Dehydration More Dangerous in the Colder Temperatures

As we continue to bundle up during these cold winter temperatures, it is important to remember to stay hydrated! Studies have shown that you are at an increased risk of dehydration during the colder winter months.

We don’t often associate cold-weather exercise and dehydration together. But it is important to know that the body doesn’t get as hot and sweat evaporates more rapidly in the cold air. Tricking us into thinking we aren’t losing fluids as rapidly.

Here are a few reasons why dehydration is so common in the winter:

Changed Thirst Response: Your body has a natural response that tells you when you are thirsty, but that response is diminished by up to 40% in cold weather. This is because your body focuses on maintaining your core temperature and is fooled into thinking it’s properly hydrated.

Winter Layers: When bundling up in winter boots, heavy jackets or sweaters, you add weight to your body. This additional weight makes your body work 10% to 40% harder than it normally does. Because your body is working harder, you produce more sweat than usual, but you don’t notice it because sweat evaporates more quickly in cold air.

Make sure to drink water throughout the day in order to combat dehydration!