Refreshing Ideas

When it gets cold outside, you still need to get enough water inside.

When most people think “thirst,” they think “summer.” But your body needs water just as much in the winter months. Unfortunately, we simply don't think of replenishing ourselves with a cool drink of water when it gets chilly, and—as a result—we often become dehydrated.

Why? Well, for one thing, our body's thirst center reacts differently in winter than it does in summer. According to the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, when the body sweats, the brain creates the desire for liquids, which we sense as thirst or a dry mouth.

But, when it's cold, we simply don't feel as thirsty, and we don't take in the fluids we need. And—as our bodies are nearly 70% water—dehydration can become a serious issue. Headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion are several of the warning signs that you should be taking in more liquids.

Here are some more hydration tips and things to consider to ensure a wetter winter:

• When it's cold, we tend to crave warm drinks. So try filling a water bottle with warm water. And, according to a 2008 study by the University of Connecticut cited in The New York Times, caffeinated drinks aren't as dehydrating as previously believed. So coffee, tea, and soda—in moderation—will still help ensure you're getting enough liquids (though nothing beats water, such as a bottle of DASANI).
• Since you might not be thirsty once you're outside in the cold, be sure to drink plenty of liquids before braving the winter weather—at least 16 ounces.
• If you're a cold-weather athlete, it's especially important to take in enough water, since you won't have sweat dripping down your brow as a reminder to stop and sip (it's especially hard to realize how much you're sweating if you're wrapped in layers). Winter air also tends to be dry, leeching moisture from your body with every breath. You can lose between one and two quarts of water a day simply through evaporation (just look at all that moisture when you exhale in the cold).
• Remind yourself to sip fluids throughout the day even if you're not thirsty. Always carry a water bottle. Add hydrating foods to your diet such as melon and soup to get more liquid in your system.
• Sports drinks such as POWERADE replace the electrolytes you lose when exercising. Be sure you're getting enough, especially if you're out and about.
• Just because you're toasty indoors doesn't mean you should say no to good ‘ol H20. Indoor heating can dry you out too, so be sure to drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day even if staying inside.

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