Stay Hydrated, Folks—Yes, Even When It’s Freezing

Winter in the Midwest doesn’t just bring snow drifts and the eternal battle to keep your driveway clear—it’s also a sneaky thief when it comes to hydration. Sure, we all know to drink plenty of water in the summer, but cold weather has its own ways of drying you out. And trust us, it’s not just about being thirsty (which, spoiler alert, your body might not even tell you in time).

Let’s talk about why staying hydrated during our frosty winters is just as important as keeping your feet dry in your boots.

Why Winter Zaps Your Water Levels

Here’s the deal: every time you exhale in winter’s cold, dry air, your body loses water. Yup, just breathing is enough to dehydrate you. But wait, there’s more! Bundling up in layers of flannel, long johns, and your trusty Carhartt makes you sweat—yes, even when it’s freezing outside. And because your body shifts blood toward your core to keep warm, it tricks your brain into thinking you’re fine, so you don’t feel thirsty even when your tank’s running low.

The result? You’re quietly losing water like a slow leak in an old farmhouse faucet.

Stay Ahead of the Game

To keep dehydration from sneaking up on you, be proactive. Here’s your winter hydration playbook:

• Drink up: Ladies, aim for 64 ounces of water a day (that’s about eight cups). Fellas, go for 96 ounces (twelve cups). And no, coffee doesn’t count for all of it—sorry, but your morning latte isn’t the hydration hero you think it is.
• Keep a buddy: A refillable water bottle is like your hydration sidekick. Bring it along wherever you go—whether you’re chopping wood, snowshoeing, or running errands in town.
• Mind the signs: Feeling tired, cranky, or dealing with headaches? Those might not just be winter blues—they could be your body crying out for water.

What to Do If Dehydration Hits

So, you’ve been slacking on the water, and now you’re feeling rough. First off, don’t panic, but don’t just grab a glass of plain water either. To really rehydrate, you need to replace the electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) your body’s lost. Here’s why:

• Electrolytes help your body absorb water faster.
• Drinking too much plain water without replacing electrolytes can throw your system off balance, leading to worse problems (like water intoxication).

Electrolytes to the Rescue

Here’s how to get back on track:

• Store-bought solutions: Drinks like Pedialyte, Drip-Drop, or similar store brands are great options (check the pharmacy aisle).
• DIY it: Whip up your own electrolyte drink at home. Try this easy mix: 1 cup orange juice, 4.5 cups water, ¾ teaspoon salt, and 8 teaspoons sugar. It’s like science class, but tastier.

If things get serious—think vomiting, delirium, or major fatigue—it’s time to call in the pros. Severe dehydration may require IV fluids, so don’t wait too long to seek help.

Winter Hydration: It’s More Than Just a Good Idea

Between the snow shoveling and the ice fishing, staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to keep your body running at its best during the cold months. Be mindful, sip water throughout the day, and don’t let winter fool you into thinking hydration isn’t important.

And hey, if you need a little extra motivation, treat yourself to a cozy bowl of Sawyer Creek Cattle’s grass-fed beef stew. It’s a Midwest winter staple that warms you up and helps keep you hydrated. Stay safe and hydrated out there, folks!