5 Smart and Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated This Winter

When you think of staying hydrated, you may immediately associate it with summer and warm weather. But did you know that staying hydrated is just as important in the winter months? In fact, cooler temperatures and dry indoor environments can actually increase your risk of dehydration. 

What are the signs of dehydration in winter?

Mild dehydration may not always be noticeable, but there are various indicators that you should up your fluid intake:

• Dark-colored urine: If your urine is dark in color, it means it is heavily concentrated, and you should drink more fluids. When you are well hydrated, urine should be clear to very pale yellow in color.
• Fatigue or dizziness: Feeling unusually tired or lightheaded can also be a symptom of dehydration, as your body struggles to function optimally.
• Headaches: Dehydration can cause blood vessels to narrow, leading to headaches or migraines.
• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating or a sense of mental fog can also be a result of inadequate hydration.
• Dry skin: Dehydration often shows on the skin. If it feels dry, tight, or flaky, drink up and apply lotion or natural oils (like mineral oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, and seed oil) to prevent water loss in skin.
• Dry or Chapped Lips: The combination of cold air and low water intake can lead to dry, chapped lips, a subtle hint that your hydration levels might be low.
• Bad breath: When you're dehydrated, your body doesn't produce enough saliva, so it can't clean out bacteria and debris, which are the main culprits of bad breath.
• Constipation: Adequate hydration is crucial for digestive health. Lack of fluids can lead to constipation.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's best to increase your water consumption and replenish your electrolyte levels to keep severe dehydration at bay.

Why is it harder to stay well-hydrated during the winter season?

The cold weather naturally makes us less likely to reach for a glass of water. Moreover, the air is drier, and our bodies have to work harder to humidify the air we breathe, leading to increased fluid loss. 

Sweating in winter often goes unnoticed, too, as layers of clothing absorb the moisture. Combined with the fact that the body's thirst response is diminished in colder temperatures (by up to 40%), these factors can significantly impact our hydration status. If you're not sweating as much as you do in summer, you might forget to drink adequate water. 

To combat these challenges, here are 5 practical tips to ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout the winter.

5 Smart and Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated This Winter

1. Eat hydrating foods

While drinking water is essential for staying hydrated, we often forget that we can also obtain fluids through the foods we eat. Incorporate hydrating foods into your winter diet, such as fresh fruits like watermelon, berries, oranges, and vegetables like cucumbers and celery. You can also include a low-fat yogurt (made up of 85%-90% water!) to your breakfast plate, add broths or soups to your lunch menu, and enjoy a leafy green side salad with your dinner. These foods have high water content and provide essential nutrients, giving you a double hydration and nutritional boost.

2. Warm it up

Don't feel like drinking cold water when it's snowing? Not a problem! Instead of forcing yourself to gulp down cold beverages, enjoy homemade smoothies and healthy hot drinks like cinnamon tea, green tea, hot chocolate, or hot water with lemon.

3. Avoid too much caffeine

While it's tempting to warm up with multiple cups of coffee or tea, caffeine can contribute to dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to water loss. Limit your caffeine intake, and if you're craving a hot drink, opt for decaffeinated options or herbal teas instead.

4.Swap your alcohol for a mocktail

Watch your alcohol consumption as it's a diuretic (meaning it makes you pee more) and thus makes you even more dehydrated. Alcohol has been found to interfere with a person's perception of cold and the initiation of a shiver response based on research. When we're cold, our bodies shiver to generate heat and prevent hypothermia. Drinking alcohol might make your skin feel warm, but it actually lowers your core body temperature.

To stay hydrated during winter months, consider swapping your alcoholic beverages for refreshing mocktails. Ready to get creative and upgrade your winter hydration game? Check out our mocktail guide for some delicious and nourishing beverage ideas!

5. Add some flavor and electrolytes to your water

If cold, plain water doesn't excite you, try infusing it with fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or mint can add a refreshing twist to your water. Adding an electrolyte-infused multivitamin powder to your water is also a great way to optimize both hydration and nutrition. Remember, while water is crucial for hydration, electrolytes ensure that the water you drink is properly utilized by your body. They maintain the delicate balance of fluids inside and outside your cells, making them as essential as the water itself for staying hydrated. These are especially beneficial if you enjoy winter sports or engage in physical activity where you might sweat more than you realize.

Proper hydration and nutrition are vital in winter, as they help our bodies generate enough heat to maintain a healthy body temperature. This is where Root'd comes in as a game-changer. Root'd isn't just an ordinary multivitamin; it's an all-in-1 solution that includes 3X sugar-free electrolytes compared to regular sports drinks. While sports drinks can be a go-to for quick electrolyte replenishment, they often come with a high amount of added sugars, which can contribute to further dehydration – not to mention the unnecessary calorie intake. 

By choosing Root'd, you’re not just keeping yourself hydrated; you're also fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive in colder weather. It’s a simple yet effective solution for staying well-hydrated and healthy througout the season.

Ready to upgrade your winter hydration game? Shop Root'd now and use code WINTER for 15% off + free shipping on your first order.

And, if you don't feel the difference, you're covered by our 100% Love Guarantee. What does that mean? It means that If you don't love Root'd, it's on us!

PS.

Got more tips on how to stay hydrated in winter? Share them with us in the comments!