To avoid heat exhaustion, what should I eat or not eat?

Answer 1

First of all, the question should really be how much are you drinking (and I am NOT talking alcoholic here!)? To avoid heat exhaustion, you need to make sure you have the fluids in your system.

And it isn't enough to just drink water or Gatorade/Powerade (no matter what the commercials say). For the best results, mix your sport drink mix half and half with plain water. That way you will have just enough sugars and salt (and electrolytes) to retain the water in your system so you can sweat properly and stay cool. (You don't want to drink straight water either, because then you won't have enough electrolytes to keep the fluid in your body. You would just pee it straight out again.) Stay away from tea, coffee, alcohol, beer and other diuretic beverages. Again, you don't want to just pee the fluid back out.

For drink temperature, you probably do not want an "ice-cold" beverage either. I know, I know... the body wants something cool and refreshing, but in truth, the shock of the cold drink to an overheated body might make you lose what lunch you did have... or worse. Room temperature is best.

Now, for the foods - vegetables and fruits are first. Then light grains and breads. Lunchmeats and cold cuts are good too, especially if you have a fast metabolism. Stay away from candy, and lots of processed sugars. The natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are what you want. Also, you DO want stuff with salt in it or on it. The salt helps with the water retention.

Lastly, wear a hat and clothes that cut down on the amount of exposed skin. Wear loose fitting clothing to allow your skin to breath. And of course, put on some sunblock.

Remember, heat exhaustion (like its opposite counter-part, hypothermia) is a core temperature problem. And by the time you actually see symptoms, you'll already be long on your way to trouble. The best medicine is to use some common sense and forestall it from happening ahead of time.

Good Luck.
VT

Answer 2

Trailmix and water are used by a lot of hikers.

Not a good idea to drink milk or any dairy product before an outing--it can curdle in your stomach when out in the heat. I also would not eat a big meal before an excursion.

Answer 3

Water is your best bet. But even better is Gatorade. Ice pops and cold stuff.

As far as food, just stay away from Milk products because that can sour in your stomach if you are outside in the heat. Something that I have heard.

Answer 4

Avoid really salty foods, alcohol, and soda. They dehydrate you. Drink plenty of water, gatorade, fruits, and veggies.

Don't forget the sunscreen.

Answer 5

Drinks are more important than what you eat during reallly hot weather, but I would say foods high in protein and low in sodium which will dehydrate you...stay away from sodas if you can.

Answer 6

Drink lots of water and I would avoid very salty things.

Answer 7

Eat something light.......not too heavy. But the key is to drink Gatorade or Powerade..........something with electrolites. It's better then only water.

Answer 8

You need some salt to replace what you sweat out.
You need to avoid heavy amounts of sugar.

You might try salted sunflower seeds.

Answer 9

Just drink lots and lots of water.

Answer 10

pickles or cheese or anything salty as salt makes the body retain more water.