When the weather turns cold, many people tend to drink less water because they no longer feel thirsty like in the summer. However, doctors warn that this is a common mistake, because winter can silently cause the body to lose more water, leading to a series of health consequences.
According to Dr. Rahul Mathur, Department of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital (India), low temperatures reduce the body's thirst reflex by about 40%.
This makes many people not realize that they are lacking water, even though the body still needs to be compensated enough. In addition, cold, dry air; indoor heating systems; faster breathing and more urination in winter all contribute to increased risk of dehydration.
Even mild dehydration, only about 1 - 2%, can significantly affect the body's activities. The brain is especially sensitive to dehydration, leading to fatigue, headaches, and reduced ability to concentrate.
Drinking less water thickens the blood, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, blood clots and causes stress on the heart, especially in the elderly, warns Dr. Mathur.
Not only the heart and brain, but also the kidneys are significantly affected. Concentrated urine increases the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections, which are common problems in the cold season.
The skin and mucous membranes of the nose and throat are also prone to dryness, cracking, weakening the natural protective barrier, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
In addition, dehydration also makes joints stiffer, muscles more tired, reducing performance and exercise.
Dr. Sandeep Patil, Head of the Emergency Resuscitation Department of Fortis Hospital (Kalyan, India), said that water accounts for about 60% of the body and plays an essential role in all activities of life, from waste excretion to digestion and nutrient absorption.
Mr. Patil recommends that men should drink about 13 glasses of water per day, women about 9 glasses, children from 3 - 4 glasses, depending on age and physical condition.
A simple way to tell if your body is dehydrated or not is to observe the color of your urine. Dark and low- color urine water is often a sign that you need to supplement more fluid. In winter, wearing multiple layers of clothing can also cause unrecognizable sweating, silently dehydrating.
For people who are less thirsty, experts recommend supplementing water through water-rich foods and drinks.
Warm water, soup, herbal teas such as ginger tea, chamomile tea are both easy to drink and help warm the body. Fruits such as oranges, apples, kiwis, pomegranates; vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, green leafy vegetables are also an effective source of water.
In contrast, limit coffee, beer, energy drinks, and processed foods high in salt, as they can make dehydration worse.
Including water does not depend on the season. The body always needs enough water. Listen to your body, don't wait until you feel thirsty, Dr. Mathur emphasized.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical professional if you have any questions).
