How To Stay Properly Hydrated This Winter

While staying hydrated during the summer months is obvious and easy with the hotter temperatures, it can be deceivingly difficult during the cold winter months. The average human body’s thirst response decreases by as much as 40% during winter. This can lead to symptoms of dehydration occurring even though you don’t feel thirsty.

Staying properly hydrated in winter has more value than meets the eye. While drinking the doctor recommended two liters of water per day is always a smart approach, it’s good to know why the winter months can bring unexpected dehydration.

How to stay hydrated during winter?

In the cold people are less likely to be thirsty. This subconsciously leads people to drink less water when they are cold vs. warm. Furthermore, we tend to sweat less in colder weather. This phenomenon leads to the body tricking itself into thinking it is retaining more than it needs to intake. 

Always remember that the human body is made up of 65% water, so whether it is through sweat, or any other means of water leaving the body, it must be replenished up to that amount in any climate. Again, it’s just harder to notice cold weather dehydration symptoms. This is why proactively drinking water during winter is the best way to avoid cold weather dehydration.

Symptoms of Cold Weather Dehydration

However, if you are the observant type who likes to keep an eye on your hydration levels, there are noticeable signs that you are becoming dehydrated in winter. Keep an eye on these as some may be more noticeable in summer, than winter.

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness and fatigue
• Confusion
• Dry skin
• Chapped lips 
• Dry eyes
• Dark, yellow urination
• Infrequent urination (less than 4 times per day)

There is an old saying that if on any given day if you find yourself thirsty then you’re already too late in avoiding dehydration. Drinking water should be a daily habit, one that we start early in the morning, and continue throughout the day.

Three Ways to Stay Hydrated this Winter

If you think you could start drinking more water in your day-to-day life, remember the three critical steps to staying hydrated.

This year more than most years we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and our communities. In the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, we should do everything possible to make sure we are strengthening our bodies and immune systems, like drinking water consistently. 

Hydration Summary

Water helps hydrate the body which will make it stronger. The key takeaways for avoiding winter dehydration are as follows:

1. It can be harder to notice winter dehydration symptoms such as sweatiness, and thirst levels.
2. Some symptoms of dehydration such as headache and dizziness are similar to what you may experience during summer, so keep an eye out for them during winter.
3. Avoiding caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary drinks, while monitoring your symptoms will go a long way in helping you maintain proper hydration levels.
4. Drink water early and often.

If you need consistent, delicious-tasting water ZeroWater proudly offers top-market in-home water pitchers. With our premium five-step filtration method each cup of water in your diet will be fresh and enjoyable.

If you plan to drink more water this winter, do it with ZeroWater, and experience a dehydration-free winter!