February 2, 2024

How to drink more: 5 tips for winter

By Naturale Bio

water is fundamental, we could say it is life itself, that's why drink more for many people it is a real health need, often not so simple to pursue.

Water constitutes, on average, 75% of the body weight of a newborn and approximately 60% of an adult individual. We are made of water!

In fact, let's start by defining how the thirst stimulus works, have you ever wondered?

The sensation of wanting to drink is regulated by an area of the brain, thehypothalamus, which monitors various factors of well-being in our body. When the overall volume of water inside the organism, which should be kept constant, drops too much, we find ourselves in a condition of water imbalance. It means that blood volume and pressure decrease, the kidneys send the signal to slow down the "water loss" of urine production, the skin and mucous membranes begin to dry out (inside the mouth, lips, around the eyes, etc.).

Listening to the stimulus of thirst is necessary and, indeed, we should never reach these alarm levels but try to prevent them.

So here is some advice on how to drink more, even in winter, when the urge to thirst is less felt.

Smart ideas to force yourself to drink more and hydrate better

How much water should we drink daily? This depends on several factors, including age and lifestyle.

From an early age it is good to drink at least one liter of water a day, and then progressively increase it as your body volume increases. An average adult, whether man or woman, should drink at least 2 liters of water a day.

Then obviously, if you are an athlete, for example, or if you suffer from a pathology that leads to more dehydration - such as some absorption pathologies in the intestine - then you need to pay even more attention to how much you drink.

Often, however, due to the rush or the simple fact of not perceiving the stimulus of thirst - a typical aspect, for example, of people in old age - we need to find tricks to push ourselves to hydrate properly.

Drink as soon as you wake up

A glass of water as soon as you get out of bed, at room temperature, helps restore the body's balance after many hours of night rest.

Have a water bottle with you

Always having a water bottle or glass at hand, in plain sight next to your work or study station, is a valid help in remembering to drink more often. For the incorrigible, just set alarms on your smartphone, a "hydrating" trill every hour!

Drink flavored water

For many people the real stumbling block is the non-taste of water, that neutral taste that is perceived as boring, not to mention unpleasant. Just think, for example, of those who are undergoing therapy based on medicines that alternate the perception of flavour: often in these cases the water becomes really bitter and unpleasant to drink. There are natural flavors that can overcome this problem without adding excess sugar or calories. A few drops of fresh lemon or orange juice, a pinch of stevia, natural extracts of aromatic plants such as chamomile or mint and also our powders superfood.

Don't underestimate the water in foods

Another perfect “trick” is to drink… while eating! In winter it's even simpler, green light for nutritious and hydrating broths, soups and stews. And in reality any food has a water component, especially fresh ones, such as fruit and vegetables.

All clear and infusions and herbal teas

A solution similar to that of flavored water is to prepare excellent steaming cups ofgreen tea or infusions – such as the one with rosa canina – for a relaxing cuddle and perfect for drinking more.

Hydrate well, be careful to drink the right way

You might think the diktat is: drinking a lot is always good. That's not really the case, let's say that depends on how and what we drink.

For example, there are those who have the habit of drinking iced drinks, cold from the refrigerator or with added ice, even in winter: be careful not to incur digestion blockages, if you really can't help but drink cold water, do it slowly and in small sips, otherwise it's better to prefer the room temperature.

Likewise, thinking about hydrating yourself with carbonated drinks full of artificial colourings, sugary industrial juices, cappuccinos and hot chocolates or, worse, alcohol, well... no, it doesn't work like that! Limit the consumption of these products to a minimum, in small quantities they are a pleasure that does no harm, but never exceed.

Another dutiful warning to those who are going through difficult moments in their relationship with food: drinking water to avoid feeling hungry, trying to "fill up" with liquids to help diet and weight loss, is not healthy. If you are experiencing it this way, it is best to talk to a professional who can support and support you.

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