Almost everyone faces dry lips and increased thirst in winter.
As winter begins, most people start to understand that since it is not hot, the need to drink water also decreases, however, health experts consider this idea wrong.
The fact is that even in winter, the body continuously uses water and if its proper amount is not met, many physical problems can arise. Despite the reduced feeling of thirst, the body can suffer from dehydration, the effects of which are not immediately visible.
Major reasons for feeling thirsty in winter
In cold weather, the air is usually dry and the amount of moisture in it decreases. When we breathe, a large amount of moisture is released from the body during this process, which we do not even realize and this silent process is a major cause of dehydration in the body.
Similarly, the use of electric or gas heaters or air conditioners in homes and offices further dries out the environment, and due to the artificial environment, water is excreted from the body through the skin and breath, but due to lack of sweating, people forget to drink water.
Excessive urination in cold weather
According to experts, the amount of urine increases in winter under a natural process, which is called cold diuresis in medical language. In cold weather, blood vessels constrict and the kidneys start excreting excess water in large quantities. This process can result in dehydration in the body.
Hot drinks and dehydration
The consumption of tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks becomes common in winter. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, due to which more water is excreted from the body. If plain water is not drunk as an alternative, the risk of dehydration increases.
Effective ways to stay hydrated in winter
Even in cold weather, you should make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Drinking lukewarm water not only keeps the body hydrated but also proves beneficial for the digestive system.
Soups, stews, pulses and vegetable broths are the best way to replenish water loss in winter. They also provide heat to the body and increase water intake.
Fruits and vegetables also play an important role in hydration in winter. Foods like watermelon, apples, pears, cucumbers and tomatoes provide natural moisture to the body.
Why do lips become dry in winter?
Dry and chapped lips are a common problem in winter. The skin of the lips is very delicate and does not have glands that produce sweat or natural oils, due to which they become easily affected.
Similarly, cold and dry air, lack of water, lack of vitamins and the habit of repeatedly moistening the lips with the tongue further increase the dryness of the lips. Apart from this, not protecting the lips while going out in the sun can also prove harmful.
Easy ways to prevent dry lips
The most important step to prevent dry lips is to drink adequate amount of water. When the body is hydrated from within, its effects will also be noticeable on the skin and lips.
A good quality lip balm also protects the lips from drying out, especially those that contain shea butter, Vaseline, coconut oil or vitamin E. Applying lip balm before going to bed keeps the lips protected throughout the night.
You should avoid repeatedly moistening the lips with the tongue, because saliva dries out the skin quickly and the lips can become worse than before. Using a scarf or mask when going out in the cold or sun also protects the lips from dry air.
Expert Advice
Health experts advise that drinking water is not only a necessity in summer but is equally important in winter. Understanding body signals, adopting a balanced diet and taking a little care in your daily routine not only prevents problems like thirst, dehydration and dry lips but also improves overall health.