Why Do We Forget to Hydrate When It Gets Colder Outside

For us, this Fall has been quite interesting.  From several days of close to 70 degree weather to the blanket of immense chill that has settled over all of us in the past couple of days.  I have learned from this experience that the colder seasons can be just as unpredictable as the storms of late Summer.  But unlike Summer, where hot temperature and blazing bright sunlight gives our bodies clues on how to properly care for it with adequate hydration, limited activity during peak temperatures, and seeking cool solace indoors or under a shaded tree, Winter’s nudges for self-care may require a quieter mind, slower pace, and an attending ear. Our bodies give us clues as to what it needs and Winter calls us into solitude and reflection offering us a great opportunity to listen. I am saying all of this to say…………………………..

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Yes…..Winter, like Summer, is a common season to experience severe hydration, because of the bitter cold, drinking water is probably furthest from our minds. But I bet if you stop right now and focus your attention to the way your mouth, throat, and lips feel, you’ve realized that you are thirsty.  Heck!! I stopped in the midst of writing this post to get a drink of water. Water helps to balance our electrolytes, minerals, and most importantly especially during winter season, it relieves stagnation.  An example that I am experiencing right now, is a pesky lingering cough from a recent cold, indicative of some form of stagnation in my lungs, though this stagnation can occur in the bladder (bladder infection), in our sinuses (congestion), in our joints (achy, stiffness) and in other places. Admittedly, sometimes I may even avoid drinking because I usually feel a bit chilly afterward.  One way to lessen the chills after drinking is to drink water at room temperature if tolerable.  I know…I know……….it took me a while to get this down, but it’s actually better for you that way.  With that said, most of my family, friends,and clients tell me they can only tolerate water when it’s ice cold so by all means if cold water floats your boat….ba dum ching :).

An alternative would be to drink herbal teas.  They are a wonderful way to stay and keep you warm and toasty.  You would want to avoid diuretic drinks, herbs and spices such as, coffee, black tea, or any caffeinated drinks  as they cause water loss through urine.  Hydrating herbs high in mineral content such as stinging nettle as well as all types of seaweed can be great additions to teas and winter foods like stews, soups, and chili to aid in electrolyte balance.  Also using herbs and spices like ginger and cinnamon in teas after coming in from the cold can give you a warming comfort like none other.  I recommend it. Here’s an easy and quick recipe I use quite often.

Winter Spiced Tea

2 cups of water
1 Tbs dried ginger
1 Tbs fresh grated ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbs of lemon juice (optional)
dash of clove
dash of nutmeg
dash of allspice
Honey or sweetener of choice (optional)

Bring water to boil. Add spices. Take water off of heat and cover for at least 15 minutes. Strain infusion in tea cup/container and add lemon juice for extra hydrating quality and raw honey as a natural antimicrobial and expectorant.

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Enjoy and Stay Warm and Hydrated Today!!!