If your diet features a lot of salty and savoury foods, that might be the reason behind your unquenchable thirst.
According to a paper recently published in the Medical Journal of Australia, Aussies are consuming way more than the recommended daily intake of salt, which is five grams. Men are consuming around 10 grams of salt per day while women are taking in around seven grams. Excessive salt intake is associated with high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, reducing your intake is less about what you’re sprinkling on your food and more about what’s already hiding in everyday items. In fact, according to the Heart Foundation, 75 percent of the salt we eat comes from packaged and processed foods, like, cereals, processed meats, soups, sauces, spreads and bread.
2. Exercise
Exercising for longer or at a higher intensity, nervousness, or being in a hot environment can all increase the amount you sweat. This means you're losing more water from your body, which can lead to dehydration and feeling thirsty.
3. Xerostomia
Xerostomia occurs when your saliva composition changes to produce less saliva, resulting in a drier mouth. This is a common side effect of certain medications, and is also common in those who breathe through their mouths.
4. Anaemia
Whilst symptoms of anaemia usually include tiredness, dizziness or shortness of breath, anaemia can also cause an increase in thirst. Anaemia can be caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells, and treatment will depend on the diagnosis, so it's best to consult a medical professional.
5. Diabetes
Excessive thirst is often a symptom of diabetes, as large amounts of sugar have built up in your blood, resulting in your kidneys working overtime to try and filter it.
If the thirst continues even after you've rehydrated and is combined with other diabetes symptoms like fatigue, blurred vision, tingling hands and feet, it's best to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
6. Low blood pressure
Severe stress causes our adrenal glands to under-function, which may result in low blood pressure. Thirst is your body's way of adding more water to your blood, in an attempt to raise your blood pressure.
