Dr Sabarinathan

Are you drinking enough water during winter?

Water wonders in winter- Its  a common belief that we must drink lots of water during summer to avoid dehydration. Usually we forget  that drinking water in winter is as important as in summer, 

From the very beginning of our lives, we need water to survive. Human body is estimated to be made up of  60 to 70 percent water. Irrespective of changes in season our body needs water to maintain the hydration, which is a must to maintain the smooth functioning of all our systems. Several ounces of water is lost daily through breathing, so as to humidify  the air that we breathe in. During winter the outside air is drier and the use of heating systems inside makes the air more dry. In such conditions body tends to lose more water while humidifying the air we breathe in. Using a humidifier during winter may help reduce water loss from our body.

During winter- the temperature drops and sweating is less; that is the reason we have less desire to drink water- not feeling thirsty. However, there is no change in the functioning of our systems; hence we must become more careful during winter about drinking  enough  water and fluids.

Did you know?For our body to function properly, it should replace 2.4 liters of water, on a daily basis, some through drinking and the rest by eating.

Let’s find out why our body needs the right amount of water during winter months too!
Almost, all of the major systems in our body depend on water.The three most important functions of the water are,

Cleaning of system- water helps to throw out toxins out of vital organs
Water provides energy by carrying nutrients to body cells
Water maintains the optimum moist environment for the proper functioning of ear, nose, throat, lungs etc.

Water- A  Great Stress BusterDrinking a glass of water is a simplest way to unwind from your stress says researchers.

How?The link between water and stress reduction is well documented in various published studies. Studies, show that being just half a liter dehydrated can increase cortisol levels- a stress hormone. Staying in a good hydrated status, can keep your stress levels down. When you don’t give your body the fluids it needs, you’re putting stress on it, and it’s going to respond to that,” says Carlson RD, director of performance nutrition at Athletes’ Performance, a trainer of world-class athletes.

Enough amount of water in body is a must to stay active and fit, When the intake of water is less than  it leads to dehydration which can drain your energy and make you lethargic.

Wonders of water  - Health benefits of drinking water.

Keeps skin fresh: As the harsh weather and the indoor heaters can leave your skin dry, consuming the right amount of water will surely keep your skin hydrated, soft -looking fresh.

Weight control: As per published study, two glasses of water before meals helps people eat less and lose weight. According to some research, water consumption might spark the body to produce more heat, boosting metabolism and burning more calories.

Regulates body temperature- water helps to maintain the body temperature.

Cleanser: water is needed to remove the daily waste from our body. It helps us detoxify, remove toxins. It keeps body clean through urination and sweat.

Promotes Digestion:  water helps digestion and keeps away constipation.

Maintain the ph. balance: The human body needs a 7+ Ph range so that it can function properly. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to maintain this balance.

How do you know if you’re dehydrated?Thirst- if you feel thirsty which means body needs more water for proper functioning.
Urine- Check the color of your urine, if the urine is dark in color and has a pungent smell, suggest time to drink more water.

How much water does our body needs?Drink eight glasses of water in a day!  This is a notion often heard. However, required water to maintain healthy status depends on person to person and circumstances.

• A person who exercises and sweats easily needs to drink more water.
• Lactating mother requires drinking more water and fluids to fulfill the need.
• People in tropical countries need to drink a lot more water, as the weather conditions are hot and humid.
• The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a d "Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily total.#

Drink eight ounces per day! Not eight glasses!Some easy ways to keep drinking water:

• Carry a bottle of water where ever you go.
• Always keep some drinking water in the car.
• Always keep a glass of water or a bottle of water near your bed.
• Make is a routine to drink at least one glass of water, first thing in the morning.
• Drink a bowl of soup at lunch or dinner.
• Keep a reminder on your phone to drink water.
• Substitute water instead of soda.
• Drink before, after and during exercise.
• Fruits contains juice which contains water eat a lot of fruits instead of sugary snacks.
• Make water tasty by adding flavor for examples add a piece of lemon or orange.
  
  Any thing in excess is dangerous similarly, drinking too much water can also be harmful, its very  important to maintain the balance...