Editing Drinking

{{Short description|Ingestion of water or other liquids}}
{{About|the act of drinking a liquid in general|the drinking of alcohol|Alcoholic beverage}}
[[File:Nordkirchen-100415-12272-Trinkender.jpg|thumb|Statue drinking from a traditional [[waterskin]]|alt=Statue of a man drinking|upright=1.2]]
[[File:Person drinking milk.jpg|thumb|upright|A person drinking a glass of milk]]

'''Drinking''' is the act of [[Ingestion|ingesting]] [[water]] or other [[liquid]]s into the body through the [[mouth]], [[proboscis]], or elsewhere. Humans drink by [[swallowing]], completed by [[peristalsis]] in the [[esophagus]]. The physiological processes of drinking vary widely among other [[animals]].

Most animals [[Drinking water|drink water]] to maintain [[Tissue hydration|bodily hydration]], although many can survive on the water gained from their food. Water is required for many [[Physiology|physiological]] processes. Both inadequate and (less commonly) excessive water intake are associated with health problems.

== Methods of drinking ==

=== In humans ===
When a [[liquid]] enters a human [[mouth]], the [[swallowing]] process is completed by [[peristalsis]] which delivers the liquid through the [[esophagus]] to the [[stomach]]; much of the activity is assisted by gravity. The liquid may be poured from the hands or [[drinkware]] may be used as vessels. Drinking can also be by sipping or sucking, typically when imbibing hot liquids or drinking from a spoon. Infants employ a method of suction wherein the lips are pressed tight around a source, as in [[breastfeeding]]: a combination of breath and tongue movement creates a vacuum which draws in liquid.<ref name=Flint137>Flint, pp. 137–138.</ref>

=== In other land mammals ===
[[File:Cat_lapping_water_off_ground_in_slow_motion.gk.webm|thumb|Cat lapping water in slow motion|alt=refer to caption]]
[[File:Jack Russell Terrier takes a drink.jpg|thumb|[[Jack Russell Terrier]] laps in water with its tongue. |upright]]
By necessity, [[terrestrial animal]]s in captivity become accustomed to drinking water, but most free-roaming animals stay hydrated through the fluids and moisture in fresh food,<ref name=Mayer59>Mayer, p. 59.</ref> and learn to actively seek foods with high fluid content.<ref name="pmid35831501">{{cite journal | vauthors = Grove JC, Gray LA, La Santa Medina N, Sivakumar N, Ahn JS, Corpuz TV, Berke JD, Kreitzer AC, Knight ZA | title = Dopamine subsystems that track internal states | journal = Nature | volume = 608| issue = 7922| pages = 374–380| date = July 2022 | pmid = 35831501 | doi = 10.1038/s41586-022-04954-0 | pmc = 9365689 | bibcode = 2022Natur.608..374G | url = | doi-access = free }}</ref> When conditions impel them to drink from bodies of water, the methods and motions differ greatly among species.<ref name=Broom105>Broom, p. 105.</ref>

[[Cats]], [[Canidae|canines]], and [[ruminants]] all lower the neck and lap in water with their powerful tongues.<ref name=Broom105/> Cats and canines lap up water with the tongue in a spoon-like shape.<ref name=Smith238>Smith, p. 238.</ref> Canines lap water by scooping it into their mouth with a tongue which has taken the shape of a ladle. However, with cats, only the tip of their tongue (which is smooth) touches the water, and then the cat quickly pulls its tongue back into its mouth which soon closes; this results in a column of liquid being pulled into the cat's mouth, which is then secured by its mouth closing.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.science.org/content/article/cats-tongues-employ-tricky-physics |title = Cats' Tongues Employ Tricky Physics|date = 2010-11-12}}</ref> Ruminants and most other herbivores partially submerge the tip of the mouth in order to draw in water by means of a plunging action with the tongue held straight.<ref name=Smith237>Smith, p. 237.</ref> Cats drink at a significantly slower pace than ruminants, who face greater natural predation hazards.<ref name=Broom105/>

Many [[desert animals]] do not drink even if water becomes available, but rely on eating [[succulent plant]]s.<ref name=Broom105/> In cold and frozen environments, some animals like [[hares]], [[tree squirrels]], and [[bighorn sheep]] resort to consuming snow and icicles.<ref>Mayer, p. 54.</ref> In [[savannas]], the drinking method of [[giraffes]] has been a source of speculation for its apparent defiance of gravity; the most recent theory contemplates the animal's long neck functions like a [[plunger pump]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.insidescience.org/news/how-do-giraffes-drink-water |title = How do Giraffes Drink Water?|date = February 2016}}</ref> Uniquely, [[elephants]] draw water into their trunks and squirt it into their mouths.<ref name=Broom105/>

