Which drinks to keep hydrated in the mountains?

Staying well hydrated during winter sports activities is crucial to maintaining optimum performance. Even if the sensation of thirst seems to be less intense in cold weather, there is still a significant need for hydration.

What hydration needs do you have in winter?

Hydration

Good hydration is essential for maintaining physiological functions and keeping the body running properly. In an adult, 65% of the body is made up of water, 83% of which is in the blood, 10% in fatty tissue, 70% in the brain and muscles. Hydration represents a balance between water intake and water loss from the body. This is achieved through breathing, elimination through urine and sweating. A cold, dry mountain climate increases the evaporation of perspiration and dries out the skin, leading to dehydration.

The body exposed to low temperatures

So, when you're in the mountains and involved in physical activities such as winter sports, hiking or mountaineering, you need twice as much water. Low temperatures make it more difficult for the body to warm up and maintain a constant body temperature of 37°C through thermoregulation.
In the mountains, cold air and wind also cause greater water loss through the skin: in response to the cold, blood vessels contract, resulting in less water reaching the epidermis. Water intake must therefore remain sufficient to enable the body to withstand physical exertion and avoid feeling weak.

The effects of dehydration at high altitudes

Aching muscles, cramps, fatigue, headaches, dry mouth and dry skin are all well-known symptoms of dehydration, but they are generally associated with excess heat. However, these phenomena occur just as much, if not more, in winter and at high altitudes with very cold temperatures. Altitude and cold reduce the sensation of thirst, whereas hydration needs actually increase. In the mountains, as you breathe, you lose fluids, so your body rapidly becomes dehydrated. In fact, at rest and under normal conditions, the body already loses the equivalent of a glass of water, or 250-300ml a day, through breathing alone.

Athletes and hydration

Athletes are more exposed to dehydration because of their training, and therefore lose a lot of water. As a result, there is a high risk of injury if they don't drink enough from the very outset of the exercise. Dehydration can indirectly cause accidents in the mountains or muscular injuries (tendonitis, strains, muscle strains): the body is more susceptible to hypothermia, which can lead to weakness and confusion. Water helps to regulate body temperature, eliminate waste and transport nutrients to body cells. Dehydration leads to a reduction in performance and a lower tolerance to physical effort.

Botanicals with hydrating properties

To support health-conscious athletes, Natural Origins provides nutraceutical and sports nutrition professionals with a wide range of botanicals and beehive products with exclusive hydrating properties.

Acerola: Rich in vitamin C, acerola cherries can boost collagen production, thereby contributing to healthy skin and hydration.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help maintain skin hydration.
Gotu Kola: This botanical is used in traditional medicine for its healing and hydrating properties. It can be used topically or consumed as a food supplement.
Royal jelly: Royal jelly, secreted by bees, is often used for its nourishing and hydrating properties.

Natural Origins Lifestyle's ProPulse drink

To prevent dehydration and its consequences, winter sports fans need to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise. It's best to avoid drinks that are too sweet or contain caffeine, as these can have a diuretic effect. Water remains the best option, although energy drinks can be considered if extra hydration is needed.

For intensive sporting activities, nutritional drinks are ideal for replacing electrolytes lost through sweating. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are essential for the body's water balance. Electrolyte supplements can be useful during intense physical activity, such as running, cycling or other sports requiring endurance and sustained effort.

With the ProPulse drink from our Lifestyle product range, Natural Origins is targeting the specific needs of athletes, skiers, climbers, etc. to help them reach their peak performance. This 100% natural isotonic drink, rich in electrolytes, provides extreme hydration. It also contains acerola and ginseng extract as well as vitamin C to boost the body.

Natural Origins is proud to support the Grenoble French University Ski Slalom Team with its Propulse drink. These young athletes appreciate not only the refreshing taste of our natural hydrating drink, but also the essential nutrients it provides to help them surpass their limits!