Silly questions from kids

danny28 · 09-21-2011, 11:52 AM

My nephew was amazed when we told him that if he was ever stuck out in the wilderness he could drink his urine. Yes, it's gross but it would be ok to do. He then asked if we expected him to eat his feces (for food)... OMG No!

Michael · 09-21-2011, 12:19 PM

By the time you're thirsty enough to drink your own urine, you're probably dehydrated enough that it'll be a strain on your system. It's filled with salt and waste products.

IndianaHiker · 09-21-2011, 01:34 PM

Yes only on TV and in movies does this help at all. The salt and the toxins that the body is getting rid off will do more harm than good.

SpencerT · 09-21-2011, 01:38 PM

There is a movie called 127 hours, based on a true story where he actually did drink his urine. I can't believe he managed to survive that and cutting his arm off took extreme will. I think you should always have a plan out in the wilderness so you'd never be in that situation.

Greatoutdoors · 09-21-2011, 08:08 PM

I just watched 127 hours a week ago, and I just don't think having a boulder fall on your arm in a cave is something you can "plan" on. I don't disagree with you. I'm just saying there are some things you couldn't possibly "plan" for.

Tony · 09-21-2011, 09:25 PM

I agree with IndianaHiker. You are making a big mistake when you drink your own urine because it will make you become more thirsty. Always plan for accidents to happen and make sure that you told somebody where you are going and how long will you be there so that they will search for you if you haven't gone home yet.

Philly · 09-22-2011, 12:52 AM

There are many stories where urine help trapped people. If this is the last resort to get fluid then I guess I will drink it. But if there are still other ways to get water then I will not drink my urine.

tentrus · 09-22-2011, 08:14 AM

Well of course you wouldn't want to drink your urine unless you had no other option. I don't think that was the point of the post... I think it was that the child wondered if you could eat your feces. Nasty! Now that would be just plain disgusting and dirty.

IndianaHiker · 09-22-2011, 11:16 AM

Drinking you urine was at one time thought to be an option. Even at the time that the accident that happened in 127 hours occurred it was still thought to be a good idea. However it isn't thought of as a good idea any longer. Urine has so much salt that it will actually dehydrate you further and make the situation worse. Many times what has been taught for years changes over time.

GreatOutdoors, I agree that you can't plan for everything but I believe that Spencer was referring to the fact that Aaron didn't have any plans. In the movie while doing the interview with himself he mentioned the that he hadn't told anyone where he was going. If had left some information with family or friends they could have notified SAR before he got to the point where he was removing his arm. I can't cast stones as I have done this myself or found that part way into a trip I have changed routes drastically. Those action have certainly left me at more risk then I needed to be.

thymas · 09-22-2011, 12:34 PM

Ugh. I can't even imagine drinking my own urine. I don't want to say "I'd rather die than drink my urine," because I would do it as a last resort. But there are some pretty amazing water filtration systems (such as the ones that the national guard use) and even personal water bottle sizes that can make contaminated water drinkable. I wonder if those bottles could be used to filter urine.....nevermind.