Expert Reveals How to Stay Hydrated in Cold Weather
As the weather gets colder and the days shorter, staying hydrated can easily slip our minds, but drinking enough water is still just as important in autumn and winter as in summer.
Nick Hird, hydration expert and founder of electrolyte brand Vidrate, shares exactly why hydration is important and how you can stay on top of it during the colder months.
Dry air and heating can worsen dehydration
Nick explains: “Colder air tends to hold less moisture than warmer summer air, meaning that water is pulled from your skin and respiratory tract quicker, resulting in dehydration.
“Central heating and electric space heaters that many use in the colder months can exacerbate this problem, therefore, it is essential to continue to drink 8 glasses, or around 2 litres of water a day to protect against hidden dehydration.”
Boost immunity
Nick shares: “We all know that the autumn and winter months are peak cold and flu season, but staying hydrated is one way to support your immune system. Drinking enough fluids helps maintain kidney function and keeps mucous membranes hydrated, which enhances your natural defences.
“If you have already fallen ill, you can look to supplement your water intake with electrolytes, especially ones with boosted immunity benefits, can help make staying hydrated easier.”
Give your skin some TLC
Nick says: “Winter can be a tough time for lips, nails, and skin, with the colder weather drying them out and making them susceptible to cracking, which can be very painful. Whilst lip balm and moisturiser can help on the surface, supporting hydration from within is also key.
“Ensuring you are drinking around 8-10 glasses each day can help reduce dryness, and when combined with a good moisturiser, supports overall skin health in winter.”
Thirst cues are weaker
“In the autumn and winter months, you may find that your thirst cues are weaker and not as frequent,” Nick shares. “That makes it easier to miss your hydration needs. To stay on track, you should consider setting yourself reminders on your phone throughout the day to prompt you to get up and drink a glass of water.
“Do not wait until you are thirsty or feeling the effects of dehydration to have a drink of water, instead always keep a reusable water bottle that has timer markings on it close by and make sure to sip it periodically throughout the day.”
Energy and mood regulation
Nick shares: “Not drinking enough water in the colder months can also cause problems for energy levels and mood regulation, making it harder to focus on work.
“Having one full glass of water as soon as you wake up will help to wake you up and support your mental alertness, then keep topping up with enough water or electrolyte drinks. Staying hydrated also supports better mood balance and may help with the seasonal dip in energy many people feel during winter.”
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