You’re always thirsty, but you can’t seem to put your finger on why. You’ve been drinking plenty of water and other fluids, but you’re still parched all the time. Well, it might not be what you think.
There are a number of unexpected reasons you could be experiencing chronic thirst, and we’re going to discuss them in this article. Keep reading to find out more!
Unexpected Reasons You’re Always Thirsty
You’re always thirsty. You drink glass after glass of water, but the thirst doesn’t go away. In fact, it may even be getting worse. What could be causing this? Turns out, there are a few unexpected reasons you’re always thirsty. Here are some of them you may want to know.
#1 – You are anemic
Anemia is a condition where you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath – all of which can make you feel thirsty. If you think you might be anemic, it’s best to talk to your doctor and get a blood test.
#2 – You’re taking supplements
Certain supplements, such as vitamin C and iron, can cause thirst. This is because they increase the amount of water your body needs to process them. If you’re taking supplements and find yourself feeling thirsty all the time, try cutting back on the dosage or taking them with food.
#3 – You have xerostomia
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a condition that can be caused by a number of things, including medications, cancer treatments, and Sjogren’s syndrome. If you have xerostomia, your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. This can lead to thirst, as well as other symptoms like trouble swallowing and a burning sensation in your mouth.
#4 – Your blood pressure is low
If your blood pressure is low, it can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. When this happens, your body tries to raise your blood pressure by sending signals to your brain telling you to drink more fluids. This can make you feel thirsty even if you’re not dehydrated.
Low blood pressure is usually nothing to worry about, but if you experience it along with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, it could be a sign of a more serious problem and you should see a doctor.
#5 – You consume too much sodium
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in your body. Consuming too much sodium can cause your body to retain water, which can lead to dehydration and make you feel thirsty.
Too much sodium can also cause high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. If you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake, be sure to read food labels carefully and choose foods that are low in sodium.
#6 – You have diabetes
Thirst is one of the early symptoms of diabetes. If you’re always thirsty and you also have other symptoms like increased urination, fatigue, and weight loss, it’s important to see a doctor.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage.
#7 – Certain medications
Some medications can have side effects that include thirst. If you’re taking medication and you develop a sudden or unexplained thirst, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to hospitalization. If you’re feeling thirsty, drink plenty of fluids and see your doctor if you don’t feel better.
#8 – You drink too much caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more. If you’re drinking a lot of caffeinated beverages, you may become dehydrated and feel thirsty.
Try to limit your caffeine intake or switch to decaf drinks. And be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
#9 – You’re not eating carbs
Carbohydrates are essential for the body to function properly. When you don’t eat enough carbs, your body can’t hold on to water, and you may become dehydrated.
If you think you’re not eating enough carbs, talk to a registered dietitian or your doctor. They can help you figure out how many carbs you need to eat each day.
#10 – You travel to high altitudes
If you live at a low altitude and travel to a high altitude, your body may have difficulty adjusting. This can lead to dehydration.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids when you’re traveling to a higher altitude. And if you have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor before you travel.
#11 – You have diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that causes your body to make too much urine. This can lead to dehydration.
If you have diabetes insipidus, you’ll need to take medication to help control the amount of urine your body makes. You may also need to drink more fluids than usual.
#12 – You don’t eat fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a good source of water. They also contain electrolytes, which help keep your body hydrated.
If you’re not eating enough fruits and vegetables, you may be at risk for dehydration. Be sure to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. And if you can, choose ones that are high in water content, such as cucumbers and watermelons.
#13 – You’re stressed
When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can make you feel thirsty. It can also cause your body to hold on to water.
If you’re feeling stressed, try to find ways to relax. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a yoga class. And be sure to stay hydrated.
#14 – You’re having your period
If you’re a woman, you may find that you’re thirsty during your period. This is because of the loss of blood and fluids.
To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that are high in water content. And be sure to take it easy on yourself. You may want to avoid strenuous activity and drink plenty of fluids.
#15 – You’re breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, you may find that you’re thirsty. This is because you’re losing fluids through your milk.
To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that are high in water content. And be sure to take it easy on yourself. You may want to avoid strenuous activity and drink plenty of fluids.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing thirst more often than usual, one of these reasons may be to blame. Keep an eye on your water intake and try to drink fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated. And if you still feel thirsty after drinking enough fluids, it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor about what could be causing the issue.
