How many times have you ignored your thirst while out on the trail? We’ve all been guilty of this, for sure. Thirst is a natural occurrence, after all, so it shouldn’t be much of a problem, right?
Wrong.
Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it needs water, and you need to listen to your body. Read along to know how to fight dehydration and identify its signs and symptoms. Let’s get to it.
What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t receive enough water. This can be due to various causes but in an outdoor setting, this is usually due to overexposure to the sun, leading to fluid loss. This also means you’re not drinking enough water to replenish those lost fluids. Other reasons for dehydration include excessive peeing caused by diuretic foods. Conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and diabetes can also cause dehydration.
As little as 5% body water loss can already lead to headaches and fatigue. A little more than that, and you can end up with failing organs and a possible coma. This is the reality of dehydration, and it’s one of the things that you should avoid, especially if you like spending time outdoors.
Signs and Symptoms
There are three types of dehydration according to WebMD: mild, moderate, and severe. You must be able to identify the warning signs if you want to know how to fight dehydration.
The signs and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration are as follows:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Scant, dark yellow urine
- Dry, cool skin
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
When untreated, this could escalate into severe dehydration with the following signs and symptoms:
- Very dark urine, or no urine output at all
- Very dry skin
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy or disorientation
- Unconsciousness
Some people are more susceptible to dehydration than others. These people will benefit the most from knowing how to fight dehydration. This group usually includes the very young and the very old. If you are outdoors with your toddlers or have senior companions, always monitor them for any of these signs and symptoms.
How to Fight Dehydration
The good thing about mild to moderate dehydration is it can be treated with home remedies. Here’s what you can do if you want to know how to fight dehydration effectively:
- Stop any activity immediately. Get out of direct sun or heat and rest in a cool spot.
- Take off excess and restrictive clothing.
- Drink water, juice, or a sports drink. You should take as much as 2L over the next couple of hours to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Take an oral rehydration solution. This helps retain fluid and replenishes electrolytes.
- Rest and continue drinking fluids.
Severe dehydration, however, is considered a medical emergency and will need immediate medical attention. It will involve the use of IV fluids and the like. When you’re outdoors—or worse, in a survival situation—the chances of getting professional medical care are slim to none. Hence, it’s critical that you treat dehydration as soon as you detect it so that it doesn’t escalate.
Prevention
As the old adage says, “prevention is always better (and less expensive) than cure,” so make sure you know what to do and what NOT to do to prevent dehydration from happening.
Here are simple yet effective ways to prevent yourself from drying up:
- Keep hydrated. It’s as simple as drinking water at regular intervals. Aside from always having water on your person, try to bring a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. Make it a habit to drink at least 8 glasses or at least 2 liters of water per day.
- If you run out of clean drinking water, learn how to look for water sources in the wild. However, do not drink water outdoors without purifying it. Drinking water from unreliable sources can only make you sick and dehydrate you further.
- Avoid ingesting diuretic foods or drinks. Beverages with caffeine and alcohol, as well as foods like parsley and ginger, make you pee and lose fluids. Instead, pack up on foods with high water content, like watermelons and cucumbers.
- Avoid direct sun exposure. Protect your face and neck with a hat or a shemagh.
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing. Dark colors trap heat and only make your body work harder to keep you cool.
- Keep oral rehydration solution packs with you. These help you replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. You can also make one at home with this formula.
Final Thoughts
A lot of us underestimate and even ignore the benefits of good hydration. In fact, one study showed that as much as 75% of Americans don’t drink enough water and are actually living in a state of chronic dehydration. And that’s really a shame since drinking water is widely available.
Don’t make the same mistake, especially when you’re spending time outdoors. Out there, you can’t control the environment. Don’t ignore your thirst. Listen to your body and take extra steps to ensure that your time outdoors is fun and safe by being well-hydrated.
Any useful hydration tips that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
