DRINK UP LADS ...AND LADIES

[Tony James]

I merely relate that which my doctor told me when he first supplied me with some.

There is i was led to believe some difference between salt tablets (to replace salt lost through sweating) and these electrolytic salts whose function is to help retain fluid rather than allow it all to pass through.

I seem to recall some packaging a while back appearing to confirm this description.

of course I could be entirely wrong (it wouldn't be the first time) but I can only tell you from experience that copious water drinking doesn't work as well as smaller quantities containing these salts.

You can obtain neutral flavour as well as lemon though the supermarkets tend to offer blackcurrant.

[Chris]

Yes you are wrong about the reasons for taking salts - but not of course about their efficacy:
If you are dehydrated, you will have lost sugar, salts and minerals, as well as water. You should therefore drink a re-hydration solution that contains all the essential ingredients that you need to re-establish the right balance of body fluids.

Drinking too much plain water when you are dehydrated can make the problem worse because it can further dilute the minerals, salts and sugars in your body. A sweet drink, such as cola, can be useful for replacing lost sugar, and a salty snack, such as a packet of crisps, can help replace lost salt.

The above is from the NHS Direct website.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=123

p.s. Some of my family, unlike me, are in useful professions!

[Tony James]

Thank you Chris. I shall convey this to my doctor who, no doubt, will tell me that he explained to me as he did because he didn't expect a Punch & Judy man of very little brain to comprehend the finer medical aspects.

On the other hand he might suggest i got it all wrong. Still, so long as one can tell the time one doesn't need to know how the watch works, interesting as that may be.

I'll keep taking the powders!

[johnstoate]

Err, Chris, re; your comment, Quote, "Some of my family, unlike me, are employed in useful professions" - I trust you are not implying that ours is not a most useful profession. After all, we are the guardians of an ancient knowledge, and dispense mirth & merriment whilst allowing the poor overworked masses a break from the drudgery of everyday life whilst our hero pokes fun at authority and bureaucracy, thereby giving a healthy dose of stress relief! (Not to mention keeping the kids amused for a blessed few minutes on a hot day)-We should be available on the National Health!!

[Chris]

I said "unlike me" John. 'Me' usually implies the singular and therefore my remark did not express any opinion as to your usefulness.


<p>

[johnstoate]

My uselessness is not in question Chris, It's well known. I was, of course, referring to your chosen profession. Given your status within it, you cannot deny the inference. However, I take your point.

[Trev]

Does anyone know if these isotonic sports drinks are as good at replemishing as they claim?

[lesclarke]

Reports I've read in the past in running and cycling mags seemed to reach the conclusion that, though effective, they offer little if any benefit over a DIY sugary/salty drink.They are way of selling expensive water + sugar + salt, (with a few other ingredients.) There's lots of advice on the web for making your owns rehydration drinks at a fraction of the cost. I think in the past one famous brand was challenged over its claims.

On one site the obvious point that stuck in my mind was that you are more likely to drink the required amount if you like the taste. The basic guidelines are that we should drink 2 litres of water, =8 glasses per day.

[Richard Coombs]

A big thanks Les for raising the whole issue.

However each person resolves it ( more water / squash / isotonic drinks / rehydration salts -dioralyte etc ) ..the main thing is to do something

And I agree that the best thing to take is whichever one of the above it is you enjoy drinking : only then will you drink it all.

As you started off by saying it is easy to get out of the habit of having enough fluids with you when out on a job ..and making sure you guzzle it all

Since your first post , I bought some Dioralyte fom the chemist and have one bottle of that and one bottle of weak squash out with me every work day ...and am making sure I drink enough water at home when not working,

And I feel SO much better !

Less tired, my mind is clearer too .

So thank you for the reminder.

Richard

[CvdC]

But Richard surely you can just go over to the sink in your booth and drink tap water.

[billywand]

I think the sink is temporeraly out of order while he is having the Jacuzzi
plumbed in !!!!!

Hope all is going well with your new booth Richard, I'm finding my Ali one easier than I thought, thanks to some of your tips, and it being more or less a lightweight copy of my present one.

[Morris]

I know this is digging up an old thread, but if people want to be plumbed in whilst doing shows, why notuse a camel-pack - a small backpack-water-carrier with a narrow tube attached which runs up one strap so that it ends up about mouth-level. They seem popular with cyclists and the like, and you have the advantage that you can carry it with you.

Haven't tried it but its an idea.

[ruby]

May also to be lucky in a passerby. Last Saturday I found an Air raid warden complete with a Stirup pump and a Bucket. Much enjoyment has he pumped the flooding from the booth.to allow commencement.
I must keep him for the beaux tellling as he is equipped also wth bucket, rattle, bell and even a tin hat!