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Winter Thirst

Writer's picture: goatmilknmamagoatmilknmama

Do I only need to worry about staying hydrated during the summer?

As soon as the weather warms up and the sun gets stronger, everyone starts talking about hydration. It makes sense: you sweat a lot during the summer, so the water you’re losing is super obvious.

During winter, on the other hand, a lot of people are just walking around dehydrated…without even realizing it. You didn’t think managing your H20 intake was important when it’s cold outside? Here’s what you need to know.


Why you may be more dehydrated during winter

The bottom line is: Your body needs the same amount of water year-round.

Of course you do need to replace more water when you’re sweating a lot, which may happen more frequently in the summer. However, during colder months, when we do sweat, it turns into vapor and doesn’t sit on the skin. So while you’re still losing water, you don’t get the visual (or sticky) cue to drink up. Breathing cold, dry air also causes the body to lose a significant amount of fluid even if we don’t realize it.

And perhaps the most important point: During winter, people feel less thirsty, regardless of how much water their body actually needs. So, in a lot of ways, it’s more important to be actively on top of your hydration needs all year long.


Why hydration is important during winter

What’s the big deal, though, if you drink a little less water in February compared to July?

Here’s a quick reminder of why H2O is oh-so-important: Water makes up 60 percent of your body weight, and every system in your body depends on it to function. It flushes out toxins, delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells, and keeps tissues healthy. Proper hydration also supports your immune system by keeping mucous membranes moist, which makes it harder for viruses to invade—essential during the winter months!

During periods of dehydration, your body can’t carry out normal functions and begins to feel tired and drained. You may put your head down on your desk at 3 pm or brain fog may kick in while you’re trying to multi-task while making dinner.  In other words, if you get plenty of sleep and eat a super healthy breakfast try to boost your energy, it won't matter if you’re not properly hydrated. You’ll still feel like you’re dragging.  Finally, water is super important weight loss that may have accumulated form the holidays or winter sedentariness.


How to stay hydrated during winter

I always recommend drinking 64 ounces of water every day in a water bottle, as a good starting place, but there are other ways to stay on top of adequate hydration when it’s chilly. If you just want an upgraded way to sip that includes more flavor and added benefits, I’m currently loving Halo support. Not only does the super clean, organic sports drink skip added sugar, it delivers electrolytes for enhanced hydration and important minerals your body needs to function efficiently.

There are other ways to hydrate too. Soup for instance, contains water, and who doesn’t want their spoon in a delicious bowl of homemade Vegetable soup at lunchtime on cold winter days? 

Tea is also be hydrating, whether you’re drinking green tea for the antioxidants or chamomile to help you get to sleep, a hot cup of tea is a great way to hydrate during the colder months weather you at work or relaxing at home.

ave you thought about citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, which are at their best during the winter, are mostly water.  Eat ‘em up for a hydrating snack. Eating fresh vegetables, which are high in water content. For example, tomatoes are 95% water and broccoli is 91% water. You can also eat celery and cucumbers that are full of water.  Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you quickly. Maybe try swapping your alcohol for a mocktail. Alcohol should not be counted towards fluid intake and can interfere with your perception of cold, increasing the risk for hypothermia. Instead, try mixing unsweetened seltzer water with a slice of citrus or mixed berries. Have you thought about the environmental factor that the air is MUCH drier. Leading you to possible need a small humidifier? What about embracing a natural moisture sources: Houseplants? Plants naturally release moisture through transpiration, effectively adding humidity to the air. Strategically place plants in different rooms to maximize their impact. 


These are just some thoughts with ideas to keep your body hydrated even in the winter months.



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