Can You Get Dehydrated in Cold Weather?

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When you’re dripping with sweat from the heat, it’s easy to remember the risks of dehydration. So, we’re more likely to keep water with us and remember to drink it in hot weather. But what about the cold, winter seasons? Some people mistakenly think that you can’t get dehydrated in cold weather. At the very least, it won’t be at the forefront of our mind like it is in the heat.
To understand the idea of cold weather dehydration better, read on.
You can still get dehydrated in cold weatherYes, dehydration is still a risk when the weather is cold. It can even be more of a risk because we tend to experience feelings of thirst less intensely when it is cold. This means we’re likely to be drinking less throughout the day without even thinking about it. But, just like in the summer, we still need to drink a certain amount of water each day to stay hydrated and healthy.
How do we lose water in the cold?
When it’s cold, our bodies still lose water in a variety of ways, including:
Sweating – When you exercise in the cold, even just walking somewhere, you may not notice your body sweating as much as you do in the heat, but you do still produce sweat. If you’re taking part in outdoor sports like skiing, then you’ll also be wrapped up warm, which can increase the amount you sweat.
Our breath – You know how you can see your breath when the weather is cold? This vapor contains lots of tiny water droplets that are leaving your body through your breath.
Urinating – You still go to the toilet when it’s cold, which means your body is still losing water. This reflex can even be increased when it’s cold because of the increased blood flow trying to warm your body up. This means more blood flowing to your kidneys and, therefore, more frequent urination. Plus, all the hot drinks you’re having to warm yourself up can act as diuretics.
The importance of staying hydrated in the winter
As you can see, it’s just as important to stay hydrated in cold weather as it is in the summer. Check out our blog for tips on how to stay hydrated in the cold weather. If you would like a water delivery service to help you stay hydrated, then get in touch with Mountain Park Spring Water today.