Winter is fast approaching!! Did you know dehydration happens just as easily in winter as it can in the summer? You may not sweat as much during the winter months but water vapor is still being lost through your breath.
Winter can also accelerate dehydration because we have a survival mechanism that constricts blood vessels in cold weather. This conserves heat and maintains body temperature. Blood vessels shrinking increases blood pressure. To lower the pressure, your kidneys make more urine meaning less blood to fill veins and arteries which means more frequent trips to the bathroom and the greater risk of dehydration.
In any season, dehydration can cause exhaustion, muscle fatigue, cramps, loss of coordination and even a stroke. When dehydrated, you can also become more susceptible to colds and flu.
Not drinking enough water can also lead to weight gain during the winter days when we tend to eat more and exercise less. When hydrated, your body will break down fat for energy and your appetite will be better controlled. Dehydration can also cause water retention.
Being thirsty is a signal that your body is already on its way to becoming dehydrated. Be sure to keep an eye on your urine as well. Dark yellow urine is a sure sign of dehydration.
To stay hydrated, everyone should aim to drink half of their body weight in fluid ounces. Whether it is hot or cold water you are drinking, every bit counts. Try to stay away from diuretics like caffeine and alcohol. If you do drink them, be sure to consume more water in between to balance it out.
For clean, healthy water to drink during all seasons please contact Eagle Industries Corp. at 1-866-222-9308.