=== In birds ===
{{excerpt|Bird anatomy|Drinking behaviour}}
Most birds scoop or draw water into the [[Buccal cavity|buccal]] areas of their bills, raising and tilting their heads back to drink. An exception is the common [[rock dove|pigeon]], which can suck in water directly by inhalation.<ref name=Broom105/>

=== In insects ===
[[File:Drinking Bee2.jpg|thumb|Drinking can be observed in many insect species.<ref name=Broom105/>|alt=A honeybee drawing in water through its proboscis]]
Most insects obtain adequate water from their food: When dehydrated from a lack of moist food, however, many species will drink from standing water.<ref name="Chapman577">{{Cite book |last=Chapman |first=R. F. |author-link=Reginald Frederick Chapman |editor1=Simpson, S. J. |editor2=Douglas, A. E. |year=2012 |title=The Insects: Structure and Function |edition=5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yoggAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA577 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=577 |isbn=978-1107310452 }}</ref> Additionally, all terrestrial insects constantly absorb a certain amount of the air's humidity through their [[Arthropod cuticle|cuticles]].<ref name="Chapman577"/> Some desert insects, such as ''[[Onymacris unguicularis]]'', have evolved to drink substantially from nighttime fog.<ref name="Chapman577"/>

=== In marine life ===
[[Amphibian]]s and [[aquatic animal]]s which live in [[freshwater]] do not need to drink: they absorb water steadily through the skin by [[osmosis]].<ref name=Broom105/><ref name=Curtis569>Curtis, p. 569.</ref> [[Saltwater fish]], however, drink through the mouth as they swim, and purge the excess salt through the gills.<ref name=Curtis569/>  Saltwater fishes do drink plenty of water and excrete a small volume of concentrated urine.

==Hydration and dehydration==
{{Main|Tissue hydration|Dehydration}}
Like nearly all other life forms, humans require water for [[tissue hydration]]. Lack of hydration causes [[thirst]], a desire to drink which is regulated by the [[hypothalamus]] in response to subtle changes in the body's [[electrolyte]] levels and blood volume. A decline in total [[body water]] is called [[dehydration]] and will eventually lead to death by [[hypernatremia]]. Methods used in the [[management of dehydration]] include assisted drinking or [[oral rehydration therapy]].

An overconsumption of water can lead to [[water intoxication]], which can dangerously dilute the concentration of salts in the body. Overhydration sometimes occurs among athletes and outdoor laborers, but it can also be a sign of disease or damage to the hypothalamus. A persistent desire to drink inordinate quantities of water is a psychological condition termed [[polydipsia]]. It is often accompanied by [[polyuria]] and may itself be a symptom of [[diabetes mellitus]] or [[diabetes insipidus]].<ref name=Provan120>Provan, p. 129.</ref>

===Human water requirements===
[[File:ISS014-E-08330 (27 Nov. 2006) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter.jpg|thumb|Astronaut [[Thomas Reiter]] during [[Expedition 14]] drinking water on the [[International Space Station]]|alt=refer to caption]]
A daily intake of water is required for the normal physiological functioning of the [[human body]]. The [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] recommends a daily intake of ''total water'': not necessarily by drinking but by consumption of water contained in other [[beverage]]s and foods. The recommended intake is 3.7 liters (appx. 1 gallon) per day for an adult male, and 2.7 liters (appx. 0.75 gallon) for an adult female.<ref name=USDA2011>
{{cite book |last=Institute of Medicine |author-link=National Academy of Medicine |date=2005 |title=Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. |url=https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/6 |location=Washington, DC |publisher=The National Academies Press |page=73 |isbn=978-0-309-13335-7}}</ref>

