
Do You Need Electrolytes When It’s Cold?
When the weather turns chilly, it's easy to forget about hydration. After all, the frosty air makes you focus more on staying warm than keeping hydrated. But don’t be fooled—keeping on top of your water and electrolyte intake during winter is just as important as in summer. Whether you’re smashing out a workout in the crisp outdoor air or staying cosied up indoors, staying hydrated will help your body function at its best, no matter how cold it gets.
Cold weather has some sneaky ways of speeding up dehydration or tricking your body into thinking it doesn't need more fluids. But staying ahead of these challenges is easier than you might think! Here are four reasons why your hydration strategy shouldn’t go on holiday during the winter months.
1. You’re Probably Drinking Less Water
This one’s a bit of a no-brainer. During summer, it’s second nature to grab a refreshing glass of water to cool off. But in winter? Most of us instinctively reach for a cup of hot coffee or tea, and while these contribute to your fluid intake, they’re not as hydrating as plain water. Plus, too much caffeine can act as a mild diuretic and actually deplete your water and electrolyte levels.
Another surprising reason you might be hydrating less? Winter diets often include fewer fresh fruits and vegetables, which are naturally hydrating. With seasonal produce harder to come by, you might skip these hydrating foods and miss out on essential nutrients and electrolytes in the process.
Finally, the cold itself can trick your body. Studies show that lower temperatures can reduce your thirst by up to 40%, even when you’re dehydrated. Why? It seems that when you're cold, your body sends more blood to your core to keep it warm, which can trick your brain into thinking you’re fully hydrated. That means you’re less likely to feel thirsty—and less likely to hydrate.
2. Cold Air Can Be Dehydrating
Winter’s dry air doesn’t just cause flaky skin—it also contributes to dehydration. When the air is cold and lacks humidity, your body loses water through your breath and skin at a faster rate than usual.
Ever watched your breath turn into a puff of mist in the cold? That visible vapor is water leaving your body. When you exercise in dry, cold air, you lose even more water through respiration, especially if you're out for a run or a tough training session. Studies have found that water loss through breath can actually double when temperatures plummet.
Layer up, and make sure you’re staying hydrated before and after any outdoor winter exercise sessions.
3. You’re Sweating More Than You Realise
Even if you don’t feel drenched, you’re probably sweating more than you think during winter workouts. The extra layers you wear to stay warm can create more resistance for your movements, making your body work harder—a recipe for perspiration.
What’s more, cold, dry air causes sweat to evaporate faster, and sweat-resistant fabrics can wick it away without you noticing. You might not feel as sweaty as you would on a hot day, but that doesn’t mean you're not losing valuable fluids and electrolytes. Pay attention to your pre- and post-workout hydration to help your body recover.
4. Cold Weather Can Make You Lose Electrolytes Faster
Ever notice you need to pop to the bathroom more often when it’s chilly? Winter weather can trigger something called cold diuresis, where your body produces more urine (and in turn, loses more water and electrolytes). Some studies even suggest that colder temperatures can increase sodium loss.
This might be linked to your body’s effort to warm your core—because more blood is redirected to your core, your kidneys have to process more of it, leading to extra toilet breaks. But all that extra fluid loss means you should be paying closer attention to electrolytes. Replenishing lost sodium, potassium, and magnesium is just as important as replacing fluids to keep your body in balance.
Stay Hydrated, Stay Strong
Cold weather might hide the usual signs of dehydration—like thirst and sweat—but your body still needs proper hydration to perform at its best. Whether you’re braving the elements during a run or crushing a CrossFit session indoors, keeping a water bottle and electrolyte drink handy is crucial.
At LYTES, we’re here to support you in powering through the seasons and the Redmond Re-Lyte electrolyte powders are specifically designed to replenish what you lose to help your body stay balanced and energised. With expertly balanced formulas and a variety of flavours, it’s hydration that fits your lifestyle.
Don’t wait for warmer days to make hydration a priority—grab your Redmond Re-Lyte today and stay ahead of the cold weather blues!
Explore our range of electrolytes here.