When it comes to diving and hydration, many divers believe that a big drink of water before a dive will keep them hydrated. This may result in a near-bursting bladder during the dive – it doesn’t hydrate you.
One of the leading preventatives of the Bends, or Decompression Sickness (DCS), is hydration. About 60% of our total body mass is fluid and in diving we lose some of this fluid through sweating. When we exercise, we generate heat and sweat glands secrete water to the skin surface, where the heat is evaporated. This process cools us but also steadily reduces our fluid volume. The amount we sweat in diving depends on: the temperature of the water, whether we use a wet suit or a dry suit, the effort required, our fitness level and our gender. Scuba air is cold and very dry so we constantly lose fluid as we heat and moisturise each breathe.
Although you have peed before getting into your wet or dry suit, you might find you want to pee again during or just after the dive. Diving in cold water causes blood in the arms and legs to move to the core of the body. This increases our blood pressure causing fluids to be flushed by urination. As our fluid volume drops during the dive, our blood thickens and that slows nitrogen elimination thus increasing the risk of DCS. This increase in urination, will further lower our absorbed fluid volume. A diver who has not hydrated correctly, could soon have problems.
So, how should we hydrate for diving? We are told our daily intake of fluid should be about 3-4 litres for men and about 2-3 litres for women. The best fluid to hydrate with is water. Slow and gradual hydration is the sensible approach as too much water drunk too quickly just gets flushed through our system. Don’t wait, feeling thirsty means we are DEHYDRATED.
Diving and Hydration
We need to keep up our daily intake of water prior to and during any dive trip. If we lose fluid through sweating, frequent urination, sun burn, sea sickness, multiple dives – or you have been drinking alcohol, drink more water but be sensible about it. So, every morning drink a glass of water when you wake up, then one with each meal. Try to keep to your daily intake. Take areusable, BPA-free water bottlewith measurement markings and drink 250 mls immediately before and after each dive. Fruit is also good as fruit contains water. Aim for 2–4 litres spread evenly through the day. For further advice, talk to your dive medical expert.
Learn more at: https://www.scubadiving.co.nz
Comments
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of diving, particularly with a focus on the critical aspect of hydration, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the physiological implications of diving on the human body. My extensive experience includes practical insights into the intricacies of maintaining proper hydration levels to ensure diver safety and well-being.
The information presented in the article aligns with my comprehensive understanding of the interplay between hydration and diving physiology. Diving enthusiasts often underestimate the impact of hydration on their overall diving experience, and the article rightly emphasizes the misconception surrounding pre-dive water consumption. The mention of a potential near-bursting bladder during a dive due to excessive pre-dive hydration underscores the need for a nuanced approach to fluid intake.
The article touches upon a crucial point regarding Decompression Sickness (DCS) prevention through proper hydration. My expertise affirms the significance of maintaining fluid balance, given that approximately 60% of our body mass comprises fluid, and the loss of this fluid through sweating during diving can have profound consequences. The correlation between sweating, fluid loss, and the risk of DCS is a topic I am well-versed in, having explored the nuances of how various factors, such as water temperature, type of suit used, exertion level, fitness, and gender, contribute to the amount of sweat produced during a dive.
The article also delves into the effects of cold water on blood circulation, leading to increased urination and potential complications related to fluid volume and nitrogen elimination. This aligns with my understanding of the physiological responses to cold water immersion and its impact on urinary patterns during a dive.
Furthermore, the recommended daily fluid intake for both men and women, along with the emphasis on water as the ideal hydrating agent, resonates with my knowledge of maintaining proper hydration habits. The article wisely advises against waiting until thirst sets in, as dehydration may already be underway.
The practical tips provided for hydration, such as the use of reusable, BPA-free water bottles with measurement markings, align with my advocacy for a thoughtful and measured approach to fluid intake. The emphasis on incorporating fruit, which contains water, into the hydration strategy is a valuable addition, considering the role of electrolytes and natural hydration sources.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between diving and hydration. My expertise reinforces the importance of adopting a proactive and informed approach to fluid intake for divers to enhance safety and optimize their overall diving experience. For those seeking further guidance, consulting with a dive medical expert, as suggested in the article, is a prudent course of action.
