Dehydration is most often correlated with the scorching summer heat. But, do you know that it’s very likely to get dehydrated during the winters? Water insufficiency can leave your skin dry and rough and lead to constipation, headache, and fatigue.
In the winters the body works extra hard to produce heat, balance temperature, moisture, and body heat. The likelihood of humans hydrating themselves is very low unless triggered by the body and the environment. In addition, the physiological response towards fluid equilibrium takes the edge off of the thirst.
The absence of sweat is another stimulus that makes you stay away from drinking more water. Maintaining body fluid takes a backseat in comparison to maintaining optimum temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to balance the water intake through various sources.
Here are 10 simple and smart methods to keep you hydrated throughout the winters:
Use technology: Technology can come in handy in enabling you to drink adequate water every day. You can download and use applications like Hydro coach — drink water, water drink reminder, and aqualert: water tracker daily, to keep a check on your water intake.
Keep your water bottle close by: When water is at a convenient distance you tend to drink it more often. Travel with your water bottle, it’s the easiest available reminder for drinking water. And, it is environmentally sustainable as well.
Eat fruits and vegetables: A good amount of water can be restored from fruits and vegetables. You can replace or add your meals with food containing higher water content. Seasonal veggies and fruits like carrot, cucumber, apples, radish, green leaves, and peas among others can be consumed using various recipes.
Stay away from processed food: Processed and packaged foods are high in sugar and salt content and low in water content. It keeps you at a higher risk of dehydration. You should avoid them and see the magic.
Wear breathable clothes: The body dehydrates through the process of perspiration. Wearing clothes made of breathable fabrics decreases sweating and maintains the body temperature, a process that would otherwise get interrupted.
Flavored water: You can make your hydration process interesting by infusing water with fruits and herbs. It adds to the nutritional content of the drink and leaves you refreshed. Add a slice of strawberry, mint leaves, or ginger and cucumber to jazz up your taste buds.
Say NO to alcohol: Legend has it that alcohol can help you keep warm during chilly weather. It breaks our heart to reveal that alcohol does just the opposite. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator and dilates the blood vessels which gives a warm feeling beneath the skin. However, it is short-lived. It rather reduces the core temperature of your body. It also hinders the natural reflexes to fight cold.
Prefer warm drinks: Warm water or beverages can help to maintain the optimal temperature of the body. A glass of warm water, not piping hot, helps to increase body temperature and aids in metabolism and de-congestion as well.
Try the affirmations: About 60% of your body is water. It might feel awkward to confess your love for water but it’s now or never!
I love to drink water- Water is great for my health — Water keeps me alive — I love to drink water! These affirmations might help as a reminder and makes you stick to a schedule.Plant plenty plants: The dry air of winters can leave your skin itchy and flaky. There are many plants with high transpiration rates that can increase humidity levels around you. These plants can be used as natural humidifiers. Some of them are — peace lily, lady palm, bamboo palm, and aloe vera among many others.
A well-hydrated body replenishes you and keeps you at a safe distance from many diseases. The above mentioned tips keep your hydration worries at the bay. Happy Winter Waters!
