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5 Urban Myths About Outdoors—Debunked

Myth 4:

Drink your pee if you're dehydrated

If you have to spend an unexpected night outdoors, don't reach for your urine in an effort to rehydrate yourself. The kidneys function to filter out your body's toxins and remove waste through pee. In a healthy, hydrated person, urine is comprised of 95 percent water and 5 percent toxins—2 percent of which is salt content. The content in salt water is 3.5 percent.

Your urine becomes more saturated with salt and toxins, and less saturated with water, as you become dehydrated. By drinking your own urine, you're putting toxins back into your body that were filtered out already. Hold off and try to find a stream of water.

More: Camping Supplies Checklist for Summer

Myth 5:

Suck the venom out of a snake bite

Snakes only strike when they feel threatened or surprised; always be aware when you're at the campsite or on the trail to prevent snake bites in the first place. If one happens to bite you, don't try to suck the venom out to prevent it from entering the blood stream.

These bites are often deep and venom travels quickly into the blood stream, so trying to intercept that is a lost cause. There's also a lot of bacteria living in your mouth, and putting it on an open wound can cause infection. Go straight to the hospital or emergency room for a treatment of anti-venom.

More: Top 10 Camping Etiquette Tips

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About the Author

Mandie Pouwels

Mandie Pouwels is a contributor to ReserveAmerica.com and the founder of www.girlycamping.com. As an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, she spends her free time backpacking in the mountains, hitting the hiking trails, or staying active at the beach. Follow her on Google+
Mandie Pouwels is a contributor to ReserveAmerica.com and the founder of www.girlycamping.com. As an avid camper and outdoor enthusiast, she spends her free time backpacking in the mountains, hitting the hiking trails, or staying active at the beach. Follow her on Google+

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