Medically reviewed by Dr Godmi Tresa
As the winter season approaches, prioritising hydration is crucial to maintain optimal health and well-being. Cold weather can reduce our thirst, but maintaining adequate hydration is vital. Doing so helps regulate body temperature, blood pressure, and digestion, preventing dry skin and dehydration-related issues. Make a conscious effort to drink enough water during winter for optimal well-being. But there is more to hydrating yourself this winter season with only water. Read on to explore some tips and strategies for keeping hydrated in winter.
Avoiding dehydration in winter can be cumbersome. Listed below are a few ways that would help you to keep your hydration levels up to the mark:
Setting a daily water consumption goal per your body's needs is necessary to stay adequately hydrated. Follow a schedule and keep a water bottle handy as a reminder to sip regularly.
During winter, the intake of tea and coffee increases for most of us to stay cosy. Hold on, something hotter than your coffee is brewing live! Instead of consuming caffeine that can dehydrate, consider enjoying a warm glass of water and honey. Switching to this mix will quench your thirst and help keep your body warm.
Incorporate seasonal, fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet. For instance, you can try broccoli, strawberries, celery, spinach, and tomatoes. These foods will contribute to your daily water intake, and they are nutritious.
Pro-Tip: Avoid consuming fried or processed foods, which can leave you dehydrated.
You might mistake thirst for hunger and eat unhealthy snacks like chips or sugary biscuits. Having a glass of water is wise whether you're genuinely hungry or not. Doing so helps you hydrate yourself and curbs unnecessary calorie consumption.
If plain water doesn't excite your taste buds, consider infusing it with fruits and herbs like mint or citrus seasonals. Doing so will add flavour to your water, making hydration, as a process, more enjoyable and wholesome.
Follow these few of the best ways to stay hydrated in winter.
Water is a powerhouse of your body. Moreover, it plays a significant role in carrying out several bodily functions.
Water is a fundamental component of overall well-being. Did you know that water levels change with age? Newborns have more body fluids than adults, and older people tend to have less. But regardless of your age group, staying hydrated is a must.
Now, you might be thinking why remaining hydrated is so vital. Don't worry, we have got the answer. If you are dehydrated or there is a slight decrease in the water level in your body, it may lead to headaches, dizziness and dry mouth. You may even feel lethargic and face poor concentration. Further, it may lead to constipation.
So, it's evident that staying hydrated is necessary for the smooth functioning of your body system.
You must have experienced drier skin in winter as compared to summer. Why? There are several reasons, primarily as you don't feel too thirsty in winter. So, your water intake reduces considerably. Secondly, comfy indoors, yes, you read it right. Your warm houses may give you respite from the cold, but the sufferer is your skin. Though creams and serums are abundantly available, the actual care starts from within. So, you must eat foods that have water content to keep you well-hydrated.
Your skin's best friend, eggs, come packed with protein and healthy fats. They help promote collagen regeneration for plump and elastic skin. Further, the eggs also offer sulphur and lutein that work wonders for hydration and elasticity. Start your day with this power.
Is your favourite brunch ingredient avocado? Or it could be? Avocados are a powerhouse source of nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats. These support collagen and elastin, keeping your skin radiant and hydrated.
Extra virgin olive oil is yet another unique gem that should be housing your den. It aids collagen and elastin production and provides a dose of Vitamin E. Thereby, it boosts skin hydration and potentially shields it from UV damage. Vitamin E's antioxidant properties are bound to help your skin repair and stay youthful.
You don't need to resort to putting tomato slices on your face. Including cooked or fresh tomatoes in your meals could introduce lycopene, a fantastic antioxidant. It shields your skin from damage, enhances elasticity, and keeps it hydrated.
Coconut, other than being delicious, is a skin hero. It comes loaded with healthy fats that promote hydration and collagen production. It's a natural antibacterial agent, keeping acne and skin issues at bay.
Get off those hot fries and choose sweet potatoes as the most-talked-about skin-friendly swap. They bring high levels of Vitamins A and C to the table. When converted into natural retinol, Vitamin A regulates oil levels and pigmentation and accelerates healing. Meanwhile, Vitamin C supports collagen, keeping your skin hydrated and vibrant.
Berries like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwis should be your go-to low-sugar fruits. They are power-packed with water and essential vitamins. Thus, they deliver hydration and antioxidants that can keep your skin firm and resilient during the winter.
Remember that water is the most straightforward yet crucial element that your lives depend upon. Despite all these fantastic foods, water remains the key to staying hydrated in cold weather! Plus, it keeps your skin healthy and hydrated.
A balanced diet and proper hydration are your secret weapons for achieving radiant and healthy skin. So, savour these foods, stay hydrated, and let your skin shine with health and beauty!
Winter hydration is crucial for well-being. Listen to your body's thirst cues and establish a consistent hydration routine for a healthy winter. Try warm beverages like herbal tea or hot water with lemon to combat the cold and dry air. Despite the cold, prioritise hydration to stay healthy and energised throughout the season.
Ruchika Sehgal
Meet Ruchika Sehgal, your guide to a balanced life. Educator turned lifestyle and wellness writer, she blends her love for literature, culinary arts, and music into transformative words that inspire healthier, happier living.

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