As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, many changes occur in our bodies and our day-to-day. It might be tempting to think of electrolytes as a summer-months thing, but winter brings its own hydration challenges. From chapped lips to dry skin and brain fog, lack of electrolytes can be just as debilitating in the winter as it is in the summer. Here’s a look at some of the factors that influence our electrolyte needs from October to April, and how to manage them.
Overall hydration
We tend to rely on thirst as our tigger to hydrate. But did you know that thirst often comes after a slight dehydration occurs in the body? In the summer, we’re more acutely attuned to thirst signals – we seek ice cold beverages as refreshments. However, winter imposes some gruelling hydration challenges on the body too: dry air, indoor heating (particularly when ventilated), layered clothing, going from cold to hot environments quickly (ever take the underground in the winter?) – these all add up to extra hydration requirements.
This winter don’t wait for your body to tell you it’s thirsty. Remind yourself to stay on top of your drinking habits and you’ll feel much better for it.
Reduced sunlight
If you live in the UK, you know all about reduced sun exposure in the winter, and the need for extra vitamin D. But did you know that vitamin D serves a purpose in regulating calcium (also an electrolyte) in your body? This is why low levels of vitamin D can result in weaker bones. Consider supplementing with vitamin D through the winter to help your body absorb the calcium from your diet.
Wellbeing activities
Do you indulge in heat therapy through the winter? Saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and of course all sports activities, will naturally cause your body to sweat. It’s easy to overlook this in the winter, so make sure you top up your electrolytes before and after such activities. You’ll get even better results from your efforts!
Caffeine, stimulants and alcohol
Coffee shop meetups? Festive pub drinking? Office Christmas do? Caffeine, alcohol and elevated stress levels all cause our bodies to burn more magnesium than normal. This is where a multi-mineral electrolyte such as Oshun can really help you feel yourself even when you indulge a little more than usual.
Dietary changes
Ever notice how we eat more fresh fruit and vegetables in the summer? These are all charged with naturally occurring electrolytes. In the winter on the other hand, we tend to indulge in more comfort food – high in sodium, but often lacking other mineral electrolytes. Try to incorporate citrus fruits, leafy greens and colourful root vegetable to get your fix of potassium and magnesium.
Cold and flu
How many times have you been told to drink plenty of fluids when you’re under the weather? That magical chicken soup has a little secret to it: it’s full of minerals. Don’t just hydrate with plain water when you feel yourself catching a cold, but add some electrolytes to give your body a fighting chance.
Your body's requirements may change from one season to the next, but proper hydration should always be a priority. Happy hydrating!
