I can’t stress enough how important hydration is, especially in the cold! It is just as easy to become dehydrated in the winter as it is in Summer, and dehydration is more harmful to your health than you may realise. Here are a few reasons why staying hydrated is important all year, especially in winter.
An Immune System Booster
With the colder temperatures along with much drier air, this can help cause dehydration. This can make you feel lethargic and run-down. You can also become more susceptible to illnesses like the flu or the common cold as a result of this. When you drink plenty of water, you give your body the fluids it needs to fight off these issues (which is also the cure to getting rid of your cold quicker!).
Dehydration Is Harder to Spot
As was indicated in a previous newsletter, dehydration is far less obvious in the winter than it is in the summer, when the heat can cause us to sweat abundantly. Extra layers of clothes mixed with the drier air and the rapid conversion of sweat to water vapour can lead our bodies to dehydrate without us even being aware of it. Even when we are thirsty, we may not necessarily feel it. You should therefore stay hydrated throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise (particularly on long ride days or double days). Wintertime affects can often be more subtle, so it’s crucial to take preventative measures to keep things running smoothly. Mixing up your hydration with electrolytes is also ideal.
Stay Warmer
Keeping up with your hydration can keep you warmer! Yes, you read correctly. Your body uses water to help maintain its temperature. Not having enough fluids can cause your core temperature to drop, sometimes dramatically. One of the biggest reasons people suffer hypothermia (or lack in circulation in their fingers and toes) is that they become dehydrated while staying outside for extended periods of time. Drinking plenty of fluids can help avoid this and actually aid in keeping you warmer. Avoid colder drinks if you can and warm or room temperature fluids are best… especially on classic freezing cold Melbourne days!
As you can see, staying hydrated is equally important in the winter as it is in the summer. Drinking plenty of fluids may be the solution to any problems you’ve been having, as well as keeping you healthy. Simply pay attention to your body’s cues and drink plenty of fluids every day.
Stay hydrated friends!
~ Some words of wisdom from your hydration Queen, Coach Sez ~
