Dodging Death at Disney

[mking624]

and as far as salt, he said most American diets are so loaded in salt that even in Disney work-out conditions, additional salt would likely do more harm than good.

This REALLY depends on the "Disney workout conditions" you're referring to. If it's really hot and there's high humidity and you're sweating a lot, your body loses sodium a lot faster than you realize. Replacing the sodium in your body (whether it's through a sport drink or specially formulated water) is not going to do more harm, regardless of your diet (unless you have a medical reason to not use sodium). Not replacing those electrolytes definitely will cause more harm. Your doctor is the very first I've ever heard say replacing sodium causes more harm than good because of the typical American diet. If that were the case, I'd dare say we'd have many more people suffering from dehydration because they're not replacing the things they lose properly. Notice I'm not saying adding more on, I'm saying *replacing* it. You definitely need to replace the electrolytes because electrolytes are vital to staying hydrated. I remember being yelled at by my dance team's nutritionist because we weren't replacing what we were losing (hence we were fatigued a lot sooner)...and I was eating foods that were very high in sodium at the time and even then I was losing a lot of sodium because of my activity (especially when I was in competitiond during the summer with a wool dress on). You definitely should not wait until the "big D" as you refer to it before you start hydrating yourself properly. Otherwise you've already crossed into a dangerous path. Plain water is better than nothing, but it's still not the best option (I'm not saying it's not an option at all...I really like water, but if people are really absolutely concerned about making sure they covered all the way, it's good information to know). I'm not intending to flame, just trying to show the difference. Yes, consulting a doctor is good...consulting with someone who specializes in nutrition is FAR better. If people want to drink plain water, that's definitely up to them...I'm not saying they have to follow MY way or anyone else's way. But I do believe people should make an informed decision before they face dehydration.

 

[CarolA]

Here is the rule I use... (hope it doesn't offend you!)

If you don't have to pee, you aren't drinking enough water!!!!!

For most of us at Disney water is what we need. The Gator Aids are fun, but in most cases you don't need the extra stuff, not to mention the extra caloires. If you think you need the sports drinks, swap them with water.

Also, just stopping at a water fountain won't cut it...

 

[mking624]

Here is the rule I use... (hope it doesn't offend you!)

If you don't have to pee, you aren't drinking enough water!!!!!

For most of us at Disney water is what we need. The Gator Aids are fun, but in most cases you don't need the extra stuff, not to mention the extra caloires. If you think you need the sports drinks, swap them with water.

Also, just stopping at a water fountain won't cut it...

The "extra stuff" is electrolytes...things your body very well needs. Those are the things that keep you hydrated. And on a day that has high heat and humidity, those are the things you lose very quickly, so in essence saying that you wouldn't need it isn't altogether true. As for the extra calories, you'll burn them off very quickly with the amount of activity you're doing. If calories is a concern for you, add a little salt to your water. This will at least replace the sodium you're losing...which will then keep that water absorbed in you...which will keep you hydrated. This is why it's important to make an informed decision when it comes to hydration, because there's a lot of popular yet false information out there.

 

[goofy4tink]

Here is the rule I use... (hope it doesn't offend you!)

If you don't have to pee, you aren't drinking enough water!!!!!

For most of us at Disney water is what we need. The Gator Aids are fun, but in most cases you don't need the extra stuff, not to mention the extra caloires. If you think you need the sports drinks, swap them with water.

Also, just stopping at a water fountain won't cut it...

Yep, our rule too!!! We're in the 'potty' at least every other hour. I use a diuretic for control of b/p and it does have potassium added to it. So, obviously I really drink a lot in WDW to counteract the effect of my diuretic. But, I just got thru reading the Sunday Parade section, which I read with interest, since it dealt with dealing with the heat of summer. Dehydration was a major topic. The article said, and I quote...'If you are exercising,drink 2 to 4 glasses of water an hour. Check with your doctor if for any reason your fluid intake needs to be restricted or you are taking diuretics.' At the point in the article where it concerned actual overheating, it told to take a sports drink or clear juice, or water.

I figure we must each drink a total of 4 water bottles during the day in the parks....9-4ish. We also augment with those water fountain stops, when we have emptied our water bottles and haven't refilled yet. It takes a heap of water to flush the electrolytes out of your system. That's all I have to say on this particular subject...agree or not.

 

[CaseyJr]

We use your rule, too, CarolA!

We are at WDW now, and it's hot. Yesterday DS & I were waiting in line to ride BTM. There was a rather large lady in line in front of us doing an awful lot of sweating (and this was under cover, with fans going). My thought: "A heart attack waiting to happen."

