Did you know that it’s just as easy to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer? With the cold winter months upon us, it’s important to protect your health and stay well hydrated. Sometimes, we forget to drink enough water and all the more so during winter! Hydration is a key factor to good health.
Keep well this winter
Cold winter air can be drying for the skin and hair. Overheating and high temperatures in offices and homes can also cause further water loss, leading to headaches and tiredness. Playing outside? Winter sports can be fun but strenuous. The more you sweat, the more fluid intake is necessary to replenish losses. So, if you’re skating, skiing, snowboarding, walking or simply shovelling snow, make sure you are adequately hydrated.
If you don’t drink enough, you could be at risk. Dehydration decreases mental and physical performance and can lead to weakness, fatigue and confusion. Water is a natural way to hydrate the body and it’s all the more important to drink enough if you’re fighting a bad cold or the flu.
Water is essential – EFSA recommendations
Water is essential for practically all functions of the body, and according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), water requirements vary between individuals depending on age, sex, levels of activity and environmental conditions.
In moderate temperatures and for moderate levels of activity, the EFSA recommends two litres – 2.5 litres of daily water intake (including from various food and beverages) for women and men respectively. Think in terms of drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Source: European Federation of Bottled Waters
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