The revelation comes ahead of World Water Day this Friday and follows reports from last year which note Brits already drink less than half their recommended daily intake.
The polling revealed that 75 per cent of Brits drink less water in winter compared to other seasons, with the proportion evenly split across different age groups, regions, and genders.
The polling data also indicates that more than a third of Brits are unaware of how much water they need to drink on a daily basis. The NHS recommends between 1.5 and 2.5 litres of water per day, but around 34 per cent of those polled believe 1.5 litres a day or less is sufficient.
The main reason we drink less water over the colder months is that we feel less thirsty as we spend less time outdoors and get less exposure to the sun. However, while dehydration is more likely to affect us in the summer, it is important to stay aware of how much water we are drinking during the winter months because our bodies don’t sense thirst as well when it’s cold outside.
Staying hydrated during colder weather can also provide seasonal benefits such as keeping the skin healthy during changes in the weather and providing a much-needed boost to our immune system at a time when we’re especially vulnerable to airborne viruses. Drinking water regularly is also crucial for maintaining cognitive function, as even mild dehydration is associated with reduced attention, memory and processing, as well as increased fatigue.
To avoid cold-weather dehydration, water specialists Culligan have shared some tips on how we can stay hydrated in winter.
During cold snaps, we often turn to warming drinks such as tea and coffee to fight off the chilly weather. While this might provide some respite, high-caffeine drinks act as a diuretic and can lower the body’s water retention levels.
Instead of caffeinated drinks, try drinking water, herbal teas, or fruit juices that are naturally high in electrolytes, which support faster hydration.
Drinking plenty of water is key to maintaining a healthy level of hydration, but it’s also important to make sure our water intake is regular throughout the day. Our body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
One easy way to make sure that water intake is regular is to drink water when we wake up, with every meal and before we go to bed.
Making sure our diets include a healthy amount of fresh produce, such as fruit and vegetables, is a great way to stay hydrated. This is because fruits and vegetables have a high-water content. Dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese, are also good sources of water, so make sure we’re maintaining a balanced diet containing lots of water-rich foods to supplement our fluid intake.