 

[meandtheguys2]

My family munches the day thru at Disney, so I suspect they are getting way too much salt, sugar, etc. We stick with the basic water bottles and have done A OK. I believe the advertisers of the sports drinks have done a fine job convincing people otherwise. Amusement park food, consists of french fries (potassium and salt) and Mickey Bars (sugar). Or some semblance of the above.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Get In Shape!

So do yourself a favor and go on a regimen of daily walks in the months (yes, months) preceding your visit. Losing a little weight won't hurt either. Don't worry, you'll find that lost weight waiting for you at WDW.

We can all debate which sport drink is better or water vs. Gatorade, but the advice posted above is the best advice out of the three, not just for Walt Disney World, but for life. My wife and I are exercise junkies, and have been for the past decade. Please understand, this is not a "flame" or putdown to heavier posters, but I have read far too many posts that ask about "pooh-size" DISers and which rides will larger people fit in. Every time I see them, it worries me about some of my fellow posters, as I like hearing from everyone here on the DIS, and I'd like us all to be around for a long time. So drink your water, or Powerade, but get out there and burn some of those calories as well!!

 

[gonga]

WDW is not the Olympics. You get plenty of what you need in the foods you eat ie: sugar, salt, carbs...

If you feel it necessary, 1 bottle of sports drink in the middle of the day, supplemented with drinking water is all you need. Too much salt is actually bad for you, so the more salt you ingest, the more you have to drink. Remember salt will increase your blood pressure.

Actually, the best thing to do when at WDW in the heat is to eat a light but good breakfast: which contain a balance of carbs, protein, and fruit such as a melon plate with yogurt and granola or a muffin,. Eating a heavy fat and sugar/salt rich breakfast is not a good idea, either is a lot of coffee which is a diuretic (sp?). Have a glass of OJ and water instead. Drink water throughout the day, and keep lunch on nthe lighter side as well, and try to keep alcohol during the day to a minimum. Keep dinner your treat meal. For every drink or cup of coffee you have, you have to add 8oz of water. Salty foods like popcorn, hotdogs, turkey legs etc...are terrible in the heat. You will swell up like a tick. Retaining water is not the idea, keeping hydrated is -there is a difference.

What you EAT is just as important as what you drink. You don't want to go to the parks in 100 degree heat and 100 humidity with an order of Tonga Toast and a pot of cofee in your stomach. Just think of what your body has to go thru to process all that sugar, carbs and fat, which raises your insulin levels immediately making your body work that much harder....You will retain water, feel sluggish and feel hotter. Your body is working hard to keep cool AND process all the food from a heavy meal.

Eating and snacking on the right foods and keeping hydrated is sufficient. Taking breaks to the pool and getting into AC now and then to cool your body down is also improtant.

So when it's hot, eat light, eat often (every 3 hours: fruit, grains and protein) limit sugar and salts, drink water, and keep cool.

Dinner is a better time to splurge - but still maintain your water intake. It will make you fel better the next day

 

[meandtheguys2]

That is why we go in Jan... How can you go to disney and not have tonga toast and a pot of coffee?! J/K!!!!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

An additional comment on hydration.

Carbonated soft drinks WILL NOT keep you hydrated. Good old water is what you need or a specially formulated sports drink such as Gator Aid. Soft drinks have their place but they will not keep you hydrated. Worse yet would be excessive comsumption of alcoholic beverages, please note I said EXCESSIVE.

Carbonated beverages that contain CAFFEINE will not keep you hydrated. The clear soda (Sprite) as well as caffeine free (diet) coke will serve for the purposes of hydration.

ANY consumption of alcohol reverses the process of hydration. Alcohol is extremely drying - so while there's nothing wrong with partaking - just be aware that you'll need to drink extra water or caffeine free beverages to keep hydrated.

 

[gonga]

Carbonated beverages that contain CAFFEINE will not keep you hydrated. The clear soda (Sprite) as well as caffeine free (diet) coke will serve for the purposes of hydration.

ANY consumption of alcohol reverses the process of hydration. Alcohol is extremely drying - so while there's nothing wrong with partaking - just be aware that you'll need to drink extra water or caffeine free beverages to keep hydrated.

You are so right....

I think the equation is 1 additional cup of water for every alcoholic drink/coffee you drink. It is not exact, everyone is different, but it's a good idea.

Also, high water content foods keep you hydrated as well and you get the added bonus of fiber, nutrients and vitimans.