Hydration in the Winter
Hydration in the Winter
I could write countless articles on why hydration/water is so important to our bodies. It helps flush out waste, regulates body temperature and aids your brain function. If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Other signs that you are dehydrated are feeling tired, dizzy or light-headed. Or you may experience a dry mouth, lips and tongue. Your urine may be a dark yellow with a strong odor. And, in extreme cases you may experience a rapid heartbeat/breathing, faint and have dry skin and sunken eyes.
Typically, we know to hydrate when we exercise and when it’s hot outside. But did you know that hydration is just as important during the winter months? This is partly because the level of humidity in the air during the winter months tends to be much lower, resulting in much drier air as compared to other times of the year. In addition, the air in our homes is also drier due to home heating. These differences in air quality both inside and outside can increase our chances of becoming dehydrated.
It is important that we stay hydrated in winter because doing so helps keep our body temperature at a constant and normal level. When there isn’t enough fluid in the body, this can cause the core temperature to drop to dangerous levels. Hypothermia can set in quicker if the body is dehydrated. Staying hydrated also helps our immune system fight off colds and the flu, which are more common in the winter.
Staying hydrated with water is the cheapest and best way to prevent dehydration. However, if you find yourself experiencing some of the many side effects of dehydration, you more than likely should add electrolytes to your hydration routine. But, have you ever wondered what are electrolytes? Electrolytes are a group of minerals including sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and zinc. Electrolytes are absolutely essential for the efficient functioning of our bodies. Without them we lose focus, feel tired, you may get muscle cramps, your organs won’t be working their best and you become dehydrated. We need to get electrolytes in our daily diet, and we do for the most part. Adding a daily electrolytes supplement can take the guess work out of this.
However, if you’re just drinking water and eating a balanced diet, it is very likely that you are getting enough. Adding electrolytes should only be considered if you are sweating more than usual or experiencing symptoms related to dehydration.
The bottom line: dehydration can sneak up on you quickly, especially during the colder months. Always keep a water bottle with you even during something as uneventful as driving. If you have any signs of dehydration during the winter months, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Kim Duke is a certified personal trainer and owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training, located at 55 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her two sons, Zach and Nik. For more information about her studio visit her Facebook page or www.coreperformancefitness.com. Kim can be reached directly at 716-698-1198.
