Quench that thirst

According to a recent study, elderly people were withheld from drinking water for 24 hours, and when in the next 24 hours water was made available to them, they did not recognize that they were thirsty. In adults over the age of 50, the thirst sensation diminishes.

Thirst sensation is, in real, the early symptom of dehydration. It arises from a lack of fluids. The other reason why people feel thirsty is the increase in the content of certain osmolites, for instance salts, in our body.

Mostly, in people, the symptoms of dehydration tend to be noticeable when 2% of one's normal water volume is lost. In addition to this, thirst symptoms may include dry skin, tiredness, abnormally dark urine and headache. Around 10% to 15% loss of water may result in muscle cramps, dim vision, dizziness. Loss of water of more than 15% is usually fatal in result.


What to do to quench excessive thirst: 
1. Firstly, determine what causes it and avoid the same. If you feel thirsty due to consumption of spicy food, or while being exposed to higher temperatures, avoid the same. 


2. Consume a lot of water. Drink around 8-10 glasses of water in a day as a routine. This hydrates your body and keeps you fresh. 


3. Increase your fluid intake according to the activities you perform. If you strain yourself physically, take in more fluids than the regular. 


4. Consult a doctor if your thirst is unquenchable. Some diseases, like diabetes, can cause excessive thirst. At times, a very strong urge to take in excess fluids might be a psychological problem. So it's best you seek advice from a doctor.