The Importance of Staying Hydrated, Especially During Winter

Most people who exercise in the summer months readily recognize the importance of staying hydrated due to the amount of sweat they are producing simply by being outside – especially in the humidity of the south, such as North and South Carolina. Simply stated – most of us think of dehydration as a summer problem. To compensate, we simply drink more water and our diet usually consists of more water-rich vegetables and fruits. We also tend to work out in an air-conditioned gym instead of outside. 

With the winter months soon upon us, people need to remember that it is just as easy to become dehydrated during this time of year. The reason it is so important to stay hydrated is due to water being vital to both organ function and digestion. Water carries nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, controls blood pressure and helps in the lubrication of joints. Water is needed by the brain to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters, regulates body temperature, acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord, and allows the body’s cells to grow, reproduce and survive.

When we become dehydrated, our blood becomes thicker, causing the heart to work harder. It is easy for the body to become dehydrated because they body without exercise loses about eight cups of water a day. This water needs to be replenished. According to Dr. Jeffrey Utz, Neuroscience, Allegheny University, different people have different percentages of their bodies made up of water. In adult men, about 60 % of their bodies are made-up of water. Adult women, on the other hand, have more body fat than men — their bodies are comprised of about 55% water.

With the cold of winter soon upon us, we need to be aware of the dangers of dehydration. We may not notice the amount of water loss due to perspiration as we do in the summer, but just through normal daily activities water is being lost from our bodies and it is imperative that we replenish this vital liquid.