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Outdoor Myths: Eating Snow and Dehydration

Outdoor Myths: Eating Snow and Dehydration

October 30, 201444217Views

Many people assume that snow is just frozen water and is therefore suitable to eat when the body is starting to dehydrate. While there are forms of running water in the wild that can keep you hydrated without putting you at risk, eating snow will not produce the same results.

The urban myth that eating snow will rehydrate the human body is far from true and can actually do the exact opposite. Let’s take a look at the facts surrounding the fables of eating snow and dehydration.

Man in blizzard feature
Photo from Alessio Soggetti/Unsplash

Understanding dehydration and what is happening in the body

The body needs water to function properly just like an engine needs oil to operate. In fact, 75 percent of the body is made up of water. When the body is taking in less water than it is losing, a person will begin to exhibit different symptoms of dehydration. People lose water when they breathe, sweat, and when they urinate. This is why regular consumption of water is necessary to keep the body hydrated and to replace the water that is lost.

gloved hand catching snow in winter
Photo from Jakub Sisulak/Unsplash

Why snow does not rehydrate, contrary to popular belief

Eating snow is not the same as consuming water because snow is a solid that must melt before it becomes a fluid. Cells and organs in the body need water to be in a liquid state, so the body must work to heat and melt the snow once it is eaten. Because the organs must work harder to heat the ice and melt it, you will become further dehydrated rather than hydrated. You will continue to lose more water than you are taking in, even though you are hydrating the body by eating snow.

If snow is your only option to rehydrate your body, the snow should be melted before it is consumed to prevent further dehydration and to avoid hypothermia. It is also best to stay away from snow that is not pure white because it may be dirty and contain bacteria that can make you sicker than dehydration. Once the snow is melted and purified, it can be a good source of hydration for the human body in emergency situations.

Featured Image from Clint McKoy/Unsplash