Dehydration

arniqua_c
arniqua_c Posts: 5 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I drink on average 8-10 cups of water a day but while at work yesterday I became very light-headed and nearly fainted. I went to the ER shortly after and the doctor said I was dehydrated. Can someone explain to me how this is possible?

Replies

  • joyosplash
    joyosplash Posts: 50
    I don't know what you do for exercise, but could be that you're sweating out more than your realize and not compensating adequately.
  • arniqua_c
    arniqua_c Posts: 5 Member
    20 mins cardio (typically jogging/ elliptical) and 20 mins of weight lifting. Thanks for your quick response.
  • FattieBabs
    FattieBabs Posts: 542 Member
    That is roughly what I do too so would also be interested in this answer. I usually drink about 2 cups of water before going to the gym, 2 cups whilst there and coconut water when I get back. This is in addition to my usual daily water intake. Good luck and thanks for posting this.
  • Firefox7275
    Firefox7275 Posts: 2,040 Member
    Your body only holds water effectively if you take in sufficient carbs - and, to a lesser extent, sufficient protein, fibre and healthy fats - because 1g glycogen (carb fuel) is stored in the muscles alongside 3g of water. Try drinking milk, research suggests this can help you rehydrate better. If you drink water on an empty stomach your body absorbs it really fast, it floods the blood, your kidneys go into overdrive and you pee it right back out again.
  • craigineson
    craigineson Posts: 88 Member
    Hydration is also linked to your electrolytes. You should be getting sufficient sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate and magnesium.

    FattieBabs mentioned coconut water, which is a great natural electrolyte drink (if you can find the unsweetened kind). I find it rehydrates me really well.

    Edit: As an aside from Firefox's comment, if you're low-carb-ing, you need to take in MORE sodium than the average person. Low-carb eating causes the body to drop sodium (and thus water) like a hot potato. Your hydration should be slowly paced throughout the day and you should be getting dietary sources of sodium from your food in particular.
  • joyosplash
    joyosplash Posts: 50
    I second the coconut water, I think it really helps keep my electrolytes in balance without adding tons of sugar like gatorade does.
  • amberlykay1014
    amberlykay1014 Posts: 608 Member
    Yes, this happened to my fiance while he was hiking. Even though he was drinking a lot of water, he needed electrolytes. We carry Nuun tablets when we hike. They are sugar free and very low calorie. Tri-berry and Lemon lime are my favorite flavors. You just drop a tab into 16-25oz of water and it disolves so it's really easy to use and take anywhere.
  • craigineson
    craigineson Posts: 88 Member
    Yes, this happened to my fiance while he was hiking. Even though he was drinking a lot of water, he needed electrolytes. We carry Nuun tablets when we hike. They are sugar free and very low calorie. Tri-berry and Lemon lime are my favorite flavors. You just drop a tab into 16-25oz of water and it disolves so it's really easy to use and take anywhere.

    Oof, I'd forgotten about those!
    They weren't Nuun branded - I haven't heard of those - but I have tried a similar one (High5 I think it was called) and they really are handy. They're good to take for things like hiking, or you can throw one in your water bottle to hydrate while you work out.

    They contain potassium, sodium, and magnesium usually - some also contain caffeine.

    I can recommend these!
  • arniqua_c
    arniqua_c Posts: 5 Member
    Where can I find the Nuun tablets or High5?
  • Firefox7275
    Firefox7275 Posts: 2,040 Member
    Didn't you have your electrolytes tested at the emergency room?
  • craigineson
    craigineson Posts: 88 Member
    Where can I find the Nuun tablets or High5?

    Just Google Shopping search for "High5 tablets". They also might sell them at a fitness or health food store?
  • MaggieSporleder
    MaggieSporleder Posts: 428 Member
    Do you use the 5 hour Energy or the like? They cause dehydration, even when you are drinking water.
  • amberlykay1014
    amberlykay1014 Posts: 608 Member
    Where can I find the Nuun tablets or High5?

    Just Google Shopping search for "High5 tablets". They also might sell them at a fitness or health food store?

    I work at an outfitters shop, and we sell them there. I'm sure you could find them at a fitness store or online.
  • _april
    _april Posts: 10
    Sounds like the opposite of my problem! I also drink 8-10 cups of liquid per day- mainly water. I recently couldn't pass a pre- employment drug screen because my sample was "too dilute". Guess I am too hydrated?

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