This is part 1 of a 3-part series from the Chilean Atacama desert–the driest desert on the planet. I went there as a doctor for the Atacama Desert Crossing, a 7-day marathon of 155 miles, and it inspired me to share some useful tips about heat exhaustion, altitude sickness, and staying healthy during travel.
Today we’re talking about heat exhaustion. A few things here: first, always keep enough water. But water alone is not enough, you also need electrolytes, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. My general rule of thumb is 2 parts water to 1 part electrolytes.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion? You get lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, you start to vomit, you’re extremely hot but still sweating. When it progresses from heat exhaustion to heat stroke, you will stop sweating and become extremely confused. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and you must immediately seek shelter and take water and electrolytes.
