How this electrolyte solution helped us combat dehydration in brutal Canadian winter

Are you drinking enough water?

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not — unless the water in coffee counts. And I’m not the only one. A survey from Liquid I.V. earlier this year revealed that 65% of Canadians drink less water in the winter, and half find it more difficult to stay hydrated. When you consider how long our winters last, that’s a big problem!

The issue surrounding dehydration differs from person to person. For many, it’s the absence of heat to trigger thirst, not feeling as sweaty as in the summer, or just not feeling thirsty in the cold. But just because you don’t feel thirsty doesn’t mean you aren’t thirsty. Your body is still sweating and moving while cold, and dry air pulls moisture from your body with each breath.

With this in mind, I set out to try the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier for myself.

It’s a great-tasting, daily electrolyte drink mix that’s scientifically formulated to help restore electrolyte imbalance through the hustle and bustle of the holidays and beyond. .

Liquid I.V. vs. the Canadian winter

If you haven’t experienced winter in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, it can be summarized in two words: cold, and dry. I hear that the Eastern provinces like Ontario and Quebec experience a “wet cold.” Which one’s worse depends on who you ask, but what Canadians have in common is that our feelings of thirst change when the temperatures drop.

Since I live in Calgary, I have the sweet relief of a warm Chinook wind every now and then, but the temperature has dipped 15 degrees in the last two days, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed! My skin is dry, my lips are cracked, and I seem to have a constant on-and-off headache. This means it’s time to put Liquid I.V. to the test!

The first flavour I tried was Strawberry, which isn’t my usual go-to flavour in beverages, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. It reminded me of a summery cocktail or nostalgic juice, and by the time I was done, I forgot that I was actually drinking water. My headache disappeared soon after.

Next, I tried the Passion Fruit flavour, but before that, I had to stop at the grocery store. To see just how hydrating Liquid I.V. could be, I decided to do my errand on foot. My nearest grocery is a 20-minute walk away, and somehow uphill both ways. (You know, like how our parents used to get to school!) By the time I made it home, my heart was pounding and my feet were freezing. The Passion Fruit Liquid I.V. was great for quenching a thirst I didn’t know I had until it was gone.

As for the Lemon Lime flavour — I’ll be saving that one for my upcoming trip to Saskatchewan. My immune system will surely need a boost after being exposed to airport germs and the stresses of travel.

Find these Toronto and Montreal pop-ups

If you’re interested in trying the Hydration Multiplier for yourself, visit Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Lodge at STACKT Market in Toronto from December 17th to 22nd, and Igloofest in Montreal from January 16 to February 8. There will be free samples, games, and exclusive merch. You can also enter to win a year’s supply of Hydration Multiplier through Liquid I.V’s Instagram account!

Your New Year’s Resolution of drinking more water is about to get a whole lot easier, too! You can find Liquid I.V. on Amazon, or at your local Costco, Walmart or Loblaws when you’re out doing your holiday shopping. Over this season especially, having some additional hydration will never be a bad look.

LIQUID I.V.