The mix of temperatures during the winter wears down our immune systems. Indoors, it's nice and toasty; outside it's frightfully cold. Our bodies have to adapt within seconds to drastic changes. For some of us, this equates to mid-winter colds and the flu due to compromised immune systems.
If you're in and out a lot for work and play, you'll need to boost your immune system. Natural remedies like increasing the amount of vitamin C you take, exercise, and a full night's rest, are all great ideas to keep your body charged. Drinking eight full glasses of water a day is another key component to fighting off winter's chill. It helps to keep your body hydrated and flushed of toxins that build up in muscles and organs. Added bonus—it also helps keep you energized (and lose some of those extra winter pounds)!
Four easy tips for drinking eight glasses of water:
Hunger or thirst? Most people confuse thirst for hunger. They think they're hungry, when in fact, they're thirsty. Try drinking a full glass of water with each meal. This will recharge your body, help you digest food, and reduce the amount you eat.
Buy a case of water for the office and one for home. Most water bottles are 16 ounces. Drinking four bottles a day will provide you with the recommended daily water intake. Just remember to recycle the bottles!
Purchase a 64-ounce, refillable portable jug. If you can find one at your local grocery store or dollar store, this is a great idea. It's the total amount of water you need for the whole day. Once it's empty, you know you've met your daily requirements.
Replace a cup of coffee, tea, or soda with a glass of water. Drinking eight glasses of water in addition to coffee, soda, and/or tea may leave you feeling like you're floating. Try replacing one of your routine beverages, and if you find yourself missing the sugar, trying adding a packet of Crystal Light or a single serving of ice tea mix.
While we spend a lot of time worrying about the nutritional content of the food we eat, many of us don't pay a proportionate amount of attention to getting enough fluid.
Learn about more the benefits of drinking water.
Additional Resources
US News and World Report Steer Clear of the Cold: Foods That Boost Your Immune System
MindBodyGreen Water & Wellness: 3 Big Connections
