#HealthBytes: Some effective tips to stay hydrated during winter season
What's the story
Dehydration is not just a summer problem. In fact, the likelihood of dehydration increases during winter. Especially at higher altitudes and colder temperatures, the air you breathe becomes drier, and your lungs have to work harder to humidify the air and warm it up. Plus, the harsh weather dries out the entire body anyway. To tackle this issue, here are some tips.
The step
The obvious one is drink more water but monitor consumption
The fundamental rule of tackling dehydration is to drink more water. In order to do so, set a drinking water goal. You can also track your water consumption by using apps or marked water bottles. Also, and this is important, always carry a bottle with you as it acts as a physical reminder to stay hydrated. It is advisable to drink room temperature water.
Food
Not just water, many fruits, vegetable, food items hydrate, too
Drinking water might be the best way to hydrate, but it's not the only way. Many fruits, vegetables, and other food items contain high levels of water. For example, eating yogurt, celery, or fruits like orange and berries as snacks can hydrate you quickly while providing essential nutrients to your body. Homemade soups made with vegetables and herbs are also pretty hydrating.
Clothes
Avoid heavy winter clothing to prevent perspiration, wear layers
Winter means warm and fuzzy coats. But sometimes we tend to overdo it, which leads to excessive sweating. However, this loss of water from the body can be easily avoided. Instead of wearing clothes that are too warm (like heavy woolen ones), wear layers. Choose breathable fabrics so that you are comfortable, protected, and hydrated. Remember that losing liquid through perspiration causes dehydration, too.
Precautions
Beware of what you drink: Avoid alcohol and caffeine
While drinking an adequate amount of fluid is important, you have to be careful about what you drink. For example, both caffeine and alcohol can make your body even more dehydrated. So, limit your intake of coffee, alcoholic beverages, and even soda to keep yourself hydrated. Additional tip: Using air humidifiers adds moisture to the dry winter air, and can keep you hydrated.