What Causes Thirst—And Does It Mean Dehydration?

Have you ever wondered if your thirst is a guaranteed sign that you waited too long to drink water? And even if you do sip enough H2O on the daily, what other factors may contribute to dehydration?

Keep reading for answers to simultaneously quench your curiosity and your thirst, according to an integrative medical doctor and a dietitian.

What causes thirst?

Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, notes that feeling thirsty most often means that your body needs fluids. However, it can also be a response to eating salty foods or being in higher altitudes, like when you’re in the mountains or on a plane. In other cases “You may also be managing diabetes and have high blood sugar, have hyperthyroidism, or are taking certain medications that cause you to feel thirsty,” she explains.