It’s winter and it’s the most dreadful season especially for those who do not have resistance to withstand cold. One is all the time trying to hunt for things to keep us warm be it externally or internally. Water comes least in our winter checklist.
Did you know we get easily dehydrated in winter as we do in summer? As the surrounding temperature drops, we cling to the heater or cover ourselves with layers of clothing to keep us warm. This artificial heat does cause dehydration.
Though we do not sweat during this season, water vapour is still lost from our body through our breath. Winter can even accelerate dehydration because of the lifesaving mechanism that’s functional in our body which constricts our blood vessels in cold weather, in turn conserving heat and maintaining body temperature.
Shrinking blood vessels increase the blood pressure making our kidneys produce more urine which means less blood to fill in the veins and arteries and frequent visits to the loo, hence increasing the risk of dehydration.Dehydration causes muscle fatigue, cramps, loss of coordination and even a stroke. A dehydrated body is easily prone to flu and winter cold.
Basically, during winters we refrain from having enough water. With the days being short it makes us exercise less and our food intake grows. When our body is well hydrated its efficiency to break down fat for energy increases so that we have better control of our appetite.
The other concern is that of water retention due to the body not being well hydrated during winter. This takes place when our body starts feeling the scarcity of water and it starts holding back water leading to water retention.
How do I know if I am dehydrated?
Thirst is our body’s way of saying “I am on the verge of dehydration” You can even be watchful of how clear or light coloured the urine is.
How do I hike my water intake?
HAVE WARM WATER:
90% of the excuses that we give for not having water in winter is that it makes us feel cold. The best solution to it has lukewarm water, which would not only soothe your throat but also replenish your water stores, while it boosts up your metabolism
TRY TO BALANCE OUT YOUR TEA / COFFEE WITH WATER:
Caffeine’s and alcohols are diuretics (they cause us to lose more water through urine), so try to have a glass of water before having your evening tea/ coffee add another glass after few mins of after having your tea/ coffee This way we can replenish our body’s water store.
INCLUDE WATER BASED FOOD IN YOUR MENU
Vegetables and fruits are naturally rich in water, which also provide vital minerals and vitamins. You can add soups to your menu.
DRINK THROUGHOUT EXERCISE
Make it a point to have water before, during and after your exercise. Due to the cold climate, there are very fewer chances of sweating too much or feeling too thirsty, mind it your body needs it!!!
MAKE WATER INTERESTING
Many find drinking plain water very boring. If you are one of them then you can add natural flavours to water (not free calories though!!!) by adding some fruits or herbs which give the water some mild taste and make it delicious to sip on.
In conclusion, I would say be it summer, be it winter, our body remains same through the year.
SO “Keep walking and sipping water.”