Because the body’s primary nutrient is water. Water is a nourishing substance that generates energy and is responsible for transporting nutrients within the human body cells.
When the body is 1% dehydrated, a person will feel thirsty;
At 2% dehydration, work efficiency begins to decline;
With a 4% dehydration, individuals may experience fatigue, sluggishness, mood instability, decreased stress tolerance, and even nausea.
Research indicates that a loss of 5% of body water without timely replenishment leads to dry and wrinkled skin. In the cold winter, people tend to keep doors and windows tightly closed, causing indoor oxygen deficiency. This can lead to dizziness, headaches, and difficulty breathing, especially for individuals with heart and lung conditions, resulting in various health issues. Drinking plenty of water promotes oxygen supply, ensures smooth breathing, and maintains a good overall physical condition.
Thirst in winter is relatively subdued, and thirst is a warning sign from the body when it is in a dehydrated state. It is only after a significant period of dehydration that we start feeling thirsty.
Severe dehydration can have profound effects on the entire body, and in severe cases, it may even trigger seizures. When the body signals these symptoms, it’s crucial to rehydrate promptly.
Headache
Headaches are common and easily overlooked, yet they could be a signal of dehydration. When the body’s water content drops, chemical reactions occur in the blood, and our brain, highly sensitive to such changes, may trigger headaches.
For such potentially misinterpreted signals, it is essential to pay extra attention and remember to replenish fluids promptly when encountered.
Constipation
Water serves as a carrier for body metabolism. Without a continuous flow of water, metabolic waste inside the body won’t be expelled quickly. If there’s not enough water in the body, effective transfer of metabolic waste becomes difficult, leading to constipation.
Dizziness
Dizziness from a rapid heart rate or sudden blood pressure changes while standing may be due to insufficient water intake. The Mayo Clinic recommends women to drink 2.7 liters of water daily, and men should aim for 3.7 liters.
Bad Breath
Insufficient water intake could be a reason for waking up with surprisingly bad breath. This characteristic is often overlooked, as it is an outward feature. Reduced saliva secretion due to dehydration leads to excessive bacterial growth in the mouth, causing bad breath.
Memory Decline
Inadequate water in the bloodstream results in dehydration of brain cells, making it difficult for the brain to obtain the required oxygen and nutrients. If brain cells lack sufficient water, their recovery and information transmission abilities decline, leading to a decrease in memory.
Insomnia
Thirst can wake people up frequently, and dehydration can make individuals feel hot and restless, disrupting deep sleep. Lack of deep sleep can lead to constant dreaming or nightmares and aches in the body.
Even during sleep, our bodies continue to lose water. If one sleeps for a full 8 hours, a significant amount of water is lost through respiration, and sweating during sleep exacerbates dehydration.
Therefore, it’s important to stay hydrated during the day and consume about 1/4 cup of water before bedtime.
Cardiovascular Diseases
During winter, indoor heating tends to dehydrate the body, leading to increased blood viscosity, causing low blood pressure, angina, and other cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, overheated indoor spaces, coupled with significant temperature differences with the outdoors, can lead to large fluctuations in blood pressure, burdening the coronary arteries and triggering coronary heart disease.
For individuals with pulmonary heart disease or heart failure, the respiratory infections caused by ‘heater disease’ can easily lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Winter Hydration Tips:
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water; by the time you feel thirsty, the body has already started to experience dehydration.
It’s advisable to drink warm water, generally around 45°C. Increase water intake during outdoor activities with heavy sweating, and replenish with a moderate amount of saline solution after significant sweating. Regardless, aim for a minimum daily water intake of at least 1500 milliliters.
