Winter is probably the time we think about hydration the least, but in fact, it is when we need to think about it the most. The weather is cold, we feel less thirsty, and our instinct to drink water is diminished when compared to the hot summer months. But even if you are drinking the traditionally prescribed 8 glasses of water a day, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re hydrated. To many people, the term hydration refers to water, but that is not enough when it comes to hydration on a cellular level.
A common belief is that you only need to replace electrolytes — which are minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sodium — after an intense and sweaty workout. Every cell in our body requires fluid to function properly. In order to maintain a balance between water inside and outside the cells, the body relies on electrolytes which regulate osmotic pressure and control fluid levels in each cell. “Hydration is very different from cellular hydration”, says nutrition expert, Sarah Wragge. “We can drink 3-4 liters of water everyday, which is what I recommend, but you need to add minerals to hydrate at a cellular level.”
“We lose water all day through sweat, urination, and even breathing, and in that process we also lose essential electrolytes and minerals.” Adds Sarah, “Our habits are very dehydrating. Things like coffee, sugar, alcohol, and all the fun foods we love are very depleting. Not to mention our food is no longer mineral rich because of modern farming processes and pesticides. We need to hydrate to replenish not just water, but minerals too.” Sarah has just introduced her own mineral replenishing supplement, Restore.
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