Causes of Excessive Thirst: Home Remedies for Excessive thirst Dry Mouth

Question: From past 2 weeks I’m facing a problem of excessive thirst. I smoke & drink occasionally. I drink over 4 to 5 liters of water every day. Is it normal or do I need to see a doctor?
Answer: Abnormal desire to drink water or any fluids is called polydipsia, or excessive thirst. This abnormal thirst can be due to underlying medical condition. The condition can be physical or mental disorder.

Excessive thirst is very common after exercise, or eating heavy diet.

Causes of Excess Thirst and Dry Mouth

  • Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.
    In fact some times diabetes is detected on this single symptom or rather it gives the clue to physician about the disease.
  • Anticholinergic drugs, diuretics drugs, can also lead to excessive thirst.
  • Loss of body fluids in the form of Diarrhea, Vomiting, and rigorous exercise leading to increased sweating, can also give rise to increased thirst or excessive thirst.
  • Eating spicy food or salty food also gives rise to excessive thirst.
  • Some times stress and strain can lead to polydipsia.
  • Summer season, or dry weather are other causes for excessive thirst.
  • After a heavy meal, body requires more amounts of fluids to digest it, and there is feeling of more thirst.
  • In certain fever there is excessive thirst noted.

Excessive thirst becomes a reason of worry, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like blurry vision, fatigue. When there is frequency of urine associated with polydipsia.

Tests can be Done

  • Blood glucose level.
  • Complete blood count.
  • Serum electrolyte.
  • Urine analysis.

Natural diet and Remedies to Prevent Excessive Thirst

  • Milk is one of the best treatments for excessive thirst.
  • Mango leaves and plums help in decreasing thirst.
  • Honey and turmeric powder mixed together help in relieving thirst.
  • Quit smoking and alcohol as they are the precipitating reasons.

You have to consult your doctor for this abnormal thirst to rule out diabetes, or other cause if present.