Why You Need More Water in the Winter
By Genevieve Cunningham
No one has ever accused Texas of being cold. The south is known for its super hot summers and mild winters. But those who live in the lone star state know that it can get really chilly. Though you may not see snow or be able to ice skate outdoors, the winds can be brutal enough to need big jackets and warm scarves. And since the cold is not necessarily a norm, many people aren’t as prepared as they should be to keep themselves healthy. In fact, the cooler months bring dangers of widespread flu, cold after cold, and even dehydration. Before the coldest winds arrive this winter, take a look at these reasons why you should watch your water intake for better health through the season.
Dehydration Goes Unnoticed
When it’s hot outside, you tend to notice when the body is becoming dehydrated. You notice the cracked lips, the dry skin, and the excessive sweating. But when it’s cold, the dehydration creeps up on you. Dry lips and skin are just part of the winter, right? And sweating may be all but nonexistent. Because of this, we often get dehydrated more quickly and ignore the symptoms, making winter water more important than ever.
Winter Air is Dry
It seems as though winter air is a bit on the dry side. While the summers may feel incredibly humid, the winter brings dry side effects such as cracked and ashy skin, excessive static on the hair and body, and dried and peeling lips. Most of the time, we just chalk these symptoms up to being part of winter, but they’re actually indicative of dehydration. Even if you don’t realize it, the dry winter air can deplete the body of water and make your health suffer in a big way.
Water Helps the Immune System
The body is incredibly dependent on water. In fact, you can’t live without it! But besides affecting health as a whole, dehydration can also negatively affect individual systems in the body. This includes the immune system, which can’t function properly without water. Drinking enough H2O in the winter may just be the difference between catching the flu and having the ability to fight it off.
If you’re not making water a habit in the winter, it’s definitely time to make it priority. Dehydration is a serious health concern, and if you’re not careful, the winter is prime time for suffering from this condition. Drink more water every day, and your health will likely improve all year long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.