Thirst: Reasons Beyond Water & Salt?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of thirst, exploring reasons beyond the traditional understanding of fluid and salt deficiency. Participants examine the effects of water temperature on thirst and whether other factors, such as body cooling, play a role in the sensation of thirst.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that thirst arises from a lack of fluids or increased osmolite concentration, questioning if cooling the body also contributes to thirst.
  • Another participant agrees that sweating leads to thirst but does not confirm the temperature effect on thirst.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about why cold water seems more effective at quenching thirst compared to room temperature water, seeking others' experiences.
  • One participant cites an internet search suggesting that cold water is absorbed faster by the body, indicating a shared experience with the effectiveness of cold water.
  • Another participant acknowledges the information about cold water being beneficial during physical exercise and its cooling effects.
  • A new question is raised about whether fish experience any sensation of thirst.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the role of water temperature in thirst, with some agreeing that cold water may be more effective while others remain uncertain. The discussion about fish and thirst introduces a new, unresolved question.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on anecdotal evidence and internet searches, and there is no consensus on the physiological mechanisms behind the effectiveness of cold water or the sensation of thirst in fish.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may interest those exploring human physiology, hydration strategies, or comparative biology regarding thirst sensations in different species.

fluidistic
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I've read on wikipedia that thirst
It arises from a lack of fluids and/or an increase in the concentration of certain osmolites such as salt. If the water volume of the body falls below a certain threshold, or the osmolite concentration becomes too high, the brain signals thirst.
Is it the only reason for being thirst? Don't we're thirst also when we need to cool off our body? I have the sensation that drinking a very cold (near 0°C) water makes my thirst disappear much more than drinking a 25°C water (room temperature). Usually a glass of cold water is enough for me when 3 glasses of room temperature in Summer is enough for me. It's more than an impression to me. How strange it doesn't appear in wikipedia. What are your thoughts?
 
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well I am not sure about the temperature thing but when you get hot you get thirsty because you sweat and lose enough water to make your brain trigger thirst
 
kashiark said:
well I am not sure about the temperature thing but when you get hot you get thirsty because you sweat and lose enough water to make your brain trigger thirst

Yes I know. I just wonder why a cold glass of water is more effective against thirst than a hot one if the same quantity of water is drunk. Have you experienced the same? Or it's just me?
 
did an internet search and found it: cold water is absorbed faster by the body and no you're not the only one lol
 
kashiark said:
did an internet search and found it: cold water is absorbed faster by the body and no you're not the only one lol

Thanks to you I also searched on the Internet and I've read it's good to drink cold water when doing physical exercises and yes, it does cool the body. Nice to know.
Thanks for your input.
 
hm i didnt know that but it makes sense and anytime :approve:
 
Heres another question: Do fish have any sensation of thirst?
 

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