Myth: I do not have to drink as much water during winter as I do during the warmer months.

Answer: BUSTED!

No matter what season it is, we all need daily fluids which most of us get enough of from the foods we eat and the beverages we drink each day. Water needs increase with increased physical activity and perspiration, so you’ll need more if you are exercising or sweating a lot.

Did you know that if you are thirsty, you may already need to replenish your fluids? So try to sip water throughout the day to prevent dehydration!

Water is an essential nutrient with several important functions in the body. Water regulates body temperature so we don’t overheat. Water also helps maintain skeletal muscle function, preventing cramping while enhancing muscle performance (skeletal muscles are 75% water!).

Water also helps with weight management. Some research has shown that our thirst and hunger cues can get “mixed up”, so we actually may find ourselves reaching for food when what we really need is a big glass of H20!

Contributors: Anne Pazder, ARAMARK Dietetic Intern & Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933