Drink up: six (harmless) reasons why you’re always so THIRSTY!
OK so the sun may not quite be shining but it is July and it is pretty warm. And regardless of the ever-changing weather, we can't be the only ones to experience random, for-no-clear-reason-whatsoever THIRSTY days!
Now, and after a little research with our lab coats on, we have discovered that our thirst is not merely dependent on what the temperature gauge says.
Yup, there an absolute load of reasons why your body screams 'hydrate me PLEASE'.
Here, we detail what to look out for…
1. Your diet
Well, yes if you're knocking back salty treats then you're going to be thirsty – but other, less obvious foods can have the same impact. Diuretic foods – so celery, asparagus, beets, lemons, ginger, and parsley – can make you thirsty because they cause you to urinate more. So while these foods have lots of health benefits, if you're continually parched after eating them, consider tucking into more fluid-rich foods such as porridge and brown rice.
2. Pregnancy
All those lovely baby hormones, as well as the whole growing another human inside you thing inevitable makes you reach for a water bottle, chilled juice, or coconut water. And it's super important to stay hydrated at this time. So despite the fact that you will need to go to the toilet A LOT (that's another pregnancy thing) don't skip your hydration breaks.
3. Dry mouth
If your mouth is dry you're going to feel thirsty (natch) – though this may not mean that your body is dehydrated. Other factors to consider include a course of medication such as antibiotics, as well as smoking or being in a smoky environment.
4. Your period
Hello there, homones! Estrogen and progesterone levels can both affect your body's fluid volume, while blood loss itself can also make you seriously thirsty. Make sure to stay refreshed with the likes of coconut water – a natural source of electrolytes including potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium – and filtered water.
5. Night-time breathing habits
You wake up with your cheek languishing on an unpleasantly damp pillow; a not-so delightful trail of night-time drool emerging from your lips. Yup – you're a mouth-breather – and it's a habit that can make you dehydrated. Using a humidifier can help ease mouth dryness, as can replenishing with lots of fluids when you wake-up.
6. Activity levels
It goes without saying if you're working up a sweat, then you're going to be thirsty. And for those in Dublin city centre tomorrow, Vita Coco is inviting all of us to Just Get Thirsty with their amazing and totally legendary coconut island obstacle courses. Balancing beams, basketball hoops and space hoppers will ALL be there. Hurrah! Because if you're going to work up a sweat, you NEED to make sure you're having fun doing it.
Vita Coco is 100% natural coconut water from young green coconuts. It is full of naturally occurring potassium and essential electrolytes, it’s just like sticking a straw in a coconut.
