What Are the Dangers of Drinking Sea Water?
The human body needs at least 1 3/4 pints of water per day to stay in good health, although it is possible to survive for some time with only two 5-oz. servings per day. Although plenty of water is vital for survival, we only need a small amount of salt to stay alive. The Salt Institute recommends just 500 mg per day, about 1/4 tsp. Despite these recommendations, most people in the United States consume far more salt than is healthy. Most people actually intake around 3,500 mg per day; that's 1 3/4 spoonfuls per day.
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The Composition of Sea Water
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The salinity of seawater is a measure of the amount of all the salts dissolved in it. The usual salinity of seawater is 35 parts per 1,000. Although excessive amounts of salt are harmful and may even have life-threatening effects, the composition of seawater is not just water containing the same salt as you put on your food. Sea water also contains a number of other elements including iodine, potassium, beryllium, aluminum and bromine, just to name a few. Seawater also contains substances that have been released from organisms that live in the water.
The Effects of Drinking Seawater
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If you increase your body's level of salt by drinking seawater, it affects your metabolism quickly and puts it into crisis mode. The water molecules will pass quickly from all your cells in an attempt to dilute the dramatic intake of salt and eliminate it from the body. This sudden rush of water from the cells leaves them extremely dehydrated. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and hallucinations. When dehydration reaches a dangerous level, it can cause seizures, coma and possible brain damage. Left untreated, the kidneys also become overworked, trying to eliminate the excessive salt and will eventually stop functioning, which will lead to death.
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How to Survive at Sea
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Drinking seawater to try to remain hydrated is counterproductive and may ultimately be fatal. If you are stranded at sea, then it is essential to ration the suitable drinking water you have left. During the first day, your body still contains a healthy amount of water so you will not need to drink at all despite your possible thirst. It is recommended that during the subsequent three days you limit your water intake to 14 oz. after which you should be able to reduce it to two 8-oz. per day without too much severe discomfort, but this will also depend on the temperature.
Symptoms of Limited Hydration
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You will suffer symptoms of discomfort that include dryness of the mouth, dry and cracked lips, weakness and fatigue. You can use rain water or minimal seawater to moisten your lips and face.
Bombard's Achievement
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In 1952, French biologist Alain Bombard floated across the Atlantic Ocean alone on a life raft for 65 days without any water or provisions, to prove he could survive. He did so by eating plankton and raw fish. He drank a limited amount of seawater every day. Though he put himself at tremendous risk, he learned that he was able to survive if he drank no more than 35 oz. of seawater each day.
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