REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH p2

Loss of skin elasticity.
Delayed capillary refill in fingernail beds.
Trench line down center of tongue.
Thirst. Last on the list because you are already 2 percent dehydrated
by the time you crave fluids.
You replace the water as you lose it. Trying to make up a deficit is
difficult in a survival situation, and thirst is not a sign of how much
water you need.
Most people cannot comfortably drink more than 1 liter of water at a
time. So, even when not thirsty, drink small amounts of water at regular
intervals each hour to prevent dehydration.
If you are under physical and mental stress or subject to severe conditions,
increase your water intake. Drink enough liquids to maintain a
urine output of at least 0.5 liter every 24 hours.
In any situation where food intake is low, drink 6 to 8 liters of water per
day. In an extreme climate, especially an arid one, the average person
can lose 2.5 to 3.5 liters of water per hour. In this type of climate, you
should drink 14 to 30 liters of water per day.
With the loss of water there is also a loss of electrolytes (body salts).
The average diet can usually keep up with these losses but in an
extreme situation or illness, additional sources need to be provided.
A mixture of 0.25 teaspoon of salt to 1 liter of water will provide a
concentration that the body tissues can readily absorb.
Of all the physical problems encountered in a survival situation, the loss
of water is the most preventable. The following are basic guidelines for
the prevention of dehydration:
Always drink water when eating. Water is used and consumed as a part
of the digestion process and can lead to dehydration.
Acclimatize. The body performs more efficiently in extreme conditions
when acclimatized.
Conserve sweat not water. Limit sweat-producing activities but drink
water.
Ration water. Until you find a suitable source, ration your water
sensibly.(BASIC SURVIVAL
MEDICINE)