Posted by Larry Hoover on July 7, 2004, at 10:05:52
In reply to Larry Hoover? Can you check in on this?, posted by Racer on July 6, 2004, at 13:46:48
> Just to clarify my question, I'm concerned about the *maximum* amount of water for me to drink each day, not the minimum, which I'm sure I already exceed.
>
> Inquiring minds count on you, and rely on your good information. Thanks for providing such a great resource as your Great Brain. ;-DYou don't *have* to ask so sweetly, but I don't *mind* if you do.
The issue is complex, so I thought I'd think it over some. My brain actually has a "run process in the background" function, just like Windows. My brain is now ready....
Your original post suggests that you might have experienced electrolyte imbalance from overhydration. I presume, then, that some symptoms of dizziness/lightheadedness and perhaps mild vertigo might have occurred. Those symptoms could be from acute over-exertion, mild heat prostration, postural hypotension, even a change in temperature environment (such as walking out of air-conditioning into hot humid sunshine). A lot of variables to consider, and no clear way to diffentiate between them.
One thing at issue is that pure water is not the ideal replenishment for lost sweat. The coach of the Florida Gators football team was distraught at the number of his players who became ill from the effects of exertion in the hot and humid climate, despite adequate water.....thus arose Gatorade. Gatorade pretty much mimics the content of sweat, including salt and sugars. Sports drinks are a better hydration source if sweat is a significant variable.
If you drink a lot to deal with dry mouth, you might consider trying sugar-free (diabetic) hard candies, or sugar-free gum, to promote saliva production.
Drinking water to hydrate the feces is far less effective than increasing intake of soluble fiber (i.e. fiber which swells and retains water, but is indigestible, e.g. Metamucil).
Your name, Racer, suggests that you might be into physical fitness/running? A very simple guide for water replenishment can be had by weighing yourself before and after exercise. An ounce of water volume weighs an ounce (that's the definition of both), so a loss of a pound from exertion requires sixteen ounces of fluid replacement. Not water. Water plus lost electrolytes. If you just drink the water, and only enough to replenish the weight, you can still have the effects of overhydration, but solely because your body is electrolyte deficient. You can buy oral rehydration salts at a drug store (e.g. Pedialyte), or you can make your own. Half a teaspoon each of potassium chloride (available as a salt substitute called NoSalt) and sodium bicarbonate, and a teaspoon of table sugar or corn syrup, in a quart of water. The sugar is essential, as sodium and potassium uptake is driven by glucose.
There is no magic number which is enough water, and another which is "too much". You have to figure that out in the context of your own body weight, physical exertion, exertion environment, local climate, and so on.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:363054
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20040523/msgs/363699.html