[pct-l] Remedies for loss of appetite (Clint Kaul)

[Albach]

Hi Clint,

I have a similar issue that arises much earlier in my hikes (typically 
day 3) and what a doctor friend of mine suggested the issue might be.

My symptoms are the following:

I can't put anything in my stomach (water included) unless I've either 
stopped and rested or the food is very very easily digested.

The doc suggested:

Blood flow is "prioritized" according to activity. If you set the 
standard for "oxygen and energy to the legs" by constantly walking then 
that is where the blood goes. Things like upper digestive track 
activities are a low priority. For me if I eat or drink I need to reset 
the priority by first stopping hiking and resting say 20 minutes and 
then allow the stomach at least say 20 minutes of rest after eating and 
drinking. As the day progresses this condition becomes more acute and as 
the days progress it kicks in earlier during each day.

I have experienced this in other situations other than hiking: (a) when 
training intensively (I compete in water polo); I do not feel hungry 
until at least an hour after I stop; (b) as a young man working at a 
cotton gin I had to rest at least 20 minutes prior to eating anything.

What I've discovered is that certain foods like the sport gels and 
carbonated drinks manage to stay down during activity. I took to hard 
candys and sport gels for refueling whilst walking and pedialite mixes 
seem to do OK too. But bottom line for me is that to resupply I simply 
have to take time to let digestion begin.

Bonus note - I dropped out of hiking Section C last week above Fawnskin 
due to an aggravated ACL. Not broken but just strained enough to cause 
acute pain every 3rd or 4th step. My wife the former collegiate cross 
country runner tells me that joints don't operate well unless well 
hydrated. Likely this is not news to anybody on-list but it all comes 
together. If I want to hike without tearing down my body in the process 
(forget the no pain no gain mantra) then I'll simply have to learn to 
take time to properly hydrate and eat. I suspect you will have to do the 
same.

-Robert

> The problem that took me off the trail was my stomach and constant hunger.
> I had a complete lose of appetite around Wrightwood (mile 364).  Over
> the next two weeks I had to gag/choke my food down in small quantities.
> The last few days I was throwing-up my breakfast.  I felt tired/lethargic
> most of the day.  I had a few "bonking"/"hitting the wall"/"complete
> energy shutdown" events while hiking where I simply had to sleep an
> hour or so before resuming.  It bothered me enough I eventually quit
> at Tehachapi (mile 566).
>