Why Swallows Saliva Doesn't Eliminate Thirstily?
When you are thirsty and there are no nearby water sources, sometimes you are forced to swallow your own saliva so your throat doesn't dry out. In fact, no matter how much you swallow, it actually makes you thirsty. How come?
Saliva is more concentrated than ordinary water
Saliva is clear fluids made by salivary glands. But it turns out the saliva texture is thicker and thicker than ordinary liquid because it contains a variety of different components with high concentrations. In saliva, there are various components such as mucus, minerals, proteins, and enzymes called amylase.
However, it is important to know that saliva is not the body's most thick natural liquid. There is still blood and pus that is much thicker than saliva.
Swallowing saliva just makes you more thirsty
Dr. Len Horovits, a specialist in internal medicine at Lenox Hospital New York City explained in Live Science that as much as anything swallows your own saliva will make you even more thirsty. How come?
It turns out this is because the fluid in our body works based on the principle of osmosis. In short, osmosis makes liquid runnier absorbed by a thicker liquid.
As explained above, saliva has a higher concentration while the fluid in our body is the opposite. This means that the more you try to swallow your own saliva, the more fluid the body fluid will be absorbed by saliva.
Instead of moistening the cells of the body that need it, it makes you even more thirsty. Well, another story if you drink water.
The concentration of water that is far more watery than the body's natural fluids will be more easily absorbed by the cells in the body that need it. As a result, your body will be hydrated faster and no longer feel thirsty.
The surprising benefit of saliva
Swallowing saliva may not release your thirst. Even so, saliva still has an important role in supporting bodily functions, you know!
Here are some important benefits of saliva for the body that is important for you to know.
1. Helps the digestive process
With saliva, the process of chewing and swallowing food is easier. Not only that, but saliva can also help facilitate the digestive process.
This is because the content of enzymes in saliva can help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it easier to digest.
2. Maintain healthy teeth and mouth
Try to touch your teeth or gums using your tongue or hands. Surely you feel there is a thin layer covering it, right? Well, this layer is saliva.
In fact, saliva is not just moisturizing the oral cavity. Because the saliva is also tasked to coat each tooth surface and help shed food scraps that stick or get stuck between teeth.
In addition, saliva also has antimicrobial agents that can kill bacteria in the oral cavity. Enzymes in saliva can also help fight infections in the mouth.
3. Prevent dry mouth
The last function of saliva is to prevent dry mouth from occurring. In medical terms, this condition is called xerostomia.
If the production of saliva is small, you are more likely to experience various health problems, ranging from gum disease and tooth decay. You will also be more susceptible to infections from bacteria, yeast, and fungi. In fact, this condition can also cause difficulty in swallowing and digesting food.
