We all know that proper hydration is vital to good health. In the case of flying, it is even more critical. Not only is dehydration more likely at altitude and its effects more pronounced, but the consequences of losing one’s competitive edge are that much more life-threatening when at the controls of a flying machine. What is dehydration?
Start with the fact that 70 percent of the body weight is water based. And 87 percent of that is inside the cell (intracellular). The “functional water” is required for oxygen enrichment and for maintaining the pH balance. Water is vital for blood, digestive juices, sweat and tears. Any discrepancy will lead to complications with delivery of these “humors,” including oxygen to the body cells, creating a relative hypoxia. Complaints include: Nausea, thirst, exhaustion, muscle and joint aches, anginal pain, migraine, restlessness and most importantly symptoms such as confusion, paranoia and anxiety. Dehydration can occur as a result of high altitude, excessive exercise, sweating and water deprivation. The balance to maintain optimal body water level is coordinated by the kidneys, mostly by concentrating urine.
