Why Dehydration Could Be More Dangerous in Winter Than You Think – Here’s How to Stay Hydrated

About 70% of our body is water, which is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions. Prolonged dehydration can impair several body functions, such as temperature regulation, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

High-temperature environments, excessive sweating, caffeine and alcohol consumption, diarrhea, or vomiting commonly cause dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration vary by age group. In infants, key signs include a dry tongue, lack of tears when crying, increased fussiness, and not wetting a diaper for three hours.

Dehydration symptoms in children manifest as dark, scant urine, thirst, rapid shallow breathing, confusion, irritability, and lethargy. Children may not recognize these symptoms, so caregivers should monitor them closely.

In adults, primary symptoms include urinating fewer than four times a day, dry skin with reduced elasticity, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and increased body temperature.

Other symptoms may include sunken eyes and cheeks, a dry mouth, rapid breathing, and a weak pulse. Severe cases can result in low blood pressure, coma, and other life-threatening conditions.

Although dehydration is often thought to occur mainly in summer, it is just as common in winter.

According to Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service statistics, the highest number of dehydration cases occurs in August, followed by December.

This happens because people often do not drink enough fluids. Even in winter, our bodies lose about 2 liters of fluids daily.

However, during winter, the lower temperatures and humidity levels reduce feelings of thirst, leading to decreased fluid intake. As a result, people do not consume enough fluids compared to what they lose.

Moreover, winter dehydration progresses more slowly than in summer and often has less noticeable symptoms, making it easier to overlook. This increases the risk of it worsening, requiring extra caution.

Drink fluids regularly throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Adults should aim for 7 to 8 glasses of water daily. If you exercise frequently or are in a hot environment, you should increase your fluid intake.

Adding various vegetables or fruits to your meals can also help replenish water. It is equally important to limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these substances promote water loss in the body.