Dehydration and Cold Water
As fall and winter set in so does a natural inclination to consume warmer drinks. Unfortunately, in the U.S. we have been conditioned to drink cold or ice water. Consequently, many people don't even realize how much they cut down on the amount of water they drink each day, as temperatures fall.
"Warm or hot water?" my patients ask as we discuss their water consumption during cooler months. "WOW, hadn't thought of that, but why not?" Hot tea, coffee, hot chocolate, satisfy the body's desire for warmth, but don't address our need for pure water. Our bodies are mostly water. Like a car's radiator, we need to replenish the correct fluids, or things just won't run properly.
Cold or ice water should be used only when it is very hot, for cooling the body. It takes a lot of energy to keep warm. Eating cold foods or drinking cold beverages, when it is cold outside, robs people of energy, and warmth. Cooling the body, with cold foods and drinks and then venturing out in the cold sets people up for catching a chill, or Wind Cold, as an Acupuncturist would say, meaning the kind of virus that comes with chills, body aches, and headache at the base of the skull and top of the neck.
So as temperatures fall, drink plenty of water, room temperature, warm or hot.
Health & Happiness,
Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
534 Washington St. Ashland, OR 97520
For Appointments Call: 541-646-0134
s
No comments:
Post a Comment