Dehydration, in the winter? YUP!
There’s no doubt about it that dehydration is normally associated with sweltering temperatures in the summer months, or with sweating in hot and humid climates. However, dehydration is absolutely not limited to just hot weather.
Experiencing dehydration is a risk even in chillier winter temperatures, especially while you are out participating in fun winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, etc.
Read on to learn about winter dehydration, how to avoid it, and some tips on how to keep hydrated year-round.
WHAT EXACTLY IS DEHYDRATION?
Mild to moderate dehydration is usually defined as the loss of 2-6% of body weight through fluids.
To function properly, our bodies require the correct internal balance of both water and electrolytes.
WHAT CAUSES DEHYDRATION?
Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluids to function properly. There are a number of factors that affect how much water a person requires on an average day, with the average adult requiring roughly 100 ounces.
Your body is losing moisture all day, every day. This is through a combination of perspiration, respiration, urination, and normal bodily function. Other factors like activity level, diet, and overall health also affect how quickly the body loses moisture and requires replenishing.
It’s possible to become dehydrated when the temperatures are cold outside, just like it’s possible to get dehydrated when the temperatures are hot outside. Keeping hydrated during the summer months can sometimes even be easier than staying hydrated in the winter!
WHY IS DEHYDRATION A RISK IN THE WINTER?
People don’t always associate dehydration with cold weather, so they may be less likely to make it a priority to stay hydrated the same way they would in summer months.
Some people feel less thirsty in cold weather, so they drink less water than they might in warm weather. However, feeling less thirsty doesn’t mean that you’re more hydrated. Your thirst receptors decrease during colder months because of the constriction of blood vessels, so they are not always the best indicators.
People also tend to sweat less in cold weather. Your body is still losing moisture in cold weather, but without sweat as an indicator of that moisture loss, you might not realize you need to replenish fluids.
Not only that – winter is virus season! This year with the COVID-19 pandemic, it wouldn’t be possible to completely forget the dangers of viruses, which often reach their peak during the winter months. Colds and flus are often accompanied with symptoms of fever and sweating, which can result in a loss of fluids.
TIPS FOR STAYING HYDRATED IN COLDER WEATHER:
- Don’t rely on the feelings of thirst to tell you when you need to drink water. It’s important to remember that staying hydrated during colder weather is important. Simply setting a reminder for yourself to drink more water can help prevent dehydration in the wintertime. This reminder could be in the form of a notification on your phone, a water bottle with measured water intake goals, etc.
- If you find it difficult to drink water when it’s cold outside, try drinking warm beverages like herbal tea, or hot cider.
- Always, always, always carry water on you. A reusable water bottle can help you hydrate year-round. If you regularly carry water with you during the summer months, continue this excellent habit through the winter months.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables! You can also get water from the foods that you consume. Not only are fruits and vegetables healthy for you, they also help you to stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can cause dehydration.
- Try delicious hydration products specifically made for staying hydrated on the go, such as Hydralyte All-Natural Electrolyte Powder, Hydralyte Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets, or Hydralyte Maintenance Solution or Powder. Browse Hydralyte's convenient and delicious hydration products.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION?
Simply being aware of the signs and symptoms of dehydration can help you remember to drink more water and stay hydrated.
There signs and symptoms of dehydration are:
- feelings of thirst
- dark-colored urine
- feelings of fatigue
- dizziness
- dry skin
- sticky, dry mouth
- headache
I highly recommend trying an oral rehydration solution (such as those by Hydralyte, my favourite) to help relieve symptoms of dehydration and replace water and electrolytes faster than water alone. Hydralyte contains a properly-balanced combination of water, sugars and salts to help your body absorb fluid. You can even give Hydralyte solution to kids properly disguised in the form of a deliciously-flavoured ice block!
WHICH HYDRALYTE PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Hydralyte All-Natural Electrolyte Powder:
- 100% all natural: instant-dissolve powders are free from artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners
- Great for people on the go: mix up a refreshing electrolyte drink that leaves you feeling energized. Add to your travel first aid kit, for jetlag, travelers diarrhea, & other common travel illnesses
- The hydrating solution for active people: with 75% Less Sugar and 4x more electrolytes than leading sports drinks, Hydralyte can improve your post-performance recovery
- Quickly restore hydration: dehydration can be caused by fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, taking a prescription diuretic, or vigorous exercise
- Clinical advantage: Hydralyte is an oral rehydration solution, based on the world Health organizations Criteria For effective hydration. Made with the ideal balance of glucose & electrolytes
Hydralyte Electrolyte Tablets:
- Feel better faster: clinically balanced electrolyte tablets to help the body’s cells rapidly absorb fluids for rehydration.
- Great for people on the go: mix up a refreshing electrolyte drink that leaves you feeling energized. Add to your travel first aid kit, for jetlag, travelers diarrhea, & other common travel illnesses.
- The hydrating solution for active people: with 75% Less Sugar and 4x more electrolytes than leading sports drinks, Hydralyte can improve your post-performance recovery.
- Quickly restore hydration: dehydration can be caused by fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, taking a prescription diuretic, or vigorous exercise.
- Clinical advantage: Hydralyte is an oral rehydration solution, based on the world Health organizations Criteria For effective hydration. Made with the ideal balance of glucose & electrolytes.
