What should not be consumed before diving to minimize the risk of decompression sickness?

Consuming alcohol and certain medications that affect hydration is crucial to avoid before diving because these substances can significantly impair the body's ability to manage gas pressures and hydration levels. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and can also impair cognitive and motor functions, making a diver more susceptible to risks associated with diving such as making poor decisions or failing to recognize critical dive signals. Additionally, certain medications can affect how the body responds to pressure changes underwater, potentially increasing the risk of decompression sickness, which occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body due to rapid ascent.

Understanding the effects of these substances helps divers prepare adequately for safe diving experiences, maintaining optimal physical and mental condition. This awareness aids in effectively handling potential stressors faced during a dive, ultimately contributing to overall dive safety.