Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have experienced our first really cold air of the year. With highs in the upper 30s suddenly we are having to wear thick jackets and long pants when only two weeks ago it was 85°! Other parts of the country are already experiencing chilly weather as well. With these changes in temperature, it’s easy to forget about drinking water. But it’s critically important to maintain a steady intake of alkaline ionized water. It’s easy to get dehydrated in cold weather and dehydration can negatively impact all areas of our body including how we feel!
For most people, the cold weather limits their physical ability. If your family is anything like ours, fall sports have all ended and now there’s a lot of home time. When we are actively engaged in a sport, it’s easy to remember to bring our water bottle and to hydrate every 15 or 20 minutes or so. But when we are at home, it’s not so easy to remember.
Also, when we do go outside, we aren’t running around because it’s too cold. So more likely than not, we’re leaving behind our water bottles. When you’re cold, it’s easy to think about eating but the thought of drinking cold water just isn’t all that appealing.
The bottom line is studies have shown that cold weather causes dehydration in children and adults alike. It’s not just from a lack of water intake, it’s also because the cold weather causes our bodies to work harder to stay warm. The dry air also sucks the moisture out of us.
Dehydration is a big problem. It slows down our metabolism which means the food we eat can cause us to gain weight faster. It also raises our blood pressure and can actually make us feel more stressed. It can lead to body aches which makes us want to limit our physical activity even more. It can also make us feel sleepy and yet make it harder for us to get a good night’s sleep! All of this can negatively impact our mood during a time when we are already stressed out by the upcoming holiday season.
Even though the weather is cold, don’t forget to bring your water bottle with you wherever you go! It is critically important to drink at least 8 oz of alkaline ionized water every single hour. Even though you’re inclined to curl up with a blanket in front of the fire, think about bringing your water bottle there too. Or at least keep a mug of ionized alkaline water close. Also bring your water bottle to work, school, out for a walk — everywhere! If you’re carrying your water bottle around, you are more likely to drink from it.
It’s also a good idea to set up water bottles throughout your house. Set one up on your nightstand so you can drink in the middle of the night. Many of us will wake up thirsty in the middle of the night and then just not feel like going to the kitchen to get water. Set one up on your living room table. Set one up at your home office desk. Make it the job of one of your kids or someone else in the house to constantly fill up water bottles so everyone is taken care of!
The cold weather conspires against us staying hydrated. Also, our habits are changing in this cold weather so it’s easy to forget to drink water. But drinking alkaline ionized water is critical for our hydration and our body detoxification. Don’t forget that cold and flu and the covid season is right around the corner. You don’t want to weaken your body before the viruses strike. So keep drinking that water!
