Several factors can cause the hands to swell when hiking, but the most common causes are gravity and how the body distributes heat during exercise. Gravity plays a significant role in this process, as it pulls the fluid in our bodies towards the lower extremities, including our fingers, hands, and feet. As the core muscles heat up when hiking, the vascular system cools the body by releasing more fluid to these areas. When blood reaches the skin to dissipate the heat, fluids leak out of the vessels, causing swelling of the limbs. Medically known as exercise-induced peripheral edema, the problem […]
Health Issues
19 posts
No one ever wants to be sick, especially during a backpacking trip. With a myriad of viruses out there, here are a few tips for keeping your immune system going strong so you are less likely to fall ill while on the trail. Keep a Healthy DietThe overall function of the immune system is to prevent or reduce infection. Modern medicine can battle disease directly, but true health can only be attained by maintaining a healthy and properly functioning immune system. Your digestive tract is closely tied to your immune system. A healthy immune system is dependent on consistent nourishment. […]
After exerting all that energy to carry the weight of your food on your back, the last thing you want to do is to lose valuable calories by eating carelessly. Chewing your food thoroughly is one of the most important and overlooked things you can do to improve calorie and nutrient absorption from trail foods. How to Maximize Calorie Absorption Digestion starts in the mouth before it can happen in the stomach and intestines. Chewing your food not only breaks the food down into smaller pieces so it can be swallowed, but the saliva from your mouth releases carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. […]
When it comes to movement, having strong bones is essential for keeping yourself upright. Bones provide the structural framework for the entire body and work together with muscles to function as levers to produce controlled movements.
If you participate in endurance activities such as cycling, running, or backpacking, you need dietary calcium. How much?
Do your trail foods include iron? Iron plays a vital role in your hiking performance. Foremost, it is necessary to deliver oxygen to your muscles. Getting enough iron in your trail diet will also keep your immune system strong and prevent fatigue. Here we discuss strategies you can use to boost your iron levels. Iron is, by mass, the most common element on Earth. It is formed via fusion in stars, comprising almost all of the earth’s core and the planets in the Solar System. It is an essential mineral for both animals and plants. In plants, it plays a […]