Anointedtoday.blogspot.com: How to Hydrate During the Winter

Do you find it difficult to drink more water during the Winter than during the summer? Do you find yourself sometimes getting dehydrated during the Winter? Are you looking for more ways to stay hydrated?

***Intentional***

Did You Know?

1. Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Are you drinking enough water? I have observed it is so much easier for me to drink more water in the summer than during the Winter. Did you know that according to heart.org., mild dehydration impaired the function of cells that line blood vessels almost as much as smoking a cigarette and dehydration has been linked with inflammation, artery stiffness, blood pressure regulation and other factors that can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. They further added that your water needs change from day to day based on factors such as environmental temperature and activity level.

I recall recording information on a calendar that I could reuse year after year. I discovered I would get bladder infections around the same time during the winter. I later discovered during these times I was drinking little to no water at all. It was an eye awakening moment. I started intentionally drinking enough water during the Winter and I had not had a bladder infection since. Also just as I carry a bottle of water around with me during the summer I continue this practice during the winter.

2. Other Hydration tips

Drinking sport drinks, skim and low fat milk, fruits and vegetables, and oral re hydration are suggested ways by Healthline.com.

3. Did You Know?

Some people get less thirsty in cold weather, so they drink less water in the winter than in the summer, you tend to sweat less in cold weather, your body still loses moisture in cold weather, and temperature can affect the rate at which you lose water. This is talked about at mana.md.

4. Foods to Help with Hydration

It is not a coincidence that soups are made during the Winter. Mana.Md talks about homemade soups in the winter; stating they can increase fluid intake to help you meet your fluid needs. They further suggest swapping alcohol for a mock-tail possibly consisting of unsweetened seltzer water with a slice of citrus or mixed berries.

5. A Little History

A farmer in Austria, Vincent Priessnitz, promoted the notion that humans should drink a minimum amount of water for optimal health. He opened an institute in 1829 to support that practice. According to physiology.org., he was deemed the father of hydrotherapy. They further added that in 1945, the United State Food and Nutrition Board issued guidelines indicating that people should drink two and a half liters of fluid per day; However, an added bit of information that seemed to have been lost over the years was that most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods.

6. Do You Know the Signs of Dehydration?

Signs of dehydration in child or an adult might include feeling thirsty, dark yellow, strong-smelling pee, peeing less often than usual, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling tired, a dry mouth, lips and tongue, and sunken eyes. Signs of dehydration in a baby might include a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head, sunken eyes, few or no tears, when they cry, not having many wet nappies, and being drowsy or irritable. These are all talked about at nhs.uk.

7. Thirsty

Do you feel thirsty during the Winter? I seemingly feel very little thirsty during the winter and I find myself working to drink enough water. Billi.com talks about this stating that in the winter your body’s normal feeling of being thirsty becomes less active because when it is cold outside, blood vessels in your skin constrict to save heat and keep body temperature steady, which in turn suppresses your thirst response. They give a few monitoring tips to stay hydrated during the winter. They are as follows:

a. Monitor your water intake and make sure to drink at least 2 liters of water daily

b. flavor up your water by adding slices of fruits or herbs. I like to add lemon to my water.

c. Embrace herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, and chamomile

d. Consume foods high in water including soups and stews

8. Did You Know?

Did you know that a 1-2% water loss can cause fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite; 2-4% loss can cause impaired physical performance, dry mouth, urine reduction and flushed skin; 5-6% results in difficulty concentrating, headache, irritability, sleepiness, impaired temperature regulation and increased respiratory rate; and a 7-10% loss can lead to dizziness, spastic muscles, loss of balance, delirium, exhaustion or heat stroke. This is according to extenstion.okstate.edu. They further stated that “older adults often deal with muscle loss, which results in the loss of body water,” and many signs of dehydration are misinterpreted as being due to age.

9. Winter Dryness

Have you ever heard the expression winter dryness? Winter dryness can pull moisture from your skin and respiratory system without notice, leaving you feeling dehydrated even if you are not sweating. Howardhead.org., talks about this. They also added that because winter is cold and flu season hydration plays a crucial role in keeping your immune system strong and that water helps thin mucus, so your body can flush out toxins more easily and recover faster.

10. Mental Clarity

Have there been days that your feel groggy? I know there are those days that I have felt groggy and thought I needed a nap. Healthcare.utah.edu suggests that the grogginess you feel about 2:00-3:00 pm in the afternoon might be because you need more water. They suggest drinking a big glass of water which might give you a little pick-me-up.

So are you getting your daily water needs during the Winter? If not, why not start today?

Source:

Are you drinking enough water during winter months?

The 6 Best Ways to Rehydrate Quickly

What You Should Know about Winter Dehydration

The Importance of Winter Hydration

The Science of Hydration: How Water Impacts the Body

Dehydration

How to Stay Hydrated In Winter

Winter hydration is important for good health

Frozen Outside, Thirsty Inside: Why Your Winter Water Intake Matters More Than You Think

How Water Supports Your Body During the Winter Months