Dehydration is widespread in summer as your body loses too much sweat due to heat. But do you know the chances of dehydration are equally prevalent in winter too? The water intake in your body is usually low in winter as you get less thirsty. This leads to many believing that your body needs less water in winter, however, this is not true.
What Is Winter Dehydration?
Winter dehydration is a condition in which the amount of fluids in your body is very low. It occurs as people drink less water in winter and feel less thirsty. You should note that people can lose sweat in winter too, which may result in dehydration. You may be sweating from the extra layers of your clothes that you put on You also lose fluid through frequent urine in your body. Furthermore, cold and dry air causes a more significant water loss through respiration than warm air.
Signs Of Dehydration
It is essential to look out for signs of dehydration to take necessary measures and prevent the condition from getting severe. Some of the signs of winter dehydration are as follows:
Dark-coloured urine
Your urine may turn dark yellow or amber-coloured if you are not drinking enough water. This is an indication for you to increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
Muscle Cramps
Dehydration can also cause muscle cramps in your body.
Fatigue
You may feel fatigued if the supply of water in your body is not enough.
Also Read: How Does The Winter Season Affect Your Sleep
Dry Skin
Your skin and lips can dry out due to severe dehydration. You need to drink water to provide moisture and nourishment to your skin.
Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or light-headed when you are dehydrated. Moreover, there is a low level of energy in your body. You may also face difficulty in concentrating.
Increased Heart Rate
When you do not drink enough water, there is an increase in your heart rate as well
Also Read: Why Heart Attacks Seem To Happen More Frequently During Winters?
Tips To Stay Hydrated In Winter
- Set goals and reminders for drinking water throughout the day. Don’t skip water even if you are not feeling thirsty. Drink adequate water after performing physical activities like exercise and sports.
- You should eat fruits and vegetables, especially those with a higher-fluid content like oranges, cucumbers, pears and tomatoes.
- If you don’t like drinking cold water, you can drink warm beverages like soup to keep yourself hydrated. You should avoid drinking too much coffee and alcohol as it may lead to dehydration.
Takeaway
Water is vital for the proper functioning of your body, and the absence of this can cause many health problems like dizziness, muscle cramps, increased heart rate, and fatigue. You need to drink water even when not thirsty to meet the requirements of water in the body. It is challenging to spot sweating in winter, due to which dehydration may go unnoticed. Drinking enough water can help you lose weight, boost your immunity, and keep you warmer in winter. Grab yourself a water bottle every time you go out, and keep yourself hydrated.
