Why It’s Important To Stay Hydrated During The Winter
Are you feeling less thirsty this winter? Even though we’re less inclined to drink fluids as the temperatures drop, water and other hydrating liquids are just as crucial to our general health.
Keeping hydrated is important in the summer and it makes sense because you lose more water because you sweat more when it’s hot outside. On the other hand, water consumption is still necessary during the winter and many individuals are unaware of their dehydration throughout the colder months.
Let’s have a look at all there is to know about staying healthy and hydrated during the winter.
You May Become More Dehydrated In The Winter
All year long, your body needs the same amount of water. When you sweat a lot, which may occur more regularly in the summer, you obviously need to replace more water. Dietician Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, explains it this way: “When we sweat in colder months, the moisture turns into vapor instead of sitting on the skin. So while you’re still losing water, you don’t get the visual cue to drink up.”
Another unexpected finding: The body loses a lot of fluid when breathing cold, dry air. The most significant fact is that, regardless of how much water our bodies actually require, people experience a 40% decrease in thirst during the winter. Therefore, it’s crucial to actively monitor your hydration needs in several ways.
Why Staying Hydrated Is Just As Crucial When It’s Cold Outside
Here’s a reminder of the importance of water and other hydrating drinks: Water makes up 60% of your body weight, and it is essential for the proper functioning of every system in your body. Water helps transfer oxygen and nutrients to cells, washes toxins and waste out of organs, and provides the right atmosphere for your body’s tissues.
Your body can’t perform its routine tasks when it is dehydrated, and it will start to feel tired. To put it another way, even if you get a lot of sleep and eat a super healthy breakfast to attempt to enhance your energy, your health will still suffer if you don’t drink enough water.
Tasty Ways To Stay Hydrated
There are alternative ways to ensure proper hydration when it’s cold beside the 64 ounces of filtered water per day that is recommended. Organic sports drinks are a terrific option if you just want a more flavorful and advantageous thing to sip on because they provide electrolytes for improved hydration and essential minerals that your body needs to function properly.
In addition, who wouldn’t want their spoon in a delicious bowl of butternut squash soup or bone broth at lunchtime on a chilly day? Soups generally include a lot of water.
Tea is also an excellent choice. Whether you drink green tea for the antioxidants or chamomile tea for sleep, tea can help you stay hydrated.
Last but not least, citrus fruits that are at their best in the winter, such as oranges and grapefruits, are mostly water. Take advantage of them as a hydrating snack.