Keeping Yourself Healthy During Colder Months
Staying hydrated during the winter months is an important part of maintaining good health. Despite the cooler temperatures, drinking adequate amounts of water can help prevent common illnesses such as headaches, fatigue, and dry skin.
As stated by the American Heart Association, you should be drinking between 6-8 glasses (about 2 liters) of water per day throughout the year, but some people may require more depending on their individual activity levels and climate. Blue Cross Blue Shield also notes that water helps increase metabolism, meaning proper hydration could help enhance your weight loss goals. Water also has a multitude of health benefits to keep your body functioning properly.
If you are looking for more weight loss tips, check out the benefits that our healthy living programs offer! At Soza Weight Loss, our goal is to help our clients live healthy lives.
The Risks of Winter Dehydration
During the winter season, it is important to be aware that dehydration can still occur. Even though temperatures are cooler, and people may not feel as thirsty, drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day is essential for maintaining good health.
Other sources of fluids such as tea, soup, or fruit juice can also contribute towards daily hydration goals. However, it is important to monitor caffeine intake from coffee or energy drinks, as they can result in further dehydration. Caffeine works by increasing urine production and fluid loss, reducing the amount of fluid available for hydration. Additionally, caffeine can also interfere with rehydration efforts by acting as a diuretic and blocking water absorption in the small intestine. Because of this, it is important to be mindful about how much caffeine one consumes when trying to stay hydrated.
Water Intake and Weight Loss
Water helps to improve digestion, reduce fatigue, and even promotes weight loss. Approximately 30-59% of American adults seeking weight loss begin by increasing water intake – and for good reason! Water has no calories, so it is a better option than drinks that contain sugar. Regularly drinking water also helps to prevent constipation, which can affect weight maintenance.
In addition, water acts as an appetite suppressor and metabolism booster, meaning it can help cease hunger and burn calories at the same time. In fact, a 2016 study published by the National Library of Medicine observed that drinking water immediately before a meal resulted in less food intake among participants. Since it helps you stay full, water can limit cravings and prevent overconsumption of calories. Similarly, cold or frozen water (ice) may further boost metabolism, as the body has to expend energy to heat it up for digestion.
Schedule a Consultation for Additional Assistance
It is important for everyone, at every age, to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is a goal you can implement for the whole family. You can even add some flavor and additional benefits by drinking lemon water, or you can purchase a fun water bottle to encourage water intake.
For additional health and weight loss assistance, schedule a consultation at (504) 475-9817 today. Soza Weight Loss is here to help you live a healthy life!