Drinking seawater can be extremely harmful to the human body, and can even lead to death. This is because seawater contains a much higher concentration of salt than the human body can handle. When humans drink seawater, their kidneys are unable to remove the excess salt, leading to dehydration instead of hydration. In fact, to get rid of all the excess salt taken in by drinking seawater, you have to urinate more water than you drank, which can lead to further dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the body. Some of the potential effects of drinking seawater include:
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Dehydration: Drinking seawater can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Seawater has a higher concentration of salt than the human body, and drinking it can cause the body to lose more water than it gains, leading to dehydration.
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Kidney damage: Drinking seawater can damage the kidneys by increasing the workload on them and causing them to work harder than they should.
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Nausea and vomiting: Drinking seawater can cause nausea and vomiting, which can lead to further dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the body.
It is important to note that consuming small amounts of saltwater wont kill you, but it is still not recommended. The take-home message is clear: salt and water are best consumed separately, and any salt intake should be accompanied by plenty of fresh water.