For many in the US, the winter is just getting started with the introduction of bitter cold and bone dry air. What most of us don’t realize is that the need for hydration is often much greater in the winter than it is in the summer. The cold, dry air has little moisture. Therefore, the water from our body easily evaporates into it. In contrast, with increasing humidity (as in the hazy, hot days of summer), water molecules are trapped in our body since there is little room for them to evaporate into the air.
With the dropping temperature comes the need to crank up the heat, which further enhances the escape of water from our bodies. And with the cold weather, a long hot shower feels oh so good!
The result of all of this is symptoms that often mimic conditions that are more serious. Examples are
Dry, itchy skin (oftentimes severe itching)
Cough
Dry eyes
Runny nose (the dry cracked mucous membranes become inflamed and drain)
Bloody nose
Sore throat
Hoarse voice
Susceptibility to upper respiratory infections (the dry cracked mucous membranes serve as entry points for infectious agent)
Here are some suggestions to combat these symptoms:
Drink more fluids than usual.
Use a humidifier in your home or at least where you sleep
Use lukewarm water to wash
Take shorter showers or remain in the bath for less time
Use Dove soap
Use a good moisturizer— applying a lot and often
Become friends with nasal moisturizers as Simply Saline Nasal Spray (this is easier to use than a Neti Pot)
Since we are 60% water, our body needs the proper balance. These seven steps will assure that you keep your body healthy and well hydrated throughout the cold, dry winter months.
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