Re: RC: Re: Heat & Human electrolytes & Diet

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

Unfortunately, electrolytes are NOT the answer for all of us.  I have high blood pressure and have to be VERY careful to limit my sodium intake.  Fortunately, I can eat-eat-eat so I can keep energy levels up and stay well hydrated.  But even eating salty foods will make me nauseous and miserable in the heat.  Today I was out on the baler all day, and got a yen for potato chips--I ate one of those tiny bags of chips, with plenty of ice tea, and when I got off the baler a couple of hours later, my head was ringing, I had tunnel vision, and I was wobbly.  And it isn't even terribly hot today--temps in the mid-70's and dry, although the sun was shining and I was working hard enough to sweat a bit.  If I do something like that in the real heat, I get downright sick.  But I stay just fine if I drink lots of NON-electrolyted fluids and eat plenty.  My drink of choice is cold milk, and I do well at rides with foods such as potato salad, chicken, fruits, etc.  I also like diluted fruit juices--especially watered-down
 grapefruit juice.  With that regimen, I stay well-hydrated, my energy levels stay pretty constant, and I don't get nauseated or light-headed.

Bottom line--you have to know your own body, what its particular weaknesses are, etc.--and eat accordingly.

Heidi