We’re constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of staying hydrated.
Well, during summer months, anyway.
In the warm season, the importance of drinking plenty of water is broadcast in TV news reports, on health blogs, and in sports training environments. Those reminders can be a little unnecessary because the summer heat can be all the reminder we need.
When we’re hot, we get thirsty, and when we get thirsty we crave cold water.
But what about the winter months? When the weather outside is cold, snowy, or just not as hot as it is in the middle of August, we can forget to drink enough water. Proper hydration in the winter is just as important as in the summer, but it’s rarely talked about.
Skiers, and other people enjoying high-altitude winter recreation, need to be especially aware of their water intake. Dr. Scott Brandt, Medical Director at ThriveMD, said,
There are several factors that make visitors to moderately high altitudes very susceptible to dehydration. Above 6,000 feet, even at rest, you exhale and perspire twice as much as at sea level. This is amplified when enjoying vigorous activities such as skiing, hiking, biking, etc. Over the course of a day, this can amount to several liters of water loss. In addition, higher altitudes mean lower air pressure, which compounds the loss of moisture from evaporation from both the skin surface and the lungs. Add to that the extremely low humidity and it’s the perfect setup for unexpected dehydration.
Dehydration symptoms are often confused with altitude sickness, causing people to rush for canned oxygen when all they need is bottled water.
There are also correlations between not getting enough water in the winter and the flu. Is it any coincidence that “flu season” also correlates to the season when people don’t drink enough water, increase their sugar intake, and decrease their activity levels?
Staying properly hydrated is vital to a healthy existence. Water with natural electrolytes can fuel your cells with the nutrients and minerals they need to keep your body running at its best.
As we make our way though winter, make sure you have plenty of Castle Rock Water readily available. Drinking the pure, living structured water will be exactly what your body needs to keep you feeling great through the winter months.
So the answer is a clear “Yes.” The dehydration risk remains in cold weather. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or spending an afternoon cross-country skiing – don’t forget to hydrate!