Hello December, hello good and cold in Doha… During winter most of us forget to drink a lot of water, the chill weather prevents us from feeling thirsty. The winter also brings much drier air, which can unexpectedly lead to dehydration

The human body needs water to function normal, our bodies lose fluids through urination, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweat and so.

But before to know how to hydrate our bodies in winter, we have to know first what is dehydration?

An average adult’s body loses between 2-3 liters of water a day, Dehydration is a condition that can occur when the loss of body fluids, mostly water exceeds the amount that is taken in, this loss of fluids can be due to different causes, but the most common ones are the loss of fluid due to: aggressive exercises such as running in hot weather, or an illness that involves vomiting and diarrhea or because the lacking the amount of water and other useful liquids taken in your body.

Do you ask yourself that maybe you have dehydration and you don’t recognize it? The answer may be on the following list of major dehydration symptoms:

  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle cramps
  • Mood changes
  • Dark urine
  • Cracked lips
  • Dry nasal
  • Increased thirst
  • Headache
  • Dry skin
  • General weakness

If you have such symptoms, don’t worry! They are very common and overcoming them are easy if you follow some or all of our next tips to beat dehydration.

First of all, drink more amount of water

  • In winter it is not easy to drink a cold glass of water, so try to make it a hot cup of water with a teaspoon of honey or lemon squeeze, that will warm you up in the cold weather and will hydrate your body for sure.
  • Make it a routine, and keep it in the top of your priorities during the day.
  • Add a flavor to your glass of water, you can add some peppermint leaves or some Lemon slices, maybe you add can some fruits. That will make you happier with the different flavor of your water glass in each time you drink.
  • Drink before, during and after exercise.

Avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol

When you’re trying to get enough water, sometimes it’s just as important to know what not to drink. 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. Remember that too much caffeine may act as a diuretic by flushing water out of your system.

Have more hydrating food and drinks

Fruits such as apples, cantaloupes, watermelon, and oranges. Vegetables such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Hidden sources such as oatmeal, yogurt, soup, and smoothies. Sports drinks can help too.

Other ways to hydrate Your Body

  • Take a long bath, this can help keep your skin from becoming too dry. Prop the bathroom doors open to let the steam into the other rooms.
  • Grow plants indoors. Plants tend to give off moisture into a room.
  • Stay away from salty, processed foods which can rob your body of much needed moisture.

Don’t forget while you are taking care of your body hydrating that old people and infants are at a higher risk to have dehydration. Take care of them too, and don’t forget about your animals.

Do you still think staying hydrated during the winter months is tough? I think the answer is quite easy.

Written by Maha Abd El Kafi