Guide to Year-Round Refreshment
It’s Important to Drink Water No Matter What the Season
In the summer months, it is important to drink water for both refreshment and proper hydration. But as the mercury dips down, the body works harder both to keep warm and prevent dryness from the use of indoor heaters. So, it is just as important for everyone to drink water and stay hydrated during the wintertime as other times of the year. In fact, even mild dehydration can have negative effects including headaches, irritability, fatigue, and a lack of ability to concentrate. No matter what the temperature, keeping your daily water intake up can help prevent these problems.
While a crisp, cold drink of water may sound appealing in the summer, in the winter you are more likely to crave something warm and soothing. Here are some important tips to help maintain your daily water intake during the fall and winter months.
In the colder months try adding different types of liquids to your diet, such as:
- Herbal tea
- Hot cocoa
- Hot water with lemon
- A warm bowl of soup
As an added bonus, soup during the winter can meet your water needs and add more vegetables (plus important vitamins) to your diet. And, when recipes require water as an ingredient, be sure to use bottled water for the fullest flavor.
Fight Illness – Drink Water!
It happens almost every time there’s a seasonal change – the sneezing, the coughing. There’s no way around it - you’ve caught a cold. And probably one of the best things you can do to fight a cold – is to drink water and stay hydrated. Start off by increasing your daily water intake – and then keep it up. For specific tips, see hydration and healthy living pages.
Craving something different than a plain drink of water? From orange juice to chicken soup, there are many other delicious ways to stay hydrated that will get you back on your feet and back to enjoying the season.
Treating Your Skin Right
Cold winter air can pull the moisture right out of your skin, making it feel dry and flaky. In order to combat this problem, you can carry moisturizer and lip balm with you at all times, and you can also run a humidifier in your home, which will keep the air – and your skin - moist. But most importantly, staying hydrated in the winter months by drinking water will help your skin maintain its moisture.
Remember – it doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside. Your body always needs water in order to run at an optimal level. Make proper hydration a part of your routine all year to look and feel great!
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of exercise routine.
Sources:
Spigt MG, Kuijper EC, Schayck CP, Troost J, Knipschild PG, Linssen VM, Knottnerus JA. "Increasing the daily water intake for the prophylactic treatment of headache: a pilot trial." Eur J Neurol. 2005 Sep;12(9):715-8.
Armstrong LE, Pumerantz AC, Roti MW, Judelson DA, Watson G, Dias JC, Sokmen B, Casa DJ, Maresh CM, Lieberman H, Kellogg M. "Fluid, electrolyte, and renal indices of hydration during 11 days of controlled caffeine consumption." Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005 Jun;15(3):252-65.
Mayo clinic (2006)
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