In this article we analyze the impact of altitude on our hydration needs and explain how the Hydratis solution is ideal for your stay!
The Effects of Altitude
Humidity is lower at higher altitudes and therefore the air is drier. Sweat evaporates faster and you may not realize how much water you lose through sweating.
In addition, from an altitude of 1000m, the level of oxygen decreases requiring a greater effort to inhale and exhale, also leading to a greater loss of water through respiration. According to the Wilderness Medical Society , you lose twice as much water at high altitudes as at sea level.
The high altitude can also cause you to urinate more often and dampen your thirst, putting you at greater risk of dehydration .
high altitude sickness
Not only is dehydration risky in itself, but it can mask or worsen the symptoms of "altitude sickness", a life-threatening condition that can affect some people at altitudes above 2500 meters. Both dehydration and altitude sickness can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
Drinking plenty of water or water with Hydratis does not help prevent or relieve altitude sickness and the only cure for altitude sickness is still to descend to a lower altitude.
How much water is recommended to drink at high altitude?
According to the Institute of Altitude Medicine (US), it is recommended to drink an additional 1 to 1.5 liters of water per day at high altitudes. At altitudes above 3000 meters, it is recommended to increase calorie consumption.
It is therefore recommended to drink a total of 3 to 4 liters per day and to enrich this water with carbohydrates and electrolytes in order to compensate for losses caused by altitude and effort. While it's important to drink enough water, drinking too much can be dangerous because it can dilute your body's sodium levels, leading to weakness, confusion and seizures, according to the IAM. A good way to check if you are well hydrated is to check your urine. If your urine is dark rather than light, you are dehydrated and need to drink more.
Skiing holidays: What to drink and eat to maintain your energy level?
Sliding sports such as skiing, snowboarding and others are extremely energy-intensive. Thus, combining significant physical effort with altitude and extreme cold requires special attention to what you consume during the day. Especially since the meals and evenings are generally very generous and often alcoholic... We will come back to this!
Which drink should you prefer on the slopes?
As we saw earlier in the article:
Altitude + physical effort = Increases fluid requirement
The Hydratis electrolyte solution allows you to optimize your hydration thanks to its hypotonicity. This implies that the absorption of liquids is done more quickly and efficiently. Electrolytes help maintain a water balance in the body which helps to feel "in shape".
The minerals and trace elements contained in Hydratis will also play a role in muscle recovery and therefore relieve the symptoms of cramps and aches. The trace elements have an antioxidant effect and support the immune system which can be weakened during these situations of fatigue and dehydration.
Discover the Hydratis solution for your stays in the mountains this winter!
For lovers of raclettes and long aperitifs, you will be delighted to learn that Hydratis is strongly recommended after alcohol consumption to avoid the so-called "hangover" and voted by thousands of customers as the best anti-hangover solution. Of wood !
Find us in pharmacies and on hydratis.co!