Mumbai, December 17 (IANS). As beautiful as the winter season is, it can also prove to be dangerous for the body. The biggest risk of dehydration remains in this season. In summer, we constantly feel thirsty and we keep drinking water, but as soon as the temperature drops, people start feeling less thirsty.
Experts say that the habit of drinking less water in winter can cause many health problems for the body.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the blood vessels inside the body shrink during cold weather. This process happens to conserve body heat. When the veins shrink, blood flow to the brain also reduces. In such a situation, the center of the brain that senses thirst is not able to accurately assess the lack of water in the body. Due to this, we feel less thirsty, whereas in reality the body needs the same amount of water as it does in summer. This is scientifically called ‘thermal dehydration’.
Air humidity is also very low in winter. When we inhale cold air and exhale hot air, water comes out of the body in the form of vapor. This process is called ‘respiratory fluid loss’. This lack of water is not visible to us, but the body gradually starts getting dehydrated.
Additionally, wearing heavy clothes and sweaters causes slight sweating, which dries quickly in dry air. That’s why we don’t realize that our body is constantly losing water.
Heaters and blowers used in home or office can also prove harmful. These devices absorb moisture from the air, allowing excess moisture to escape from our skin, throat and nose. This is the reason why problems like dry mouth or sore throat are often seen in winter.
Apart from this, many people resort to hot drinks like tea or coffee to get relief from cold. Although these drinks provide warmth, they do not completely compensate for the body’s water loss and consuming excess caffeine can further increase dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration appear in many forms. The body feels tired, energy is reduced, skin may look dry and cracked, and signs include chapped lips, constipation, slowed brain activity and dark yellow urine. Prolonged dehydration can slow metabolism, weaken the immune system, and cause digestive or kidney problems.
Some easy habits can be adopted to stay hydrated in winter. Drinking lukewarm water as soon as you wake up in the morning activates the digestive system and helps in making a habit of drinking water throughout the day. Keeping your water bottle in sight frequently and setting an alarm to drink water every 90 minutes makes this easier. Including water-rich foods like soup, watermelon, cucumber, orange and grapes in your diet helps in keeping the body hydrated. It is also important to drink a glass of water before tea or coffee, so that the body’s water balance does not get disturbed due to caffeine.
–IANS
PK/AS