Drinking
Encyclopedia
Drinking is the act of consuming water
or a beverage through the mouth. Water is required for many of life’s physiological processes. Both excessive and inadequate water intake are associated with health problems.
A daily intake of 3-6 liters of water is required for the normal physiological functioning of the human
body, depending on ambient weather conditions and diet (especially salt and sugar intake). The absolute minimum over the long term is about 1.6 liters (600 ml for urine, 200 ml for fecal losses, and 800 ml for losses via the skin and lungs). This includes water contained in food (i.e., it is not essential to actually drink 1-2 liters of water a day for survival, though it is often recommended for good health).
The sensation caused by dehydration of the body is called thirst
. The sensation of thirst is a dry feeling in the back of the throat and an intense desire to drink fluids. Thirst is regulated by the hypothalamus
in response to subtle changes in the body's electrolyte
levels, and also as a result of changes in the volume of blood circulating.
Many desert animals do not drink even if water becomes available, but rely on eating succulent plants.
Polydipsia
is the medical term for the desire to consume large quantities of water and may be a sign of various diseases (Diabetes Mellitus
, Diabetes insipidus
, and some psychiatric conditions).
Much of the world's disease is caused by the lack of clean drinking water
. Lack of water in diet will eventually cause death by hypernatremia
and dehydration
, particularly when sweating
consumes much of the body water. Unclean and unsanitary water can contain many bacteria
and parasites that would otherwise be absent in clean water. Studies show that in some developing countries more than half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water.
It is also possible to overhydrate
, which sometimes happens with athletes who consume too much water, thereby diluting the concentration of salts in the body. Overconsumption of water can be a sign of disease
and/or mental health problems(e.g. damage to the hypothalamus), as stated above.
Partial fluid restriction can be used in medicine
, but have the disadvantages of being difficult to maintain, and it is often ineffective. Drugs causing increased diuresis (diuretic
s) is generally an alternative, and have less risk of causing decreased glomerular filtration rate through the kidneys and resultant decreased kidney function. Fluid restriction is occasionally a practice in management of heart failure
. However, according to a review in 2009, there is apparently no evidence of benefit of fluid restriction in patients with clinically stable heart failure otherwise receiving optimal pharmacological treatment. Rather, diuretics are preferred in heart failure, mainly ACE inhibitors, with substantial evidence of improving survival and quality of life in heart failure patients. Theoretically, fluid restriction could also correct the electrolyte imbalance in hyponatremia
, but again, diuretics, mainly vasopressin receptor antagonist
s, show better efficiency. Nevertheless, in hyponatremia secondary to SIADH, long-term fluid restriction (of 1,200–1,800 mL/day) in addition to diuretics is standard treatment.
Also, fluid restriction is the test of choice to distinguish primary polydipsia from diabetes insipidus
. In primary polydipsia, the urine osmolality should increase and stabilize at above 280 Osm/kg with fluid restriction, while a stabilization at a lower level indicatess diabetes insipidus. Stabilization in this test means, more specifically, when the hourly increase in osmolality is less than 30 Osm/kg per hour for at least 3 hours.
Fluid restriction can also be part of religious practice, such as being part of the fasting from dawn till dusk in the Ramadan
period for Muslims. During the daylight hours of Ramadan fasting, practising Muslims are dehydrating
, but it is not clear whether this is chronic during the month of Ramadan. No detrimental effects on health have as yet been directly attributed to negative water balance at the levels that may be produced during Ramadan.
Also, patients with terminal illness
may refuse both nutrition and hydration.
“Drinking” is often used metonymically as a synonym
for the consumption of alcoholic beverage
s. Additionally, “having a thirst” or “being thirsty” can express a desire to drink alcohol
.
Drinking water
Drinking water or potable water is water pure enough to be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm. In most developed countries, the water supplied to households, commerce and industry is all of drinking water standard, even though only a very small proportion is actually...
or a beverage through the mouth. Water is required for many of life’s physiological processes. Both excessive and inadequate water intake are associated with health problems.
Physiology
- See also:
A daily intake of 3-6 liters of water is required for the normal physiological functioning of the human
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
body, depending on ambient weather conditions and diet (especially salt and sugar intake). The absolute minimum over the long term is about 1.6 liters (600 ml for urine, 200 ml for fecal losses, and 800 ml for losses via the skin and lungs). This includes water contained in food (i.e., it is not essential to actually drink 1-2 liters of water a day for survival, though it is often recommended for good health).
The sensation caused by dehydration of the body is called thirst
Thirst
Thirst is the craving for fluids, resulting in the basic instinct of animals to drink. It is an essential mechanism involved in fluid balance. It arises from a lack of fluids and/or an increase in the concentration of certain osmolites, such as salt...
. The sensation of thirst is a dry feeling in the back of the throat and an intense desire to drink fluids. Thirst is regulated by the hypothalamus
Hypothalamus
The Hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions...
in response to subtle changes in the body's electrolyte
Electrolyte
In chemistry, an electrolyte is any substance containing free ions that make the substance electrically conductive. The most typical electrolyte is an ionic solution, but molten electrolytes and solid electrolytes are also possible....
levels, and also as a result of changes in the volume of blood circulating.
Many desert animals do not drink even if water becomes available, but rely on eating succulent plants.
