Usually at the beginning of March we start thinking about Spring and flowers and fresh starts etc.  This year it seems that we have had a long winter with no real signs that is is going to let up for at least a few more weeks.  Even here in Sunny San Diego it has been chilly and rainy for much of that last two months.

What I have noticed  is that when it is chilly outside I have to really pay attention to staying hydrated.  I drag my water bottle around only to find that I didn’t quite finish it all.  Is that you too??? It has certainly been the conversation in my office which is why I wanted to talk about this very important topic. Hydration is just as  important in winter months as it is in warmer months.

We need to replenish the fluids that are sucked out of us by being inside heated rooms for most of the day and night.  In most cases the air outside is also dry and cold  which further compounds the problem.

How do you know if you are dehydrated?  If your urine is dark you’re dehydrated. This simple test is a good indicator that everyone can use.  Staying hydrated is so important for all bodily functions.  The body is made of 60-70% water.  I tell my pregnant and want to be pregnant moms and dads,  that if they want to Build a Health Human then start eating and drinking what the body needs to build those parts.

Some Symptoms of Dehydration:

Dry Skin and Chapped lips

Headaches, Sore Muscles and Aches and Pains

Constipation and fuzzy thinking (Brain not working!)

Dizziness and Sugar Cravings

Bad Breath and heart and Blood Pressure problems

Simple things you can do to stay Hydrated.

1. Gulping water is binge hydration.  It is better to sip all day long and stop around 7.00pm
2. Load up on foods that have a high water and mineral content. (think Veggies)
3. If you are drinking enough water and you are peeing it straight out the chances are good that you have an electrolyte imbalance.  Add potassium foods and a linch of himalayan sea salt to your foods.
4. Get a big water bottle ( 32 ons) and fill it up at least twice. I found that when I used smaller bottle I drank less water. It was a hassle to find good filtered water to put in… take that excuse away by getting a big bottle.
5. If you don’t like to cool liquids in winter then think about adding hot herbal tea, making bone broth and other creative ways to get you fluids in.

Drinking enough clean filtered fluids with a little focus is an easy thing we can all do for our overall wellbeing.  So I challenge you to do it every day whatever the season.

Hit the reply button and tell me your tips for staying hydrated in the winter months

Have a healthy week

Dr Pia