mania:
As we all know proper hydration is a key element in avoiding DCS. I generally drink a lot of mineral water but when diving I even drink more (3 liters per day). Lately I read some opinions that mineral water is not enough because it cleans the body of minerals and electrolytes so we should also drink some juices or even coca cola.
But I drink mainly bottled mineral water which (at least according to labels) is enriched with the most important electrolytes - Ca, Mg, Na and K.
So - can I keep on drinking mineral water or are such opinions as the one presented above true?
Mania
The body's main need is
water.
Problems can develop when you feel thirsty, and instead of water, soda pop, coffee, or alcohol-containing beverages are taken. These beverages contain water, but they are actually dehydrating fluids. Not only do they eliminate the water contained in them, but they also cause you to lose further amounts of water from your body's reserves!
Gatorade & similar, if drunk in quantity by non-athletes tend to overload the body esp the kidneys.
The following is a quote from one of the "About" pages, I can't copy the exact link.
It's really not necessary to replace losses of sodium, potassium and other electrolytes during exercise since you're unlikely to deplete your body's stores of these minerals during
normal training. If, however, you find yourself exercising in extreme conditions over 5 or 6 hours (an Ironman or ultramarathon, for example) you will need to add a complex sports drink with electrolytes. Athletes who don't consume electrolytes under these conditions risk overhydration (or hyponatremia). The most likely occurence is found in the longer events (five hours or more) when athletes drink excessive amounts of electrolyte free water, and develop hyponatremia (low blood sodium concentration).
