Staying hydrated is important irrespective of the weather. However, as the temperature dips, drinking a glass of water is the last thing that comes to your mind. Though we drink a lot of hot beverages in winter, these are not sufficient to keep our bodies hydrated. Come winter and your immune system is the weakest making you vulnerable to a number of diseases. This is the reason why it is extremely important to stay hydrated even during winter. The question is, how can you stay hydrated even during winter. Read the blog to find out.
Causes of Dehydration in Winter Months
During winter, the body’s thirst response diminishes by approximately 40%. The reason is blood vessels constrict when the body is cold, thereby preventing blood flow to the extremities. As a result, the human body draws more blood to the core. As a result, you don’t feel thirsty during winter and your body doesn’t conserve water. This is the reason why in cold weather, we drink less water in winter, the kidneys don’t conserve water, and urine production increases and may lead to a condition known as cold-induced urine diuresis. In addition, wearing extra clothes, and respiratory fluid loss can also lead to extreme levels of dehydration.
Signs of Dehydration in Winter
Detecting whether you are dehydrated, especially in winter can be a tough task. Checking some of the common signs can help you ensure that you are sufficiently hydrated.
- Monitor the color of your urine. If possible, get a chart to check the color of your urine. The darker the color, the higher the level of dehydration.
- Weigh yourself regularly in the morning to monitor whether you are slightly dehydrated or retaining water.
- Check your weight before and after exercising to check how much you sweat and the amount of fluid you need to replace. Keep a mental track of your urine volume. If the volume is less than usual, you are dehydrated and need to start drinking water.
Ways to Stay Hydrated
So, how do you stay hydrated in winter? Here are some easy tips that will help you stay hydrated in winter.
Avoid the Wrong Drinks
Make sure you avoid the wrong drinks in winter to avoid dehydration. Caffeine and sodas can actually make your body extremely dehydrated not just in summer but also in winter. This is the reason why you need to avoid depending on caffeinated drinks during winter, even if they keep you warm.
Some Hot Beverages Are Helpful
Hot beverages such as lemon water and green tea not only keep you warm but also sufficiently hydrated. Green tea also helps in boosting your immunity so that you stay away from cold and flu during the winter months.
Eat Foods with High Water Content
Fruits with high water content such as broccoli, strawberries, and celery are great sources of water that help you stay hydrated even during winter. Including these vegetables in your diet will help you meet the daily water requirement.
Final Thoughts
Drinking adequate water is not only important in summer but in the winter months as well. As your immunity is weak in winter, you not only need to stay hydrated but also drink clean water to avoid any infections. Install a water purifier and make it a point to carry a bottle of water wherever you go to stay hydrated.