Winter Dehydration

The winter months are upon us, and as the seasons shift to cooler temperatures, it's vital to keep up with healthy habits. It may not be something people think about while putting away short sleeves and bringing out sweaters, but it is just as easy to become dehydrated in the winter. Most people think about sweating in summer and the fluid they lose. While it can be quite a bit, most don't notice symptoms of dehydration when it's cooler outside.

Your body works hard to regulate its temperature. Even your lungs, for example, use water when you breathe. Although you may not sweat as much as you would during the summer, your body works hard to keep you warm. Energy levels and metabolism are two factors that can quickly become affected as you lose fluid. You may feel less thirsty because of the colder air, but your body still needs to replace all the fluids your body has used to function daily.

Best Methods to Stay Hydrated in the Winter

One of the best ways to avoid winter dehydration is to plan your day accordingly. What you eat, drink, and even wear can affect your body and your level of thirst. So before you begin your day, take a few minutes and plan accordingly. Then, you can set yourself up for success before leaving your house.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Eating your fruits and vegetables is typically sound advice for several reasons. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and water. Eating them can help you replenish fluids and also provide essential nutrients at the same time.

Some foods with exceptionally high water content include cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, peppers, and most citrus fruits. Spinach and lettuce can also help get your fluid levels up. Eating these foods will ensure you reach your daily intake of fluids and antioxidants. They provide nutrients that can help to boost your immune system and protect you from seasonal colds and the flu.

A balanced diet can help our vitamin intake. However, we still can lack certain minerals that our body needs to operate. For example, our body requires electrolytes to function and regulate fluid balance. Electrolytes also help to maintain an active lifestyle. A nutritious diet ensures that we receive crucial vitamins and minerals but doesn't necessarily help our electrolyte levels. Sometimes we may need help to boost our electrolytes.

Drink Plenty of Water

The body also needs water to function properly. So consuming plenty of fluid during the winter months is key to staying hydrated and feeling your best. For those struggling to drink enough fluids, start each day with a glass of water as soon as you wake up and try to drink water with you throughout the day.

Hot water can also be more appealing to drink than cold water, especially after being out in the cold. Pour yourself a steaming cup of hot water, add some lemon or honey and enjoy. You can also try lime or cucumber to give yourself some refreshing flavor.

Although drinking a sufficient amount of water is essential, water alone can’t deliver the electrolytes that our body craves. Dehydration is when your body experiences an imbalance of fluid. It takes more than plain water to replenish your electrolytes and get your fluids balanced to where they need to be.

Add DripDrop to Your Water

The missing staple in your hydration necessities is DripDrop. Add an electrolyte powder like DripDrop to a plain glass of water and get the charge of electrolytes you need. Regular water doesn’t cut it when trying to increase electrolyte levels. Adding a hydration aid to your diet can get the minerals your body is missing and relieve dehydration fast. DripDrop adds an element of interest in hot or cold water and a burst of flavor to an ordinary glass of water. Add lemon or berry to hot water for a unique winter treat, giving you a refreshing alternative to tea or a hot holiday drink. Hydration aids like DripDrop, provide a convenient and effective way to replenish your electrolyte levels and rehydrate you in half the time as sports drinks and 2-3x faster than water alone.

On Especially Active Days, Avoid Diuretics

If you are planning on being especially active on a winter day, try to avoid diuretics. Diuretics are substances that increase the amount of urine your body produces, leading to excess fluid loss. Common diuretics include coffee, tea, soda, and even alcohol. These substances can have a significant impact on your hydration levels, so it is essential to limit your consumption of these beverages. It can be challenging with holiday-themed foods or drinks, but your body will thank you for showing restraint.

Dress In Layers and Stay Ahead of the Weather

As you know, the weather in winter can be unpredictable: One day, it's cold and snowy; the next day, sunny with a light breeze and no snowfall. To keep yourself safe from the elements and warm throughout your day, wear layers of clothing to help you adjust.

It's better to have too many layers and take some off as you heat up than not having enough and being exposed to the elements. As you become more active, your body creates its own heat, so sweating is inevitable. Pair down your clothing and avoid overheating as your body generates more heat through activity. Keep in mind that sweat will not evaporate as quickly due to the cold, and wearing more fabric means more sweat absorption. This can lead to dehydration more rapidly in some cases, so keep replenishing fluids throughout the day, even as your outfit changes.

Don’t Let Dehydration Slow You Down

Just because the temperature changes doesn't mean your habits should. Stay ahead of dehydration, and don't let the cold limit your active lifestyle. As you head out into your day, a bit of preparation can make a monumental difference, especially in overall performance. So stay active and hydrated and be good to your body this winter.