High Altitude and Dehydration
It’s difficult to believe that we are highly susceptible to dehydration while skiing and snowshoeing, what with being in the presence of so much frozen H2O and all. Not only are we losing fluids through vigorous activity on the slopes, but also by being at high altitude levels where less oxygen is available and our bodies are forced to work harder.
When dehydrated, exercise makes us fatigued more quickly. I’m talking real fatigue, not just shortness of breath. Dehydration compounded by the low vapor pressure of oxygen forces our blood chemistry to change, making it more acidic and harder to absorb what little oxygen is available. Subsequently, altitude sickness or “acute mountain sickness” ensues, as we begin experiencing splitting headaches and nausea. When the sickness is prolonged, we become afflicted with such life-threatening symptoms as pulminary edema (fluid in the lungs) and cerebral edema (swelling of the brain).
Sounds unpleasant, right? Well, thankfully if we just stay hydrated, this whole aforementioned mess can be avoided. Next time you prepare for a snow-filled adventure, make sure a water bottle is on your checklist.