Avoid Winter Dehydration

Dehydration doesn’t just happen during the summer months. Marked changes in temperature between the cold outdoors and heated homes can play havoc with your internal thermometer. Colds, fever and other ailments can contribute to dehydration, so it is equally important to keep your fluids up in the winter as in summer. If you become dehydrated, you will experience headaches, lowered immunity and other health problems.

Here are a few simple tips and tricks to prevent dehydration and illness.
The first is the obvious, drink water and other fluids! Try and drink small amounts throughout the day and taper off in the evening so you don’t have to get up in the night to go to the toilet. Keep track of your caffeinated beverage  and alcohol intake. Both tea and coffee, as well as ‘energy’ drinks contain caffeine which contributes to dehydration, as does alcohol.

Aim to drink up to two litres of non-caffeinated fluid per day. This can include broth-style soups, herbal tea and water. If you eat a particularly high-protein diet, you may need more.

When exercising, wear thin layers you can easily remove when your body temperature increases. Increase the amount of water intake before, during and after a workout and stop if you begin to feel dizzy or faint. This is your body telling you to slow down.
Don’t overheat your home. The optimum temperature to live in is 21C. It is tempting to keep increasing the thermostat, but it can confuse your system. Dress in layers that you can easily put on and take off depending on where you are. Remember a bit of physical activity when you are cold is the very best way to warm up – and it’s free! By keeping your house at a moderate temperature you reduce condensation within the house and drying of your skin and hair. It’s also much better for the environment!
You get liquid from fruit and vegetables, along with all the associated health benefits of a diet high in fresh food; improved immunity, digestive function and healthy skin. Try warm salads using steamed vegetables and light dressings instead of the summer versions.
Moisturise well in the winter. Chapped lips, dry skin and hands are all a fact of life in the cold. Keep a natural lip conditioner in your jacket pocket and don’t be afraid to slather on hand cream. Moisturise directly after you shower or bath to make the most of how receptive your skin is. Plant ols like rose hip, coconut and almond are all wonderful for your skin and light enough to use on your face as well as your body.

Plants wilt when they are dehydrated. So do people. Keep your body and mind in top condition, by maintaining hydration all year round.