I know...I know..you're expecting me to add a comment about water vs Vinotinto! Not going to happen...where safety and health are concerned I do draw a line.
Water intake is extremely important and if you wait for your body to tell you when and how much, that's not necessarily a good thing. We've done a lot of studies on hydration in the forces and, especially in a desert environment. Here's a few thoughts:
1. William is right about hydration and sunburn...to a point. If you are not hydrating sufficiently your upper layers of skin tend to dry out thus since there's less natural cooling (sweat doesn't only help cool by evaporation, it also helps circulate heat throughout the body and away from exposed skin. Less hydration...drier skin...less circulation...sunburn becomes severe.
2. With the event of Camelbacks and hoses directly into the mouth...drinking becomes a habit rather than a need. You walk, you sip, you trudge, you sip harder. You take in water at a rate not needed and you pee a lot more than normal.
3. If you're taking in pure H2O, your body uses it for a number of critical waste missions. It gets into your kidneys, liver and stomach...each of which must vacate waste and water helps wash away these waste products. Water in the stomach softens stool and prevents painful bowel movements. In the other organs, it washes away bad chemical residue trapped there. Which brings me to point:
Thanks Arn, I lost 25 lbs. on the
Camino Frances, most of the walk afforded little nutrients "boccadillos" when I walked the Camino Portugues 'Litoral" there was an abundance of seafood and I gained weight.
I first used electrolytes (too salty) a freind helped by adding "Emengen_C" that was much better. Since I have been using NUUN, it comes in a variety of flavors and doesn't taste like punishment....... Willy/ Utah/ USA
4. Pure water also removes electrolytes. Here's the scoop:
The level of any electrolyte in the blood can become too high or too low. The main electrolytes in the blood are sodium, potassium, calcium, and others. Most commonly, problems occur when the level of sodium, potassium, or calcium is abnormal. Often, electrolyte levels change when water levels in the body change.
Doctors refer to a low electrolyte level with the prefix "hypo-" and to a high level with the prefix "hyper-." The prefix is combined with the scientific name of the electrolyte. For example, a low level of potassium is called hypokalemia, and a high level of sodium is called hypernatremia.
Older people are more likely to develop abnormalities in electrolyte levels for the same reasons that they are more likely to become dehydrated or overhydrated. The main reason is that as the body ages, the kidneys function less well. The use of certain drugs, including diuretics and some laxatives, can increase the risk of developing electrolyte abnormalities. Problems with walking can increase the risk of developing electrolyte abnormalities because getting fluids and food may be difficult. Many chronic disorders (such as Paget's disease) and any disorder that causes fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can result in electrolyte abnormalities.
To treat a low level of some electrolytes, such as sodium or potassium, doctors usually advise eating foods rich in the electrolyte or taking supplements. If the level is very low, the electrolyte may be given through a tube inserted in a vein (intravenously). If the level is high, treatment consists of consuming more fluids. Sometimes fluids must be given intravenously.
A low sodium level (hyponatremia) may result from not consuming enough sodium in the diet, excreting too much (in sweat or urine), or being overhydrated. The sodium level may decrease when a person drinks a lot of water without consuming enough salt (sodium chloride), typically during hot weather when a person also sweats more. The sodium level may decrease when large amounts of fluids that do not contain enough sodium are given intravenously. Diuretics help the kidneys excrete excess sodium and excess water. However, diuretics may cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium than water, resulting in a low sodium level.
A low sodium level (and overhydration) can result when the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone, which signals the kidneys to retain water. Overproduction of this hormone can be caused by disorders such as pneumonia and stroke and by drugs, including anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine) and a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs—such as sertraline). Other disorders that can cause a low sodium level include poorly controlled diabetes, heart failure, liver failure, and kidney disorders.
5. So, how do we ward off these possible problems:
A. Eat a good diet.
B. Drink water as you move along, but don't over hydrate.
C. If you're going to be away from a source of natural electrolyte replenishment, consider an additive to your water such as: Gatoraide powder, or other sports additives.
Hope that helps:
And, yes, Vino IS a good source of many nutrients and antioxidants. Moderation in all things!
Buen Camino,
Arn
Just no time to walk 24 km's a day!
