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Keeping your body hydrated is not just for the summer months. There is a misconception that your hydration needs are minimal during the winter. Even though you are not exercising under the hot sun, you still need to keep drinking.
The causes of winter dehydration are different then during the summer, according to Everyday Health. One of the most common causes is indoor heat, while it can keep you warm and toasty, it is also drying. Spending too much time indoors can cause you to lose fluids and become dehydrated.
When you are outdoors exercising or just enjoying the cold weather, you may have the tendency to dress in layers, too many layers. This will cause you to sweat and lose hydration.
If you notice that you have a dry mouth, dry skin, headaches, dark-colored urine, or dizziness, it’s time to drink some water. But you don’t have to let it go so far, just follow these five tips on how to stay hydrated in the winter.
Carry a Water Bottle
Carry a water bottle wherever you go. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and even more if they are active. Don’t like plain water? No problem. You can infuse your water with lemon, mint, or pieces of apple.
Drink Tea or Hot Water
Brr it’s cold outside. Too cold for drinking cold water. Do you know that drinking a hot beverage like herbal tea is also hydrating but try to skip the caffeine. That doesn’t mean that you have to abstain from having coffee or tea but just make sure you drink extra fluids.
Eat Hydrating Foods
Eating foods that have high fluid content is also a way to stay hydrated, reported Forbes. One of the best ways is to eat homemade soup. It will warm you up inside and out and the healthy veggies and herbs are good for you. Eating fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, oranges and strawberries can also help boost your hydration levels.
Increase Your Water Needs When Exercising
Even though it’s not hot outside, you will still work up a sweat when exercising during the winter. You will need an additional half cup of water for every 15 minutes you exercise just to replenish the loss of fluid. But it’s better to drink one and a half times the fluid you lose.
Use a Humidifier
Another way to ward off dehydration is to use a humidifier indoors, according to undefined. Humidifiers add moisture back to the air and can help people who suffer from dry skin, lips, and hair and respiratory problems. Moisturized air can also help to prevent outbreaks of the flu. Just make sure that you check the humidity levels, clean the humidifier and change the water frequently.
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