so many times i have had to revisit things i had already learned and tried because i had slacked off or just needed to do it again. you seem to have left out a very important ingredient - Sea Salt . just to make sure this isnt what the problem is, i would go with the program of half your weight in ounces(100 pounds would be 50 ounces of water) and the REQUIRED 1/4 teaspoon of Sea Salt per quart. then you will know and adjust to your personal routine and needs accordingly. i know when i start dehydrating - i get a little cough and scritchy throat.