In the cooler months of the year, water consumption is usually not as important as in the warmer months. The body rarely breaks a sweat due to the outside temperatures. Outdoor exercise also decreases significantly for many people in the winter months. This also means that the body is less likely to feel really thirsty. But is the need for fluids really higher in summer than in winter?
No need for fluids according to season
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) and other German institutions and research facilities all recommend between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day. These recommendations are independent of the season. Although it is pointed out that the amount drunk should be increased at high temperatures and during physical activity, there are no recommendations to reduce the amount drunk in cold weather. In addition to drinking water or mineral water, fruit or herbal teas are always listed as suitable thirst quenchers. For health reasons, they should not be sweetened or artificially flavored.
Protective function of drinking in winter
The fact is that, on average, the body does not need less water in the cold season than in summer. All cell functions must be maintained throughout the year. Dry heating air is a real water robber. It increases evaporation and removes moisture from the air, whether in the home, office, workshop, classroom or even in the car. The mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat also dry out more quickly due to the dry air. If the mucous membranes are not sufficiently moisturized, they are more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. This increases susceptibility to infections. Drinking water regularly in winter can therefore also protect the body from coughs, colds and hoarseness. Regular water intake also reduces the risk of headaches and tiredness in heated rooms.
Suppression of the feeling of thirst
Nature has arranged it in such a way that a person’s feeling of thirst is based on their current need for water. However, the feeling of thirst is often suppressed. This can happen when the body adapts to short-term water deficits. However, it is usually psychological factors that push thirst to one side, especially at work or in everyday life. Stress due to performance and time pressure, but also the inability to go to the toilet regularly, at work or on the go, often lead to the suppression of the personal feeling of thirst. In the cold winter months, drinking habits usually change from less cold to more warm drinks. This means a change, especially for people who consume more magnesium and calcium Chemisches Element Ca mit der Ordnungszahl 20, Mineralstoff, der zu den Mengenelementen zählt. Unter den Mineralstoffen ha... via mineral water during the rest of the year. As hot drinks, such as coffee or tea, rarely contain adequate amounts of minerals, these must be balanced out by mineral-rich foods.
Better drinking for the acid-base balance: For many people, not only their drinking habits but also their eating habits change during the cold season. More fatty foods and sweets during the Christmas period also contain significantly less water than fruit and vegetables. If less alkaline foods and water are consumed, excess acidity can quickly build up in the body. Mineral waters with a significant hydrogen carbonate content and alkaline herbal teas can support the body’s health and bring it back into balance.
