polydipsia meaning - #17448
For the past few weeks, I’ve been drinking water like crazy. Like, no matter how much I drink, I still feel thirsty. It’s not even summer, and I haven’t been eating anything too salty or spicy, so I don’t get why this is happening. I thought maybe I was just imagining it, but my family also started noticing. My mom even asked if I was fasting or something because I keep refilling my bottle every hour. I looked it up online (which I probably shouldn't have), and I saw the term polydipsia meaning excessive thirst. It said it can be a symptom of diabetes or some other health problem. Now I’m freaking out a bit. I did get my sugar levels checked about six months ago, and everything was fine. But now I’m wondering if I should get it checked again? I don’t have any other symptoms like frequent urination or blurry vision, just this constant dry feeling in my mouth and throat. I also noticed my tongue feels kind of coated, like there’s a white layer on it sometimes in the morning. And my lips are dry even though I drink so much water. Could this all be related to polydipsia meaning something serious? Or could it be something like dehydration, even though I drink a lot? I’ve never had this problem before, and I don’t want to ignore it if it’s something that needs attention. I know Ayurveda looks at things holistically, so I was wondering—what does Ayurveda say about polydipsia meaning excessive thirst? Could this be related to Pitta dosha or something else? Are there any Ayurvedic remedies or herbs that can help with this? Also, should I be avoiding certain foods that could be making it worse? If anyone has experienced this kind of thirst and found relief with Ayurvedic methods, please let me know. I don’t want to keep worrying about it if it’s something that can be balanced naturally. Any suggestions?
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, could be a sign of an imbalance in the body, and in Ayurveda, this may often be linked to an aggravation of Pitta dosha, which governs heat and transformation in the body. When Pitta is out of balance, it can create excess heat, leading to dry mouth, thirst, and even dryness of the skin and lips. Additionally, the coated tongue and dry lips you’re experiencing could be signs of internal heat or dehydration, even though you’re drinking plenty of water. Ayurveda recommends cooling herbs like coriander, mint, and coconut water to soothe Pitta and help balance the body’s fluid levels. You should also focus on eating cooling, hydrating foods such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens while avoiding hot, spicy, or oily foods that could worsen the condition. It’s important to keep an eye on any new symptoms that develop, and if the excessive thirst persists, getting your blood sugar levels checked again wouldn’t hurt, as it can be a sign of diabetes or other health issues. If the symptoms don’t improve with dietary changes, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to rule out any underlying conditions.
Thank you for sharing your concerns so thoughtfully. In Ayurveda, excessive thirst, or polydipsia, can indeed be associated with an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, as Pitta embodies heat and transformation. Your symptoms, such as excessive thirst, a coated tongue, and dry lips suggest possible Pitta aggravation or even a disturbance in your digestion (agni).
Recommended Ayurvedic Approach:
1. Hydration: Since you’re experiencing persistent thirst, aim to hydrate wisely: - Warm Water with Lemon: Start your day with a cup of warm water mixed with the juice of half a lemon. This can help balance Pitta and aid digestion. - Coconut Water: Incorporating fresh coconut water into your routine can provide hydration along with electrolytes and natural sweetness.
2. Dietary Adjustments: Modify your diet to include cooling foods: - Frutas: Include cucumber, watermelon, and pear. They are hydrating and cooling—ideal for alleviating Pitta. - Herbs and Spices: Use cumin and coriander in your meals; avoid excessive salt and spicy foods, which can increase thirst. - Dairy: Consider consuming cooling dairy products like buttermilk or lassi (yogurt drink).
3. Tongue Care: To address the coated tongue: - Tongue Scraping: Use a tongue cleaner daily upon waking to remove the coating, aiding in detoxification. - Hydration with Herbal Tea: Try herbal teas made from peppermint or chamomile, which possess cooling properties.
4. Lifestyle Practices: - Cooling Breath: Practice Sheetali Pranayama (cooling breath technique) for a few minutes daily, especially in the morning or evening. - Environment: Keep your living space cool; avoid hot or humid environments that can aggravate Pitta.
Further Considerations: Given your heightened concern regarding potential health issues, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to check your blood sugar levels and investigate any underlying conditions. While Ayurveda provides excellent strategies for balancing your dosha, it’s crucial to ensure there are no physiological factors contributing to your symptoms.
Monitor your body’s response to these recommendations, and please keep me updated on your well-being. Your proactive approach to your health is commendable, and with these adjustments, you can work towards restoring balance naturally.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.