Let’s escape for a minute in our minds, as the February snow blankets the ground and we lace up our boots for the 11th week in a row. Imagine a hot, sunny afternoon in July (you can do it!) and you’re at the golf course ready to par hole 9. Or maybe you’re at the beach, gazing at a clear, blue lake with your bare feet buried in the sand. You feel the first signs of thirst, so you reach for that reusable water bottle to keep your hydration at bay and your game on point. Summer afternoons and refreshing water go hand in hand, after all. But did you know that drinking water in winter months is just as important? Maybe even MORE important?
Here are a few reasons to drink more water, while the snow is still flying:
- Dry winter air is dehydrating you more than you think: We spend most of the winter months inside, where furnace systems remove important moisture from the air. This makes our skin and mucous membranes parched and can contribute to an overall sense of fatigue. The lack of moisture also forces our bodies to work harder to process the air we breathe, which can lead to dehydration without us even realizing it.
- You’re thirsty, but you don’t know it: In colder weather, our bodies don’t sweat as much, so we may not feel the normal signs of active thirst. And believe it or not, we are naturally programmed to be less thirsty in winter! According to one study by Oklahoma State, “a person’s thirst response diminishes up to 40% in cold weather.” This is because frigid temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow to the extremities, prioritizing blood to the body’s core where it can protect vital organs. This disruption in normal blood flow can trick the body into thinking it’s properly hydrated, which means usual body signals for thirst may come slower in winter. Add to this working out inside in dry environments (hello New Year’s resolution!) or shoveling snow and it’s easy to see that extra water intake is very important, long before signs of thirst arrive.
- Your immune system needs more water when it’s cold: Staying properly hydrated helps keep your mucous membranes (like your nose and throat) functioning well. When they’re moist, they’re better at filtering out bacteria and viruses, which can help prevent illness during a difficult cold and flu season. While there is still much science to be learned, it appears that dehydration and dry air may also affect your ability to fight off viral infections by weakening and reducing your nasal mucus, which is part of your body’s natural defense against germs.
- Proper hydration also helps regulate body temperature: Cold weather makes us…cold! Our bodies have to work harder to maintain proper body temperature during winter months. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps the body thermoregulate (adapt to changing temperatures), which creates less physical toll and improves overall health.
- Our body systems may require more water in winter: In winter, we often eat richer, heavier foods and staying hydrated helps your digestive system work efficiently. Worried about winter weight gain? Proper water intake can stave off hunger cues and help maintain a healthy metabolism, especially during the months when we’re likely to be more sedentary. Finally, cold weather also puts extra strain on our kidneys. As your body is pumping all that blood to your vital organs in the winter, there is a slight increase in blood pressure. This increase signals your kidneys to work harder, by filtering out excess fluid in the blood to reduce the blood’s volume, causing you to urinate more frequently. It is important to replace those fluids by drinking water.
Staying properly hydrated is integral to overall health and well-being during every season, but in the winter we must be extra mindful about drinking enough water. There are no clear guidelines about how much water is needed for optimal health, but experts generally agree that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women need about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids, depending on individual activity level. And, as we read above, it’s important to remember to drink water before your body signals thirst—by the time you feel the need to reach for your water bottle, you might already be dehydrated.
In just a few months, those summer days at the golf course or the beach will no longer be a dream. As we patiently wait for the sun to shine again, drinking water will keep your body healthy and happy. Michigan Clear Water can help you stay hydrated this winter and improve the overall well-being of your workplace. We have a variety of state-of-the-art water systems to fit every office and budget, without the hassle and waste of a traditional water cooler. The PW-90 is one of our most popular bottleless water dispensers, offering the highest level of filtration and purification available—water so pure and delicious you will taste the difference. Worried about those germs lingering on the surface of your traditional water cooler? Our systems offer hands-free dispense! Reach out for your free 7 Day Trial today!