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On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink!–John 7:37 (CEV)

Thirst can be defined as a feeling of needing or wanting to drink something. Everyone has undoubtedly experienced the feeling of thirst. During the approximately six hours Jesus hung on the cross, He made seven (7) final statements and one of them was the phrase –“I am thirsty”. (John 19:28)  And as the response to Jesus’ request for something to drink, He was offered sour wine. (John 19:29). Though the reason for drinking is usually associated with a physiological need for water intake (John 4: 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again); sometimes it can be prompted by habit, ritual, taste, nutrients, craving for alcohol, caffeine, certain kinds of drugs in beverage, or a desire to consume a fluid that will give a warming or cooling sensation. [1]

Thirst may be accompanied by one or more of the following signs: severe headaches, lack of energy, dry eyes, mouth and skin, some disorientation, muscles cramps, reduced sweating and dark colored urine. When thirst becomes excessive or can’t be quenched, it can be a symptom of serious medical conditions such as: [2] dehydration, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, dipsogenic diabetes insipidus, heart, liver or kidney failure or sepsis. In such instance, it is advisable to seek urgent medical care. However, when your thirst is associated with the physiological need to drink water, it is advisable to take fluids that will not only replenish your body with water, but with electrolytes. Possible options include: [3]

  1. Water. Water is one of the best drinks to fight dehydration and no matter where you are or what you're doing, you'll probably be able to find a glass of water. Our need for water is as critical as our need for food and oxygen. [4]
  2. Electrolyte Infused Water. When you're dehydrated, you're depleted of electrolytes that help your kidneys function. Electrolytes infused drinks can help ward off headaches or other mild dehydration-related issues.
  3. Pedialyte is an advanced, medical-grade hydration formula containing the key electrolytes potassium, sodium, and chloride designed to restore your body's sugar and electrolyte balance.
  4. It’s a favorite of athletes that is full of electrolytes and high in sugar.
  5. Home-made Electrolyte Rich Drink. With the right ingredients, you can make your own electrolyte-infused drink. Key ingredients include: sugar, salt, and plenty of water. Another example of a home-made electrolyte infused drink is the lemon-ginger electrolyte drink which incorporates ginger, lemon, lime juice, agave, sea salt, and mineral water.
  6. You may also choose to increase your water intake by eating water-rich foods, such as: celery, watermelon (which contains 92% water and substantial amounts of vitamin A & C and electrolytes), tomatoes, oranges and melon. [2] Coconut contains five main electrolytes namely: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium. It also contains sugar.

In closing, though the craving to drink fluids when we’re feeling thirsty might feel intuitive, know that our bodies rely on an intricate set of biological processes to make sure we stay properly hydrated (Psalm 139:14 –I am fearfully and wonderfully made), as consuming both too much or too little water can lead to problems. God Bless!

REFERENCES

  1. Leiper, in Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition (Second Edition), 2005. Perception of Thirst.
  2. What Causes Excessive Thirst.
  3. Kristy Kellog. Epicurious. The Seven Best Drinks for Dehydration.
  4. Havard University. The Neuroscience of Health: How Your Brain Tells You to Look for Water.