As an inordinate number of Internet memes have told us over the past five years—winter is coming. We also know that during winter time, it’s a time of celebration, gatherings and a flurry of whirlwind activity, and many people suffer an unexpected side effect due not only to the constant running around, but to the simple change in temperatures. That side effect is dehydration.
Despite all the snow falling from the sky, winter tends to be a very dry time of year, which means our bodies tend to lose moisture fast. We also don’t feel as thirsty due to less heat and sweating, which means we don’t tend to drink as much. This makes it vital to stay hydrated in the winter. Learn about dehydration, how much water to drink in the winter, and how you can stay healthy and hale throughout these cold and dry months.
Drink When You’re Not Thirsty
In the winter time, we don’t have a wealth of hot days full of sun and sweat that make us desperate for a drink of water. However, we do have a different kind of heat in the winter, from our home heating systems, and one of the major drawbacks of those heating systems is that they create very dry air.
This means that we breathe out moisture and though we don’t sweat, our bodies dry out anyway. You should drink water because you choose to drink and you know you need to, not because you feel thirsty.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? Have you ever experienced chapped lips in the winter? How about nosebleeds, acne or even headaches? Did you know that these are symptoms of dehydration? If you want to reduce these unpleasant symptoms of wintertime, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water!
Dangers of Dehydration
It gets even worse; incidences of strokes increase in the wintertime, because dehydration can lead to this potentially deadly health development. Dehydration also weakens our immune system, leading to us being more susceptible to the flu, winter colds and other illnesses.
What about that winter weight? You can help to avoid that 15 pounds you put on every year by just drinking lots of water. Often, when you think you’re hungry and you reach for a snack, your body could be misinterpreting the signal for thirst! Drinking water helps you feel full and control your appetite.
How Much Water to Drink in the Winter
How much water to drink in the winter depends on your gender, health and physical activity. Men should consume anywhere between 8 and 14 glasses of water a day, depending on how active they are. Women need between 6 and 12 glasses per day, depending on their level of activity and whether they are breastfeeding.
Healthy Drinking
Of course, you want the water you drink to be healthy as well, and a home water softener and water filtration system can make sure you’re always taking in the best. Check out the home water filtration services from EcoWater, and give us a call for more information today!