Water is essential.

Staying hydrated in the warm, sweaty season of summer is first and foremost on most minds, but what about the cool and chilly winter time?

Too often we are more concerned with staying warm in the winter months and less so on water intake. Which isn’t surprising given that the body's thirst response decreases by up to 40% in chilly temperatures.

But Hydration is essential for health not matter the weather or season.

Surprising to some, keeping hydrated in winter helps keep your body temperature at a constant and normal level. When there isn’t enough fluid in the body, this can cause the core temperature to drop. And when you consider that water makes up 60 percent of your body weight, and every system in your body depends on it to function, it’s worth considering filling up another cup.

Water flushes toxins and waste out of organs, helps carry oxygen and nutrients to cells, and provides a healthy environment for tissues.

Winter dehydration is indeed a thing!

Signs that you may be dehydrated include thirst, flushed skin, dark colored urine, dry or sticky mouth, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, dry skin, and rapid breathing or heart rate.

Keep winter dehydration at bay with these 5 smart strategies:

• Set a drinking water goal - track of your water consumption

• Warm it up - drink warm water (plain or infused) and healthy hot teas like ginger, cinnamon, green

• Eat hydrating foods - fluid-filled foods like orange, celery, cucumber, melon AND soups made with seasonal vegetables and herbs

• Carry it wherever you go - including at work, make it a habit and a visual prompt.