It’s normal to feel thirstier some days than others. Factors such as high temperatures, the foods you’ve eaten and how much you’ve exercised all play a role in your thirst.
However, if you feel like you’re guzzling water all the time, but still can’t quite quench your thirst, there could be something else going on. Learn how to spot signs of dehydration and what else might be making you so thirsty.
How thirst helps keep you healthy
Thirst is an important mechanism that your body uses to help make sure you stay hydrated. Every cell in your body requires enough fluid to maintain proper function. When you’re dehydrated (low on fluids), your body responds by telling you you’re thirsty.
By the time you get the message that you’re thirsty, you’re likely already at least slightly dehydrated. Listen to your body and grab a big glass of water to replenish your fluid levels.
Signs you may be dehydrated
We all get dehydrated on occasion, for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of dehydration include:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Exercising
- Overheating
- Sweating
- Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol
If you’re in any of these situations, do your best to stay hydrated by taking frequent, small sips of water. Older adults can more easily get dehydrated and should pay special attention. Stay alert to symptoms that may mean you’re dehydrated, such as:
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Urinating less
- Tiredness
Causes of excessive thirst
If you’re well hydrated but still thirsty, the cause could be something beyond dehydration. There are many factors that can play into persistent thirst — and no amount of water may be enough to quench them.
These can include:
Medications that make you thirsty
Some medications can make you pee more, some can lead to dry mouth and others affect your blood sugar. Any of them can leave you feeling thirstier than usual. Types of medications that can increase your thirst include:
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Diabetes medications
- Diuretics
- Steroids
Foods that trigger thirst
There are lots of ways your diet may be contributing to feeling thirsty all the time. Foods that are high in salt are the main culprit. These can include salty snacks, packaged foods, pickled foods, condiments and processed meats (such as cold cuts or smoked fish). Spicy foods with lots of hot pepper, onions or garlic also trigger you to drink more.
Dry mouth
When saliva production is down (often due to age, illness or certain medications), your mouth feels dry all the time. It’s easy to mistake that sensation for thirst. And while drinking a little extra may help alleviate your dry mouth, it won’t solve the problem. Talk to your doctor or dentist for help identifying the cause of your dry mouth — and steps you can take to improve it.
When thirst may signal something more serious
You want to pay attention to a sudden change in your thirst — or a feeling that no amount of water quenches it. That can be a sign of an underlying disease that needs treatment.
Potentially serious conditions that can cause persistent thirst include:
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Diabetes insipidus
- Hypercalcemia
- Liver, kidney or heart failure
- Thyroid disease
If you’re concerned that your thirstiness might mean more than the need for more water, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the cause, and take the right steps to address it.
