On a cold winter day, when you sit on your armchair with a hot cup of tea in your hand, do you think about drinking water? Probably not. This is exactly the beginning of the biggest health mistake we make during the winter months.
Scientific research reveals a surprising fact: Our water consumption decreases by an average of 40% during the winter months, but our body’s need for water remains constant regardless of the season. The answer to the questionof how many litres of water should we drink a day is 2-2.5 litres for an adult individual, regardless of winter or summer.
Why do we forget to drink water in winter?
Loss of Thirst Sensation
In cold weather, our body feels thirst signals 40% less than in summer. Since we do not sweat, dehydration symptoms progress insidiously. However, even when your body loses 2% of water, your mental performance can drop by 20%.
The Illusion of Tea and Coffee
Our consumption of tea and coffee increases during the winter months. However, since these drinks contain caffeine, they have a diuretic effect, that is, they accelerate the body’s water excretion. You should make it a habit to consume a glass of water after each cup of tea.
Hidden Danger in Closed Areas
In the office, at home or in the car – in winter we spend most of our time indoors. Heaters and radiators can reduce the humidity level to 30-50%. This increases the amount of water our body loses through respiration.
5 Serious Consequences of Drinking Insufficient Water in Winter
The benefits of regular water consumption are not just theories, but facts that are felt in every cell of your body. So what effects does insufficient water consumption cause in winter?
1. Immune System Weakens
Insufficient water consumption:
- Reduces the production of lymph fluid
- Reduces the activity of white blood cells
- Causes the mucous membranes to dry out and become vulnerable to viruses
This is one of the important reasons why your risk of catching flu and colds increases in winter.
2. Skin Health Deteriorates
Dryness, cracking and itching of your skin in winter are not only caused by external factors. Lack of moisture from the inside:
- Reduces skin elasticity
- Defines wrinkles
- Increases lip chapping
- Causes itching and peeling
3. Low Energy and Concentration Problems
Only a 2% water loss:
- Reduces mental performance by 20
- Reduces physical endurance
- Causes chronic fatigue
- Triggers headaches
Water deficiency may underlie the low motivation and fatigue you experience during the winter months.
4. Digestive Problems Increase
In winter, heavier and more calorific foods are usually consumed. Insufficient water:
- Causes constipation
- Increases digestive problems
- Causes bloating and gas formation
- Stabilises stomach acid
5. Kidney Functions are Strained
Insufficient water consumption:
- Increases the risk of kidney stones
- Accelerates toxin accumulation
- Triggers urinary tract infections
7 Practical Methods to Increase Water Consumption in Winter
1. Add to Morning Routine
Drink 1 large glass of warm water as soon as you wake up, before breakfast. You will lose an average of 500 ml of water during the night. Drink this water in the morning:
- Accelerates your metabolism by 24
- Initiates the excretion of toxins
- Stimulates the intestines
- Enables you to start the day energetically
2. Use Visual Reminders
Get a 750 ml or 1 litre transparent bottle and keep it in your field of vision at all times. Using a transparent bottle allows you to visually track how much water you drink and motivates you. Calculate how many times you need to refill it during the day.
3. Set a timer
Set a reminder on your phone or computer to ring every 2 hours. Drink 1 glass of water for each reminder. In this way, you will drink 4 glasses of water in an 8-hour working day.
4. Include in Meal Routine
Drink 1 glass of water 30 minutes before each main meal. This is for
- Provides balancing of stomach acid
- Increases the secretion of digestive enzymes
- Helps portion control by giving a feeling of satiety
5. Diversify with Hot Drinks
Caffeine-free herbal teas contribute to your water consumption:
- Linden tea (immune support)
- Rosehip tea (source of vitamin C)
- Chamomile tea (relaxing effect)
You can also prepare simple flavoured waters: Add a slice of lemon, a few mint leaves or cinnamon sticks to make your water more pleasant.
6. Drink Water After Every Tea/Coffee
Make it a habit to drink 1 glass of water after every cup of tea or coffee. This simple rule will allow you to drink at least 4-5 glasses of extra water during the day.
7. Prefer Quality Water
In addition to increasing water consumption, the quality of the water you drink is also important. What is alkaline water? Alkaline water is a type of mineral-rich water with a high pH value and offers special benefits in winter.
Alkaline Water and Its Importance in Winter
pH Value and Health
What is the pH value? pH is a measure of the degree to which a substance is acidic or basic. Normal tap water has a pH value of 7.0-7.5, while alkaline water is in the pH range of 8.5-9.5.
Benefits of Alkaline Water in Winter
- Fast Hydration: Thanks to its molecular structure, it penetrates cells faster
- Immune Support: Maintains the acid-base balance of the body, reduces inflammation
- Antioxidant Action: Neutralises free radicals, slows down cellular ageing
- Toxin Excretion: Accelerates the elimination of toxins in the body
- Energy Boost: Boosts metabolism, increases energy levels
Healthy Alkaline Water Solution at Home
You need a reliable source for regular and quality water consumption during the winter months. Water purifiers transform your tap water into clean, healthy and alkaline drinking water.
Under-counter water purifier systems, provides you with clean water by working invisibly in your kitchen. You can maintain the performance of your device with regular water purification filter replacement.