Dehydration a problem in winter too

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ST. LOUIS, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Festive beverages such as holiday cocktails and coffee drinks add to the high spirits of the season, but a U.S. expert says they can add to dehydration.

In the summer people are often advised to remember to drink water when exercising or working outdoors or when not in air conditioning, but not drinking enough water while exercising indoors or can also cause dehydration in the winter.

"This is the opposite of what you want, because during winter you can already be dehydrated at baseline," Dr. Michelle Tarbox, assistant professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University, said in a statement. "You not only have to compensate for the heater being on and the internal air being dry, but also the water loss that you're having because of the alcoholic and coffee beverages that you may be enjoying."

Tarbox recommends drinking a glass of water for each alcoholic and caffeinated beverage.

"That will decrease the dehydration you suffer because of the beverage and also reduce the symptoms of the potential holiday hangover the next day," Tarbox said.