Imagine scorching winds running throughout the day and the only thing your needless thirst is looking for is fresh glass of water. Here, thoughts like "how long can a human go without water?" consume your mind.
The common jargon of a wilderness guide is the "rule of 3". It states that human life can be sustained without oxygen for 3 mins, water for 3 days, and food for 3 weeks. However, how long can a body go without water can vary depending on many factors. Understanding these factors can help you better prepare for survival situations. Let us explore in the following content!
The Stages of Dehydration and Its Effects on the Body
Dehydration refers to a shortage of water and fluids in the body. It occurs in three stages, each with its own set of symptoms and severity.
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Mild
Thirst is the primary symptom of dehydration. Every person has been thirsty at some point in life, and it is, therefore, not hard to spot the symptoms such as:
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dry mouth and throat
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headache
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body weakness
In mild dehydration, just take a mouthful of water and replenish your body's hydration needs.
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Moderate
A fainting spell and dry eyes without expression are the most common manifestations at this point, particularly in children. You may require IV (water through your vein). Moderate dehydration symptoms include:
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Dizziness and fatigue
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Confusion and loss of ability to concentrate
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Dark colored urine
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Dry skin with ingrained lines or wrinkles
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Unregulated body temperature
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Severe
The subsequent events till the last stage will damage the body severely.
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Sunken eyes
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Low blood pressure
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Stiff joints
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Brain swelling
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Unresponsiveness and shock
Factors Influencing Survival without Water
Nutrition Reviews, an international journal has mentioned two articles written in 2010 about how long can a human being go without water. In one article, authors referred to "only for days", and the other, to 2-4 days.
These figures are just a rough estimate. The specific time of how long can a person can live without water depend on following factors:
1. Climate Conditions
An individual who lives in an extremely warm climate will sweat more and lose water more quickly than a person living in climate-controlled conditions.
However, it may be shocking to note that it's also easy to dehydrate in cold regions. Since cold air usually contains very little moisture, it takes your body water every time you breathe.
2. Physical Activity
The body will use less water at rest as compared to that during physical activity. Raising the intensity or duration of work out brings about heat production in the body and more sweat, both leading to dehydration.
3. Health And Age
Elders are more susceptible to loss of water from common illnesses and medication effects. Diarrhea and vomitting can also cause dehydration in persons of all ages especially young children. Individuals having continuous fever or chronic urinary problems, for instance, people with uncontrolled diabetes will also be in the high-risk category.
How Long Can A Human Go without Water?
Well, up to how long can a healthy person live without water? Normally, it will take about 3-5 days if you are naturally fit and don't push yourself hard.
Water is not just a thirst quencher, it's a vital component for our body's essential processes. It helps regulate temperature and pH, lubricates joints, delivers oxygen to cells, eliminates toxins, maintains blood pressure, and aids in digestion. This underscores the urgency of staying hydrated for your overall health and survival. More benefits of water, check this blog: what does water do for the body.
How long can a human body go without water in controlled environments:
You can survive a bit longer in a climate controlled environment where you have shelter, stable temperature and access to clean water. Of course, those are ideal settings where it is not too hot or too cold. You might survive longer than a harsh outdoor scenario.
How long can a human go without water in outdoor survival environments:
During severe heat, an adult can release about a half-gallon water amount due to sweating. Your body hydration stores will deplete quickly in an uncontrolled environment i.e. desert. Without water, extreme heat can cause dehydration within an hour which may lead to severe consequences.
Here are guidelines to improve your chances of surviving without water:
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Try not to spend too much energy and do not let yourself to sweat excessively.
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Stay in a place with a comfortable temperature whether it's hot or cold.
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Eat water-rich foods to reach your daily hydration goals
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Water pills or diuretic medications, are the ones that should be avoided if possible, as they lead to excessive urination.
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If you know that you are going to travel the next day, plan on going in the cooler morning hours of the early day.
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Maintain a strong immune system to avoid diseases
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Last but not the least, use outdoor water filters in outdoor settings for access to safe water.
Enhance Survival: The Importance of Clean Water
Access to clean water is the right of every individual and essential for our community and economic growth. Clean water is very important for public health either it is for drinking, domestic use, agricultural production or that it is for recreation.
As mentioned above, using outdoor water filters can provide access to clean water. Let's understand how it will enhance survival in outdoor settings.
1. Prevent Water-Borne Diseases
A water filter straw is a reliable tool that can eliminate microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other contaminants from locally-used water sources. This significantly reduces the risk of water-related diseases like diarrhea and cholera, providing you with a sense of reassurance and preparedness in outdoor settings.
2. Portable during Travelling, Camping Or Hunting
In anywhere in the world, a portable water filter straw makes your water sources clean and safe from impurities. These lightweight outdoor water filter straws make a perfect addition to your travel essentials. If you are going on an outdoor trip with a group, we recommend choosing our Membrane Solutions U3P gravity water purifier. It has a larger capacity and is suitable for the water needs of up to four people.
3. Saves You Bucks
Investing in a good water filter could be more economical in the long run by cutting the necessity to buy expensive bottled water while travelling. Water is a critical part of wilderness survival and having a water filter enhances your independence from locating safe water sources. Say no to dehydration and keep water safe to drink!
Science says a man can survive three weeks without food, but only a couple of days without water. In other words, life cannot exist without clean water. In outdoor settings, access to clean water helps travelers remain hydrated, avoid diseases and give them peace of mind. Using a convenient outdoor water filter while traveling improves health and safety because you get to use the cleanest water at any time. Click the below picture to find more options~
Remember to use water not just to meet human needs but also for conserving natural environment. No water! No life!
