Dehydration in the winter?

Staying hydrated in the blistering heat of summer is a no brainer. But did you know it’s just as easy to become dehydrated during the winter months? Failing to stay hydrated can have serious implications on your health.

Water provides everything the body needs to restore fluids lost through everyday functions – metabolizing, breathing, sweating, etc. Especially during the winter months, dehydration is less noticeable. With added layers of clothing, combined with drier air, our bodies dehydrate faster than we can realize what is occurring. Although you may not necessarily feel thirsty, it is important to continually fill your body with fluids.

Your body uses water to help maintain its temperature during both the summer and winter months. By not drinking enough fluids, your core body temperature can drop drastically, causing health and skin issues. As you become dehydrated, your blood becomes thicker, making your heart work harder. If you are unsure about whether or not you’re dehydrated, look for the signs, which include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting. Your urine will be darker than usual, too.

To ensure you are hydrating properly: Carry around a water bottle, it’s important that you drink water before, during and after a workout, but drinking water during the day can help stave off dehydration, too. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Lettuce, oranges and apples are some examples of fluid-rich fruits.

There are a number of important reasons why staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Consuming plenty of fluids can help alleviate any issues that might arise and go a long way toward keeping you healthy too.