We have all read articles about the importance of staying hydrated, especially in warm weather hunting. The dangers of not drinking enough water could lead to low levels of moisture and electrolytes in your system. Two things happen when you have a sudden drop in your body’s moisture level: your kidneys start to shut down, and a low electrolyte level makes decisions very difficult. Both are extremely dangerous, especially on a hunt that could be far from civilization.
Hydration should not wait until the day of the hunt. If you don’t already drink a lot of water every day, start tanking up five days before the hunt begins. Your body needs to take in the water, but also stabilize the electrolytes (balance your system) before you create a major demand for them. Pre-hydration helps your body prepare before there is a need. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your weight in ounces of water every day; thus, a 200 pound man should drink 100 oz. of water daily. Also, be sure to carry (or have access to) this much water while you are hunting.
I add a bit of salt lite (potassium chloride) and a small amount of sugar free drink mix to my water. Way better than the heavily sweetened sports drinks. I’m more likely to drink more. Also V8 has way more potassium than sports drinks and works great as an energy boost as well.
I use Himalayan sea salt and lemon juice. It seems to make the difference. I also use it when Spear fishing. Sometimes we are in the water for two hours without drink.
I would absolutely agree with pre hydration .
Doctors recommend a large glass of water first thing in the morning, before every meal and before retiring at night.
I use a product from the Kaged Muscle line of supplements called Hydracharge. It is a complete package of electrolytes along with coconut water. Plus it tastes great, so it is easy to never get tired of drinking water. As far as increasing potassium intake, I make a smoothie of sorts. It is some ice, 3 oz. of organic orange juice, 3 oz. of filtered water, and organic frozen baby spinach. I put it in a NutriBullet blender and let it go. Everyone goes for bananas for potassium, but in reality, a plain old white potato contains twice as much potassium as a banana. our daily recommended potassium intake is 4200 mg, a banana only has 450 mg, where a potato has 900. All the best, Al.