[kevin]

I know that drinking alcoholic drinks results in a net loss of bodily fluids because your body somehow uses more water in processing the alcohol than it gains in fluids from the drink. I also understand that coffee/caffeine has a similar effect, but to what extent is my question. IF there was not fluids available but coffee, would you eventually die of dehydration? what about coke; does it result in a net GAIN of fluids due to the smaller caffeine content?

[AlpineZone]

Originally Posted by kevin

I know that drinking alcoholic drinks results in a net loss of bodily fluids because your body somehow uses more water in processing the alcohol than it gains in fluids from the drink. I also understand that coffee/caffeine has a similar effect, but to what extent is my question. IF there was not fluids available but coffee, would you eventually die of dehydration? what about coke; does it result in a net GAIN of fluids due to the smaller caffeine content?

Kevin when I was in high school there was a period of about a month where I woke up with a cup of folgers and drank regular coke until I went to bed. Thats all I had folgers and coke oh and sometimes tasters choice. No adverse effects except major caffeine buzz that I noticed.

Suppose if you had a health ailment like a bad kidney so you where not filtering properly or stone blockage it could happen.

[stairman]

Thats a good question. IMO drinking alcohol puts you in the hole when it comes to hydration. Ever wake up the next morning after drinking and your mouth is drier than a desert? also headaches are a sign of dehydration. As for coffee and soft drinks, I think you gain a little more with the caffiene than the alcohol in hydration but drinking a large glass of water in the morning is a good idea.

[Ron Fontaine]

Booze will certainly dehydrate you and is best left alone for a variety of other reasons too. Imagine being trapped in a warehouse where all you have to eat and drink is beer.

As for coffee:

"Caffeine, Body Fluid-Electrolyte Balance, and Exercise Performance,” by Lawrence E. Armstrong, a professor of exercise and environmental physiology at the University of Connecticut, June 2002 in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Finds that caffeine is no more a diuretic than water.

• The body retains some of the fluid from caffeinated drinks
• Moderate caffeine consumption causes a mild diuresis very similar to that from drinking water (water, when consumed in large volume, increases urine output).
• People who regularly consumecaffeine have higher tolerances to the diuretic effect.
• There is no evidence that consumption of caffeinated beverages causes a fluid-electrolyte imbalance that is detrimental to health or exercise performance.

Also, coffee contains a large amount of anti-oxidants, which are very good for your health.

The best beverage remains old fashioned pure water.

[Sctr22]

Originally Posted by Ron Fontaine

Booze will certainly dehydrate you and is best left alone for a variety of other reasons too. Imagine being trapped in a warehouse where all you have to eat and drink is beer.

mmmmmmmm...sounds heavenly

[SwampRat1]

Originally Posted by kevin

I know that drinking alcoholic drinks results in a net loss of bodily fluids because your body somehow uses more water in processing the alcohol than it gains in fluids from the drink. I also understand that coffee/caffeine has a similar effect, but to what extent is my question. IF there was not fluids available but coffee, would you eventually die of dehydration? what about coke; does it result in a net GAIN of fluids due to the smaller caffeine content?

I may be wrong, but my understanding of this is that the alcohol forces your liver into overdrive, trying to get the toxins out of your body. the fastest way out is through the kidneys. your body pulls all available fluids trying to flush it out of your system. while this happens when drinking any amount of alcohol, it is more apparent when drinking large quantities.

[kevin]

I drank lots of coke (and water) in the fla heat. coke to stay awake and keep going. I didn't feel as though it was putting me behind on fluids, but was not sure. thanks!

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

During summer forey's into the Grand Canyon we drank Gook-a-nade, it was like gatorade on steroids. Looked it up and they still make it. Anybody drink it?

[stairman]

Originally Posted by COWBOYSURVIVAL

During summer forey's into the Grand Canyon we drank Gook-a-nade, it was like gatorade on steroids. Looked it up and they still make it. Anybody drink it?

Sounds like a Vietnamese drink to me, Id run from it.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Originally Posted by stairman

Sounds like a Vietnamese drink to me, Id run from it.

Well Vytalyte might be more to your liking! They bought out Gookinade. Here is a link..


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