Are you drinking your winter water?

Feeling thirsty? A little fatigued?  Got chapped lips?

This could all be caused from dehydration.

During the winter months, and especially in the last two weeks, we have worked on fighting the elements and staying warm.  Most people are running their heating units or have their fireplaces or wood burning stoves working over drive to warm up from the frigid temperatures.

All that extra heat is great for warming up the house but will also work to dehydrate you.

Dehydration is when you do not have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.

Signs that you are dehydrated include thirst, dizziness, fatigue, dark-colored urine, and dry skin.

We all need to be properly hydrated for our body to work in regulating temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, protect sensitive tissues and rid the body of wastes (perspiration, urination, etc.).

Winter dehydration tends to happen because people get less thirsty in cold months, so they do not intake as much water during that time.  Just because you are not thirsty does not mean you should not hydrate.

According to a report from the Mayo Clinic, “even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.”

Mayo Clinic also shared that according to the U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, an adequate daily fluid intake for an average adult is about 15.5 cups (124 ounces) for males, and about 11.5 cups (92 ounces) for females.  Those amounts include intake from both drinks and food.

People tend to sweat less in cold weather, yet our bodies still lose moisture in cold weather.  Just because you are not sweating does not mean you are not losing hydration.  Be sure to get that daily recommended amount of water.

Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water.  You are already dehydrated at that point.  An idea could be to get a drinking container and fill it with water.  Whatever the size, make sure you keep up with your intake.

Make a goal, according to your personal body type, and try to drink the recommended amount.

If you get tired of drinking plain water, add lemon or other fruits, or try decaffeinated hot tea, herbal tea, or hot cider.

Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can cause dehydration.

Another way to help stay hydrated are to eat your fruits and vegetables.  You can get water from the foods you eat.

Now, there are times were drinking too much water could be harmful, according to the Mayo Clinic report.

“When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening.”

Our bodies lose moisture all the time, no matter what the temperature is, through respiration, urination, perspiration, and bodily function.

Staying properly hydrated is so important throughout every day and in each season.  Try different foods and drinks to keep our body working and your mind clear.

Avoid dehydration and drink, drink, drink.

Written by: Marie Bakken