
The importance of staying hydrated in the summer is obvious, but maybe not so much in the winter. Warmer weather causes more obvious signs of dehydration, such as sweating, and although the signs are subtler with colder temperatures, you still have plenty of reasons to stay hydrated during the winter.
Regulates Body Temperature
Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough fluids to function properly—and it can occur at colder temperatures, too. Dehydration affects your ability to stay cool in the summer, and it might also give you a harder time staying warm in the winter. Why? Your body needs water to carry oxygen and nutrients to extremities and organs.
Improves Your Skin and Hair
Winter air lacks moisture, and central heating systems only make the problem worse. Our skin and hair cells need fluids to limit chapping and breakage, so we need to drink more water to make up for the lack of moisture in the air to protect them. Plus, since water removes impurities, you might also see more skin blemishes in the winter. Maintaining adequate hydration is only part of a winter self-care routine.
Gives You More Energy
Your daytime fatigue might be due not just to the shorter days and lack of sunshine—dehydration also plays a role in your energy levels. Without the proper amount of water, your body slows down because it can’t regulate functions as well. Sipping on a glass of water throughout the day will help you stay focused.
Protects Your Immune System
Yes, one of the best ways to fight off colds and the flu is to drink eight glasses of water a day. Your immune system needs fluids to keep mucous membranes moist to protect against infection. Staying hydrated will also flush invading pathogens from your system more quickly and keep your organs functioning efficiently.
You might not be seeing visible signs of dehydration through the next few months, but it’s important to remind yourself to sip on water throughout day. There are many good reasons to stay hydrated during the winter—and the most important of those is that it will keep you healthy.
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