As a leading supplier of water softeners and drinking water filters, we love water and all its hydrating qualities! But as the cooler weather draws in, drinking water becomes less and less of a priority for many people. Staying hydrated through winter is just as important as drinking lots of fluids during the warmer spring and summer months. Read on to discover just some of the plus points that go hand-in-hand with staying hydrated in winter.

Keep winter dehydration at bay

Dehydration isn’t just restricted to summer. As the winter weather gets colder, we wrap ourselves in more and more layers to keep those seasonal chills out as well as crank up the central heating in our homes. These are just two winter-specific factors that make winter dehydration a reality for many. The signs of winter dehydration are notoriously difficult to spot. Ithaca Journal’s Dr Koch offers his advice on spotting the symptoms:

“Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness, fatigue (children are likely to be less active than usual), dry skin, headache, constipation, dizziness and generally not feeling well. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and can cause extreme thirst, extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults, little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be darker than normal, sunken eyes, shrivelled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn’t “bounce back” when pinched into a fold and feeling faint or passing out when rising from lying to sitting or from sitting to standing.”

As with summer dehydration, prevention through the regular drinking of water is recommended – particularly in people more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health problems.

Look after your mind and body

The effects of the winter months can show on our bodies and in our state of mind, a fact that makes drinking water fundamental. Your skin is often the first place where the effects of the cold winter air and the dry indoor air, created by central heating, show. Keeping your skin hydrated will reduce chapping and peeling. Water is a great elixir, bringing back to life the dullest of skin.

Drinking water also has a profound impact on energy levels, meaning it’s not just your body that will get a helpful boost, thanks to your increased intake during the winter months. Water can quash daytime fatigue; meaning both your body and mind have all they need to support vital functions. Sipping water throughout the day will help you beat tiredness and prevent feelings of sluggishness.

Make sure you’re fighting fit

With three times more people dying from flu in the UK than last winter, your body must be in peak condition to fight seasonal health problems. During the winter months our immune systems are tested by a variety of ailments including colds, flus, and infections. Keep yourself well hydrated to ensure your body can defend itself against these nasty viruses.