How much water should you drink daily in winter?

 As winter days approach and temperatures begin to drop, the air around us tends to become drier and our bodies receive less moisture as compared to warmer months. Our consumption of fluids in general, and water in particular, goes down too.

Water makes for the most important part of the body; our body is made up of 70% of water and regardless of the time of the year, requires good hydration.

Your body uses water in all its cells, organs and tissues in order to regulate and maintain all bodily functions. Because your body loses lots of water through sweat, digestion and urination, it is imperative to keep it hydrated throughout.

As winter days approach and temperatures begin to drop, the air around us tends to become drier and our bodies receive less moisture as compared to warmer months. Our consumption of fluids in general, and water in particular, goes down too.
 

During warmer months, it is easier to drink the recommended number of glasses of water, which is 8-10 glasses, while it becomes difficult to consume this amount in winter. Thirst is a side-effect of heat and an indication of dehydration, which is rarely a condition in colder months, keeping you away from water for most parts of the day. Does feeling thirsty less frequently in winters mean that our bodies need fewer glasses of water as compared to the summer months? What is the adequate amount of water we should be consuming?

Weather decides the amount of water you drink throughout the day. During winters, the body does not get easily dehydrated and it does not need water to cool itself down like in summer. However, not drinking water or drinking less water may cause dehydration. The reason for not feeling thirsty may also include that our warm bodies feel hydrated most of the time leading to increased hydration and decreased thirst.

In winter, our body loses the same amount of water, but in a longer period of time. We tend to lose water from our bodies due to respiratory fluid loss through breathing. Moreover, our bodies work hard under the weight of extra clothes, and the sweat produced quickly evaporates in the cold, dry air.
 

It is not necessary to gulp down several glasses of water in one go. You don't want to stuff yourself and end up feeling sick. Take small sips through the day to ensure your body is hydrated enough. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day; it shouldn't be necessarily gulping down one glass at a time, but it can include taking small sips through the day.