Approximately 60% to 70% of our body is made up of water, making adequate consumption of liquids essential for the proper functioning of the body. During the winter, we generally feel less thirsty due to the lower temperatures.
However, it is important to note that the air becomes drier and humidity decreases in winter, which makes it essential to maintain water intake to avoid dehydration, which can occur more silently.
“It is essential to continue drinking water even in winter, as our entire metabolism, digestion and chemical reactions depend on it. Therefore, people who consume little water can face a series of problems, from simple headaches to hypovolemic shock”, explains the doctor Camilla Lewin.
Dr. Camilla also lists other health issues that can arise due to low water intake:
- Dry skin;
- Bad breath;
- Intestinal constipation;
- Urinary infection;
- Kidney calculation;
- Drop;
- Joint pains;
- Mental confusion;
- Disorientation;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Between others.
The doctor mentions that fruits with a high water content, such as pineapple, orange, papaya, watermelon and melon, also contribute to hydration. Flavored waters and juices can be helpful for those who have difficulty drinking plain water. According to Camilla, several factors influence the amount of water we should consume daily:
- Temperature;
- Weight;
- Age;
- Physical activity;
- Relative humidity;
- Pre-existing illnesses;
- Food.
To facilitate the calculation of the amount of water needed per day, some equations were developed in practice:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Amount of water (ml) = Weight (kg) x 35 (ml).
According to the American College of Sports Medicine:
- For sedentary people: Amount of water (ml) = Weight (kg) x 33 (ml).
- For practitioners of physical activity: Quantity of water (ml) = Weight (kg) x 45 (ml).
It is noteworthy that drinking too much water can be as harmful as drinking too little, according to the health professional. “This is because there is a blood dilution, reducing the concentration of electrolytes, such as hyponatremia, which is the decrease of sodium in the blood. It may ultimately cause even cerebral edema. Therefore, you should not drink more than 50 ml per kg of body”, adds the specialist.
Approximately 60% to 70% of our body is made up of water, making adequate consumption of liquids essential for the proper functioning of the body. During the winter, we generally feel less thirsty due to the lower temperatures.
However, it is important to note that the air becomes drier and humidity decreases in winter, which makes it essential to maintain water intake to avoid dehydration, which can occur more silently.
“It is essential to continue drinking water even in winter, as our entire metabolism, digestion and chemical reactions depend on it. Therefore, people who consume little water can face a series of problems, from simple headaches to hypovolemic shock”, explains the doctor Camilla Lewin.
Dr. Camilla also lists other health issues that can arise due to low water intake:
- Dry skin;
- Bad breath;
- Intestinal constipation;
- Urinary infection;
- Kidney calculation;
- Drop;
- Joint pains;
- Mental confusion;
- Disorientation;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Between others.
The doctor mentions that fruits with a high water content, such as pineapple, orange, papaya, watermelon and melon, also contribute to hydration. Flavored waters and juices can be helpful for those who have difficulty drinking plain water. According to Camilla, several factors influence the amount of water we should consume daily:
- Temperature;
- Weight;
- Age;
- Physical activity;
- Relative humidity;
- Pre-existing illnesses;
- Food.
To facilitate the calculation of the amount of water needed per day, some equations were developed in practice:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Amount of water (ml) = Weight (kg) x 35 (ml).
According to the American College of Sports Medicine:
- For sedentary people: Amount of water (ml) = Weight (kg) x 33 (ml).
- For practitioners of physical activity: Quantity of water (ml) = Weight (kg) x 45 (ml).
It is noteworthy that drinking too much water can be as harmful as drinking too little, according to the health professional. “This is because there is a blood dilution, reducing the concentration of electrolytes, such as hyponatremia, which is the decrease of sodium in the blood. It may ultimately cause even cerebral edema. Therefore, you should not drink more than 50 ml per kg of body”, adds the specialist.
