Do you have any hydration comments?

In mountaineering, hydration is just as important as food or even more since liquids' loss is relevant. It worsens as we ascend and gain altitude because the lack of oxygen saturation in the blood causes compensatory hyperventilation (hypoxia), losing a lot of liquid in the form of water vapour by breathing. Dry air and perspiration are other ways to lose fluids.

The rhythm of fluids lost varies from one person to another.

Liquids lost are produced by breathing and perspiration, as we already said, and by urine and diarrhoea. We are not always aware of the amount of liquid our body is losing. Certain drugs, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), could induce dehydration due to its diuretic power.

Keeping proper hydration is elemental to reduce the risk of heat, cold (including freezing), and altitude disorders.

Not replacing the liquid lost leads to dehydration, affecting athletic performance markedly. If dehydration goes forward, it can steer a state of shock.