Staying hydrated in the cooler months
As the seasons change and the temperature starts to drop, there is a subtle decrease in actively prioritising our hydration meaning, we tend to forget that we need to drink water unless we are post exercise.
Our bodies are made up of mostly water (up to 70%), so it is no surprise that a lack of fluids throughout the day can impact so many body systems.
Feeling thirsty is the first sign, and also an indication that you needed to rehydrate quite some time ago.
Some other surprising signs you may be a little dehydrated are irritability, brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dry and cracked lips, dull or dry skin, constipation and darker coloured urine.
Does the quality of the water we drink matter?
Filtering our water is important to remove heavy metals, and other harmful substances which may have long term health effects. However, in this process it can also remove minerals which are essential electrolytes for optimal hydration — sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Minerals are equally important for healthy nerve and muscle function. Remineralization is key so when looking for a water filter find one that also has this feature.
How much water do we really need each day?
On average, women should aim for around 8-9 cups per day (and this increases when pregnant or breastfeeding, and with high intensity physical activity), and men the average is around 13 cups per day.
Tips for staying on top of hydration in winter?
· Start first thing in the morning upon waking! Drink a full glass of room temperature water when you wake up
· Follow up with a cup of bone broth or warm lemon water
· Mid-morning - Brew yourself a cup of hot herbal tea. Our top picks for mid-morning hydration are: Alive + Energise and I Am a Goddess
· Lunchtime – make a nourishing chicken or a miso soup
· Workout – Fill up a litre drink bottle with chilled Black Berry Heart a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of Celtic salt
· Afternoon pick me up - Magnesium powder, and a cup of Peppermint, Lemon Myrtle + Lavender or Hibernate + Chill tea
· Night time - Sleepy tea time with I Need a Moment