Water Balance; a Key to Cold Weather Survival
Water Loss must equal Water Gain
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Water Balance; a Key to Cold Weather SurvivalWater Loss must equal Water Gain |
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Water is the elixir of life and the most common element in our body. Your body can survive a maximum of 3 days without the intake of water, assuming you are at sea level, at room temperature, and a relative humidity. These conditions are unfortunately very rare during a survival situation and non-existent during a Canadian winter. Do not underestimate the bodies need for water.
“The most important nutrient in your body is plain water.” —Dr. Michael Colgan
To survive your bodies Water Loss must equal Water Gain. You must make up for all water used to digest your food and that which is lost to perspiration, respiration, and urination. In normal conditions at sea level, room temperature, and a relative humidity your body loses water to various sources each day: ½L to Perspiration, ¼L to Respiration, 1/8L to Defecation, and 1 to 2L to Urination. Exercise, Respiration, Perspiration, and Altitude all add greatly to water loss each day depending on your activity level and the temperature. The minimum amount of water required to survive is 2L per day.
Outdoors in cold temperatures your water loss will greatly increase. If you are thirsty, have a headache or do not urinate at least 1L of water each day you are dehydrated. Remember it is easy to fool your thirst by drinking just a little bit. Your body requires 4L to 6L of Water or other liquids each day in the wilderness to avoid dehydration and to keep your body functioning properly. Dehydration will greatly affect your endurance and your endurance is the one factor most people count on to allow them to survive.
“Water balance equals efficiency and survival.” —Bruce Zawalsky
Drink at least ½L at each meal and 3L during the day. Remember your body does not absorb all of the water you drink unless severely dehydrated. 300ml of water is sent to the urinary and digestive tract for each 1L consumed. 500ml is sent to the urinary and digestive tract when you consume caffeinated beverages, such as coffee.
Don't take chances. Do not ration your water; it is better inside you than in your canteen or thermos. Drink as much water as you can while on a wilderness trip or while stranded in the wilderness. Make it part of your daily routine and if possible drink 4L to 6L of Water or other liquids each day.
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