American Survival Guide – October 2019

16 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [OCTOBER 2019]

‹ L e  : We think

of thirst as being a

problem only in arid

desert areas. However,

dehydration can

be a consideration

anyplace there is an

inadequate source

of drinkable water

available.

‹ Above: Plan your

water requirements

in advance. Take

into account

environmental,

fitness and exertional

factors.

‹ Left: The way to

beat dehydration

is to stay ahead

of the hydration

curve. Drink water

regularly when

stressed. Exertion or

a hot environment

demands greater

intake.

› Near right: The

Camelbak is one of

mankind’s greatest

survival tools. This

inspired device

allows you to

comfortably carry

a decent quantity

of potable water

that remains easily

accessible

body grows so weak that it fails to sense

thirst, and dehydration ensues. Vitamin

deficiencies are frequently concomitant with

starvation and result in such stuff as beriberi,

pellagra and scurvy.

Decreased caloric intake results in slowed

reaction times and impaired judgment. Cold

weather demands significantly greater caloric

intake to maintain core body temperature,

so the manifestations of food deprivation

can be seen faster when it is chilly out. For

a typical person the state of starvation is

defined as the loss of 30 percent of one’s

normal body weight. A loss of 40 percent is

almost always fatal.

DEHYDRATION

While the typical adult human may indeed

survive weeks without food, you won’t make

it more than a few days without water. Adults

range from 55 percent to 60 percent water by