Other sources, however, claim that a high intake of fresh [[drinking water]], separate and distinct from other sources of moisture, is necessary for good health – eight servings per day of eight fluid ounces (1.8 liters, or 0.5 gallon) is the amount recommended by many [[nutritionist]]s,<ref name="bbc">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/health/treatments/healthy_living/nutrition/healthy_water.shtml |title=Healthy living – Water |language=English |access-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408071634/http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/treatments/healthy_living/nutrition/healthy_water.shtml |archive-date=8 April 2013 |url-status=dead |author=Greenhalgh, Alison |year=2001 |publisher=[[BBC]] |work=BBC Health}}</ref> although there is no scientific evidence supporting this recommendation.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Drink at least eight glasses of water a day: Really? Is there scientific evidence for "8 × 8"? |journal=American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology |volume=283 |issue=5 |pages=R993–R1004 |author1=Valtin, Heinz |author2=Gorman, Sheila A. |year=2012 |df=dmy-all |doi=10.1152/ajpregu.00365.2002 |pmid=12376390 }}</ref><ref name=JASN2008>{{Cite journal |author1=Negoianu, Dan |author2=Goldfarb, Stanley |title=Just Add Water |journal=Journal of the American Society of Nephrology |publisher=[[American Society of Nephrology|ASN]] |volume=19 |issue=6 |pages=1041–1043 |year=2008 |doi=10.1681/ASN.2008030274 |pmid=18385417 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Evidence-based hydration experts say that the amount of drinking water needed depends on ambient temperature, activity level, body size, and sweat rate.<ref name="lifekit">[https://www.npr.org/2022/09/22/1124590408/how-much-water-do-you-actually-need-heres-the-science How much water do you actually need? Here's the science]</ref> Research shows drinking when thirsty will maintain hydration to within about 2% of the needed level.<ref name="lifekit" /> Drinking beyond thirst might be beneficial for people who need to perform tasks that require intense concentration, and those with [[kidney disease]], [[kidney stones]], [[urinary tract infection]]s, and people with a weak sense of thirst (which may include more older people).<ref name="lifekit" />

==Alcoholic beverages==
{{Main|Alcoholic beverage}}
The term "drinking" is often used [[Metonymy|metonymically]] for the consumption of [[alcoholic beverage]]s. Most cultures throughout history have incorporated some number of the [[List of alcoholic beverages|wide variety of "strong drinks"]] into their meals, celebrations, ceremonies, [[Toast (honor)|toasts]] and other occasions.<ref>Gately, pp. 1–14.</ref> Evidence of [[fermented drink]]s in human culture goes back as early as the [[Neolithic]] Period,<ref>Patrick, Clarence Hodges. ''Alcohol, Culture, and Society''. AMS Press, 1952, p. 13.</ref> and the first pictorial evidence can be found in Egypt around 4,000 BC.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hanson|first1=David|title=Ancient Period|url=http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol/Controversies/1114796842.html#.VICKF9xH1FI|website=History of Alcohol and Drinking around the World|publisher=State University of New York|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-date=19 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219061449/http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol/Controversies/1114796842.html#.VICKF9xH1FI|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Alcohol consumption]] has developed into a variety of well-established [[drinking culture]]s around the world. Despite its popularity, alcohol consumption poses significant health risks. [[Alcohol abuse]] and the addiction of [[alcoholism]] are common maladies in developed countries worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health|url=https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/msbgsruprofiles.pdf|website=World Health Organization|access-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> A high rate of consumption can also lead to [[cirrhosis]], [[gastritis]], [[gout]], [[pancreatitis]], [[hypertension]], various forms of [[cancer]], and numerous other illnesses.<ref>Fiebach, p. 387.</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Drink}}
* [[Eating]]
* [[Hydration (disambiguation)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{Cite book |title=Biology of Behaviour: Mechanisms, Functions and Applications |last=Broom |first=Donald M. |author-link=Donald M. Broom |year=1981 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-29906-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kI5AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA105 |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=Invitation to Biology |last=Curtis |first=Helena |author2=Barnes, N. Sue |year=1994 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=0879016795  |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uF7RZN5LjRQC |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=Principles of Ambulatory Medicine |editor=Fiebach, Nicholas H. |year=2007 |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |isbn=978-0-7817-6227-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UGVylX6g4i8C&pg=PA387 |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=The Physiology of Man |last=Flint |first=Austin |author-link=Austin Flint |year=1875 |publisher=D. Appleton and Co. |location=New York |oclc=5357686 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=10YLAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA137 |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol |last=Gately |first=Iain |year=2008 |publisher=Penguin |location=New York |isbn=978-1-59240-464-3 |pages=1–14 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0FpnqTGxykIC |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=Physiological Mammalogy |volume=II |last=Mayer |first=William |year=2012 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=9780323155250 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D_651i7oc4gC&pg=PA59 |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation |last=Provan |first=Drew |year=2010 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-923371-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m1XRXTbCihEC&pg=PA129 |access-date=31 August 2013 }}
*{{Cite book |title=The Physiology of the Domestic Animals |last=Smith |first=Robert Meade |year=1890 |publisher=F.A. Davis |location=Philadelphia, London |url=https://archive.org/details/physiologydomes00smitgoog |access-date=31 August 2013 }}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Drinking}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230208105001/https://www.europeanhydrationinstitute.org/hydration_tools "Are You Drinking Enough?"], recommendations by the European Hydration Institute (Madrid)

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Body water]]
[[Category:Drinking culture]]
[[Category:Ethology]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Nutrition]]
[[Category:Food and drink]]
[[Category:Human activities]]