Hydration at Altitude: Understanding the Physiology and Managing It Effectively

Hydration at Altitude: Understanding the Physiology and Managing It Effectively

Air travel exposes the human body to an environment unlike anything encountered on the ground. Cabins are engineered for safety and relative comfort, but the physiological stressors of altitude, including reduced oxygen availability, altered hormonal signalling, and extremely low humidity, create a perfect storm for dehydration. While jet lag and circadian disruption are often the focus of discussion, the physiological impact of altitude on hydration is a distinct challenge in its own right and demands targeted management.