Eat Right: Does your water intake reduce in the winter season?

While it’s common knowledge that staying hydrated is crucial during the scorching summer season. However, did you know it’s really crucial to maintain adequate hydration during the frigid winter days as well? It’s true that winter lacks the obvious cues to drink water, and thirst doesn’t strike as frequently as it does on hot summer days. But keeping your body hydrated is equally crucial irrespective of the season.

Here are five reasons why you must increase your water consumption for a healthier and more hydrated winter.

To combat winter dehydration

As temperatures drop, we bundle up in layers and turn up the heaters. The artificially warm indoor environment, combined with the dry air from heating systems, contribute to winter dehydration. The challenge with winter dehydration is that it’s less noticeable. You might not even realise you haven’t had any water throughout the day, especially since the body’s thirst response significantly diminishes in cold weather.

Dr Monika Anand, Head, Department of Home Science at Apeejay College of Fine Arts in Jalandhar shared a similar viewpoint, “When the winter months are approaching our body shows lesser and milder thirst signals. Moreover, during winters our body excretes more water through urine. Insufficient water intake during winters can lead to winter dehydration which is more harmful than we actually think. It has been found to be associated with bad mood, poor memory, poor concentration, skin concerns and other health issues as well.”

Thus, staying hydrated is vital for regulating body temperature, enabling blood to transport essential nutrients and oxygen, and facilitating the removal of toxins from your body.

To maintain the glow of your skin

The dry and often stagnant indoor air created by artificial heating can take a toll on your skin. Transitioning from dry warm air to the cold outdoors can lead to dry, cracked skin. Adequate water intake is essential for keeping your skin cells plump and hydrated, reducing the risk of chapping and peeling. Water also helps eliminate impurities from your body, which, when you’re not well-hydrated, can surface through your pores, causing blemishes. Dull skin is another winter woe stemming from the combination of dry air and insufficient hydration. Maintain a healthy glow by drinking water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

To boost your energy

Do you often experience a mid-afternoon energy slump or find yourself reaching for caffeine to fend off fatigue? Dehydration is a common cause of daytime weariness. Proper hydration supports efficient bodily functions, while dehydration slows down these functions and depletes your extra energy reserves, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. Keep a glass of water nearby and sip regularly to stay alert and energetic throughout the day.

To ward off winter weight gain

When the weather turns gloomy, our bodies often crave comforting foods, which are typically calorie-rich and unhealthy. Before indulging, consider having a glass of water. Our brains frequently mistake thirst for hunger, and after drinking water, the hunger trigger is often satisfied. This can help curb the temptation to snack or overeat. Good hydration also promotes optimal digestive function, especially during months when overconsumption is common. Make sure to drink plenty of water to assist your body in digesting food.

To strengthen your immune system

Winter can be taxing on our immune systems due to the prevalence of airborne viruses. Dehydration can seriously compromise the body’s immune defenses. Inadequate water intake can dry out the mucous membranes in the lungs and sinus passages, reducing their resistance to infections. Staying well-hydrated in winter ensures that the barriers protecting your body from colds and flu remain fully functional.

Research studies have shown that each time one breathes, perspires, urinates, or has a bowel movement, water is lost from your body. And so, to maintain proper bodily functions, it is essential to replenish your body’s water reservoir by consuming foods and beverages that contain sufficient amounts of H2O.