During winter, many people tend to neglect drinking water due to reduced sweating and a weaker sense of thirst.
However, health experts warn that the body still requires an adequate amount of water even in cold weather.
Let’s take a look at the health problems that can arise from drinking less water in winter and how this habit can be improved.
Less Thirst Does Not Mean Less Need for Water
In cold weather, the body sweats less, giving the impression that water intake is not as important. However, the body continues to lose moisture through breathing. Additionally, the use of heaters and wearing warm clothing also causes fluid loss, which often goes unnoticed.
Risk of Dehydration
Insufficient water intake lowers the body’s hydration levels, leading to dehydration. Symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, and dizziness. In winter, dehydration develops gradually because the feeling of thirst is reduced.
Dry and Cracked Skin
Winter air is already dry, and lack of water further depletes the skin’s moisture, making it dull and rough. Chapped lips, dry hands, and itching are common complaints, many of which are linked to internal dehydration.
Digestive Problems
When the body does not receive enough water, issues such as constipation and stomach discomfort can occur. Water helps maintain healthy bowel movement, and its deficiency can slow down digestion—especially in winter when diets tend to be heavier.
Increased Strain on the Kidneys
Low water intake forces the kidneys to work harder, affecting the removal of waste through urine. Prolonged dehydration can also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Weakened Immune System
According to experts, adequate hydration helps keep the immune system strong. Drinking less water can weaken the body’s defenses, increasing susceptibility to colds, flu, and infections.
How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?
Health experts generally recommend drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, though the amount may vary depending on body type, physical activity, and climate. Even in winter, maintaining regular water intake is essential, regardless of thirst levels.
How to Improve the Habit of Drinking Water in Winter
Try sipping water throughout the day, keep a water bottle nearby, drink lukewarm water, and include water-rich foods such as soups, vegetables, and fruits in your diet.
Drinking less water in winter can lead to dry skin, dehydration, constipation, kidney problems, and a weakened immune system. For better health, ensuring adequate water intake during the winter season is just as important as in summer.
