hyponatremia vs dehydration in the G Canyon

pfredricks · Post by **pfredricks** » Sep 30 2003 4:15 pm

Interesting....I didnt know this, and hadn't heard it here, so thought I would mention it.
In the Sept 2003 National Geographic Adventure magazine on page 25, there is an article by Jim Thornton titled "Water on the Brain"

The article examines heat injuries in the Grand Canyon. It essentially says that when people hydrate adequately and sweat for long periods of time, they run out of salt in their blood. It actually concluded that low salt levels in the blood (aka hyponatremia) is the most prevalent heat injury in the GC saying, in fact, it is "10 to 20 times more common than heatstroke"
Solutions for this dilemma surpassed consuming just sport drinks, it actually encouraged cheap junk food snacks, like cheese/peanut butter cracker, as a better source of high concentrates of sodium.

Symptoms of hyponatremia included-the typical heat exhaustion signs plus perhaps flu like stomach symptoms, even later coma/seizures/confusion. Often observed is the thousand-yard stare.

I thought that was fascinating and vital to share as we have so many of us hiking the GC.

-Pete

pfredricks · Post by **pfredricks** » Oct 03 2003 4:53 pm

SNick33-well it is good to see you. I guess in that thread I referred to, you posted a good article and a discussion ensued. My favorite snick lines are about the lycra hiking shorts and the trip report of Verde Hot Springs. I guess the pot got pretty stirred up again about the whole drinking thing.

Abe and Fleschenbones- no problem

everyone else-thanks for sharing what you know. Some very good information to learn from.

Since this is friday, I am going to quit worrying about hyponatremia, and start preventing the terrible drinking condition known as hypobeeremia.
Prevention is key!!!!

Be good and take care
-Pete

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Oct 03 2003 9:28 pm

Lycra! why I wouldn't be seen dead in Lycra. Perhaps you are refering to my fondness of Spandex, the hefty fellows friend.

A nice, brown, Ultra Suede hunting cap, topping off a yellow, "Wet Look" slicker with a fresh pair of electirc blue Spandex hiking shorts and were talking the height of Arizona fashionable hike-wear. Snick knows fashion

Corey · Post by **Corey** » Oct 04 2003 3:02 pm

In general folks when you sweat you loose sodium, when you drink water you can dilute the bodies sodium level even more. However, dehydration can be dangerous too, and it can lead to a condition known as rhabdomyolosis. Rhabdomyolosis results in the destruction of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney failure.
So don't stop drinking water just because you are worried about hyponatremia. It's important to stay well hydrated as well as replace electrolyts. Electrolytes include sodium, chloride, potasium, magnesium etc. A good sports drink contains most of these.
I think the best policy is to stay smart... If it's too hot outside, stay off the trails. If you are on the trail listen to your body. when you get a craving for water or salt, that's probably what your body needs...
So stay smart and stay healthy!!!