Why Do We Feel Thirsty
Thirst is a feeling that everyone is familiar with. Even the animals can feel it. 70 percent of our body weight comprises of water. If the water volume of the body falls below a certain threshold, or if the osmolytes concentration becomes too high, the brain signals thirst. Studies indicate that a sheet-like structure in the forebrain known as lamina terminalis is important for the thirst regulation (1). Brain monitors the water content of the body and then transforms that physical information into a motivation to drink (2).
The body constantly loses water through respiration, perspiration, and excretion. It is important that you make up for the lost water. Failing to drink enough water can lead to dehydration and even formation of the kidney stones. The amount of water intake depends on the lifestyle, health and the climate you reside in.
A frequent thirst is an indication that the body is low on water or there is a health indication.
Health Conditions Associated With Extreme Thirst
Dehydration. Dehydration means the body’s water content is low and is not able to carry out task normally. The reasons associated with this condition are exercise, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating. Along with wanting water other symptoms are.
Children suffering from dehydration might have few or lesser tears when they cry, irritable, and sluggish along with the above symptoms.
Diabetes. If you have an unquenchable thirst which is known as polydipsia in medical terminology, you might be suffering from diabetes. In this disease, the body either is not able to make insulin properly or use it efficiently, which leads to sugar build up in the blood. Glucose in urine draws in more water and makes you pee frequently, leaving your body wanting to replace the fluid you’re losing.
Along with thirst, the symptoms of diabetes include.
- Blurred vision
- Hunger
- Feeling tired
- Cut and bruises
Dry Mouth. When the mouth is dry it can make you feel thirty frequently. Dry mouth happens because the glands in the mouth make less saliva. The reasons for the occurrence of dry mouth are.
- Certain medications
- Cancer treatment
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Nerve damage in head and neck
- Tobacco use
Along with increasing thirst, the other symptoms of dry mouth include.
- Bad breath
- Irritated gums
- Change in taste
- Thick saliva
- Trouble in chewing
Anemia. Low health red blood cells in the body leads to a condition known as anemia. Few people are born with the conditions while others might get it later in life. The causative factors of anemia are certain diseases, poor diet, and heavy bleeding. Excessive thirst occurs in severe anemia, making you crave more water frequently. Along with excessive thirst, the other symptoms presented by a person suffering from anemia are,
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Quick pulse
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Quick pulse
Water is important for the proper functioning of every cells and organ of the body. It keeps the brain cells properly hydrated and help them function better. Whenever you feel thirsty quench your thirst and drink plenty of water as a hydrated body is able to perform its functions more efficiently.
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