How Many Ways Can A Camelback Work

Question:

If I had to survive on bad water for several days (say I fell in a canyon with no water) would enemas of the bad water actually keep me from dying of dehydration and not give me diarrhea? I heard of a family lost at sea with a hydration bladder was able to survive this way.

Submitted by – David – Stevensville, MT

Answer:

Well, you do indeed absorb water from your colon. When you get an enema, say one that involves plain water, some of that water will be absorbed. How much depends at least partly on how long you can hold the water up inside your body.

However, as far as I know, germs inhabiting that water could cause infection since they too can be absorbed. What’s the actual risk? I don’t know. I think I’ll check into this a little more. If I find anything worth passing on, I’ll let you know.