As the weather gets colder, we tend to look for anything that can warm us up, both inside and out.  We tend no to be as thirst in winter as we normally are in summer.

But do not be fooled by intuition: I gathered for you the most important reasons for drinking water in the winter – the bottom line is that it is just as important as drinking water in the summer.

Importance of drinking water in winter? 

1. As the temperature outside gradually drops, we find ourselves near a heater or air conditioner, covered in layers of clothing. The artificial hot environment we create can cause dehydration in our body and skin. Drinking eight glasses of water a day helps our body maintain its fluid balance and even helps us keep our skin rejuvenated.
2. Water comprises about 60 percent of our body, and we utilize this bodily resource during our various daily activities – eating, breathing, walking and more. Along with the physical activity which we continue to perform in winter, even though it’s on a smaller scale than in the summer, it is very important to ensure enough supply of water as we would do during warmer days
3. it is worth remembering that sweetening hot beverages with sugar increases our daily caloric intake quite a bit. Sometimes we don’t refer to them as “foods” but as ‘drinks’, but they can be a significant source of added winter calories, along with reduced physical activity. Please note that placing hot beverages under “drinks” sometimes causes reduced calorie-free drinking such as water
4. Be more energetic: Are you partial to the mid-afternoon slump or perhaps need a midday caffeine boost to help you ward off fatigue? It is likely you are suffering from dehydration, a major cause of daytime fatigue. Keeping well hydrated will ensure your bodily functions are supported and running efficiently. When you are dehydrated your body functions slow down and use up your extra energy resources, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
5. Protect Immune system: Dehydration can seriously weaken our immune systems barriers. The lack of water can dry out the mucous membranes in our lungs and sinus passages which can reduce their resistance to infections. Keeping well hydrated during winter ensures that the barriers used to protect your body from colds and flu are fully functional and completely intact

Tips on how to: 

1. Try warming up with a nice cup of hot green tea, or even hot water with lemon. These two hot beverages will keep you cosy on a chilly winter’s day, but also help you keep on pace to drink your eight glasses of water.
2. Eat your water: No not eating ice cubes. In fact, several fruits and vegetables have a high-water content that can help you reach your daily intake goals. Broccoli, strawberries and celery are all great sources of water
3. Avoid dehydrants: Both caffeine and alcohol can make your body even more dehydrated. Limiting your intake of soda, coffee and alcoholic beverages can help keep that needed hydration in your system where it belongs.
4. Sip you water slowly throughout the day, to help reduce erratic trips to the bathroom (wee breaks) 

In conclusion, don’t let the cold weather fool you, and don’t eliminate drinking# water. Water is a key component that supports our physical function and boosts our sense of freshness and vitality all year round.

Yours in health 

Mbali 

xx