A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
As self-reliant people, we understand the importance of water. We store it in our homes and bug-out shelters, carry it in our vehicles, and bring it with us during every hike or workout. The problem is that even with an abundance of available water, we often neglect the water within our own bodies.
Nearly two thirds of your body weight is water, yet taking that fluid status for granted, particularly during strenuous activity, frequently leads to dehydration and death. Here we’ll discuss the factors that contribute to water loss, followed by signs and symptoms of dehydration. Lastly, we’ll discuss some strategies for fluid management.
Activity and Environment
There are several factors that contribute to fluid loss. Exercise and temperature are among the biggest causes. Clearly, the hotter the environment or the more intense and prolonged the activity, the more water we lose, especially if we naturally sweat a lot. Don’t just assume, however, that increased activity and temperature are the only things to watch out for. It’s easy to think about replacing water when it’s hot outside, but many assume replacing it during the
