? "Lites" have become very important.

 

[Aquadoc68]

Actually, given the millions world-wide who participate in "more active sports" hyponatraemic encephalopathy & other forms of "water poisoning" appear to be very rare,

Unless one looks at the classified or un classified records at a certain Army school where this reporter witnessed a PEA 2* Hyponatremia. That was the worst I had seen but during the summer months the cases though less severe-mostly just syncope and total maliase-were quite frequent. BUT Again that is an extream school. In my 5 week dive school we would put down 4-6 gals per day 1st gallon would be cell tech, gatorade, or some other electrolite drink then through out the day water. + we were eating 5000cal per day. In that other school studs are allowed 1 MRE per day, and only allowed water. and it is 62 days long. So the point is bumped it is highly unlikely that one would suffer from hyponatemia Soley because of diving and over drinking.