Role in disease
Polydipsia
Polydipsia is a medical symptom in which the patient displays excessive thirst. The word derives from the Greek πολυδιψία, which is derived from πολύς + δίψα...
is the medical term for the desire to consume large quantities of water and may be a sign of various diseases (Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced...
, Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of large amounts of severely diluted urine, with reduction of fluid intake having no effect on the concentration of the urine. There are several different types of DI, each with a different cause...
, and some psychiatric conditions).
Much of the world's disease is caused by the lack of clean drinking water
Drinking water
Drinking water or potable water is water pure enough to be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm. In most developed countries, the water supplied to households, commerce and industry is all of drinking water standard, even though only a very small proportion is actually...
. Lack of water in diet will eventually cause death by hypernatremia
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia or hypernatraemia is an electrolyte disturbance that is defined by an elevated sodium level in the blood. Hypernatremia is generally not caused by an excess of sodium, but rather by a relative deficit of free water in the body...
and dehydration
Dehydration
In physiology and medicine, dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of body fluid. It is literally the removal of water from an object; however, in physiological terms, it entails a deficiency of fluid within an organism...
, particularly when sweating
Sweating
Perspiration is the production of a fluid consisting primarily of water as well as various dissolved solids , that is excreted by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals...
consumes much of the body water. Unclean and unsanitary water can contain many bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
and parasites that would otherwise be absent in clean water. Studies show that in some developing countries more than half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water.
It is also possible to overhydrate
Water intoxication
Water intoxication, also known as water poisoning, is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside of safe limits by over-consumption of water....
, which sometimes happens with athletes who consume too much water, thereby diluting the concentration of salts in the body. Overconsumption of water can be a sign of disease
Disease
A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
and/or mental health problems(e.g. damage to the hypothalamus), as stated above.
Fluid restriction
Fluid restriction or water restriction is where a person intentionally abstains from drinking water (or other beverage for hydration), either partially or completely.Partial fluid restriction can be used in medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
, but have the disadvantages of being difficult to maintain, and it is often ineffective. Drugs causing increased diuresis (diuretic
Diuretic
A diuretic provides a means of forced diuresis which elevates the rate of urination. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the excretion of water from bodies, although each class does so in a distinct way.- Medical uses :...
s) is generally an alternative, and have less risk of causing decreased glomerular filtration rate through the kidneys and resultant decreased kidney function. Fluid restriction is occasionally a practice in management of heart failure
Management of heart failure
Management of heart failure requires a muitimodal approach. It involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and possibly the use of devices or surgery.-Diet and lifestyle measures:...
. However, according to a review in 2009, there is apparently no evidence of benefit of fluid restriction in patients with clinically stable heart failure otherwise receiving optimal pharmacological treatment. Rather, diuretics are preferred in heart failure, mainly ACE inhibitors, with substantial evidence of improving survival and quality of life in heart failure patients. Theoretically, fluid restriction could also correct the electrolyte imbalance in hyponatremia
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is an electrolyte disturbance in which the sodium concentration in the serum is lower than normal. In the vast majority of cases, hyponatremia occurs as a result of excess body water diluting the serum sodium and is not due to sodium deficiency. Sodium is the dominant extracellular...
, but again, diuretics, mainly vasopressin receptor antagonist
Vasopressin receptor antagonist
A vasopressin receptor antagonist is an agent which interferes with action at the vasopressin receptors. They can be used in the treatment of hyponatremia, especially in patients with congestive heart failure or liver cirrhosis.-Tetracyclines:...
s, show better efficiency. Nevertheless, in hyponatremia secondary to SIADH, long-term fluid restriction (of 1,200–1,800 mL/day) in addition to diuretics is standard treatment.
Also, fluid restriction is the test of choice to distinguish primary polydipsia from diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of large amounts of severely diluted urine, with reduction of fluid intake having no effect on the concentration of the urine. There are several different types of DI, each with a different cause...
. In primary polydipsia, the urine osmolality should increase and stabilize at above 280 Osm/kg with fluid restriction, while a stabilization at a lower level indicatess diabetes insipidus. Stabilization in this test means, more specifically, when the hourly increase in osmolality is less than 30 Osm/kg per hour for at least 3 hours.
Fluid restriction can also be part of religious practice, such as being part of the fasting from dawn till dusk in the Ramadan
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
period for Muslims. During the daylight hours of Ramadan fasting, practising Muslims are dehydrating
Dehydration
In physiology and medicine, dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of body fluid. It is literally the removal of water from an object; however, in physiological terms, it entails a deficiency of fluid within an organism...
, but it is not clear whether this is chronic during the month of Ramadan. No detrimental effects on health have as yet been directly attributed to negative water balance at the levels that may be produced during Ramadan.
Also, patients with terminal illness
Terminal illness
Terminal illness is a medical term popularized in the 20th century to describe a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and that is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as...
may refuse both nutrition and hydration.
Alcoholic beverages
Synonym
Synonyms are different words with almost identical or similar meanings. Words that are synonyms are said to be synonymous, and the state of being a synonym is called synonymy. The word comes from Ancient Greek syn and onoma . The words car and automobile are synonyms...
for the consumption of alcoholic beverage
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
s. Additionally, “having a thirst” or “being thirsty” can express a desire to drink alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
.