Winter is officially here and while it is important to stay hydrated all year long, during winter you may be neglecting your water intake without realizing it. Day-to-day activities like breathing and staying warm are sources of water loss, and activities like skiing and sledding can lead to dehydration.
During the winter months we have a tendency to be more sedentary so drinking more water will help to detoxify your body and push through impurities and waste in order to keep healthy and energized.
Winds are drier during the winter and tend to extract moisture directly from our skin which leads to dry, flaky skin and chapped lips. Not just unpleasant to look at, it can be painful too.
Mucous membranes act as a barrier to catch and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses that want in. Your body create mucous to fight illnesses, which requires sufficient water to produce.
Aside from the standard “Drink more water”, here are some tips for staying hydrated during the winter months:
Eat Plenty Of Fruits
Fruits are excellent sources of water: apples and pears are 84% water, oranges are 87% water. Plus these fruits contain vitamin C which helps ward off colds and flus.
Satisfy With Soup
With all its broth and vegetables soup has a high water count so it makes for an easy way to eat and stay hydrated at the same time. Plus soup is a great way to warm your internal temperature.
Balance Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption
Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics (they cause more water loss through urine) so when having either, drink extra water to balance the dehydrating effect. Opt for drinking decaffeinated coffee or tea whenever you can.
Avoid Bathing In Hot Water
Taking a hot shower or bath breaks down the lipid barrier in your skin and makes it easier for your skin to lose its moisture. Taking warm or lukewarm baths and showers are best for preventing parched skin. Be sure to apply a layer of moisturizer right after bathing to lock in moisture.
Use Humidifiers
Humidifiers are ideal for reintroducing moisture back into the air inside your home. Leave it on at night while you sleep and reap the benefits all season long by using it regularly.
