By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

“Honey, I'm thirsty.” Once upon a time, this might have sounded like sweet words. But at certain moments, these words can be a warning signal from the heart.

While making love, our bodies move similarly to when we engage in intense physical activity. The heart beats faster than usual, body temperature rises, and fluids are rapidly lost through breathing and sweating.

Medically speaking, metabolic rate during sexual activity is reported to be 2–3 times higher than usual. The American Heart Association (AHA) and Mayo Clinic have repeatedly warned that dehydration increases the burden on the cardiovascular system and, in severe cases, can lead to arrhythmia or acute cardiac accidents.

The hotter the love, the more essential water is needed. Just as an athlete drinks water before a marathon, a glass of water before making love is not just a romantic gesture but a safety measure to protect life.

The hotter the love, the more water is needed

Dehydration is not only dangerous for adults. It is also dangerous for babies. Formula is thicker and stickier than breast milk. If a baby is fed only formula without water, their small heart and kidneys may not be able to withstand the overload and collapse.

In fact, pediatricians cite dehydration as one of the causes of sudden infant death syndrome. Babies cannot say, “I'm thirsty.” Only a small cup of water held by a parent can save a baby's life.

Many Koreans living abroad initially think, “I can just drink tap water.” However, unlike in Korea, where the water is clear and clean, the quality of water varies greatly depending on the region. Some places have high levels of calcium, while others contain chlorine, fluoride, and even heavy metals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) summarizes the conditions for good water as follows:

▲Water with a small molecular structure – easily absorbed by cells.
▲Water rich in dissolved oxygen – revitalizes cells and aids in fatigue recovery.
▲Water with balanced minerals – contains appropriate amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium to maintain electrolyte balance.

In other words, “Not all water is the same.” Beyond simply quenching thirst, finding water that the body can absorb effectively is key to health.

Thick formula instead of water could threaten a newborn’s life

Our ancestors seemed to already know this. The “jariggi” they placed by their beds every night was precisely for this purpose. During sleep, water gradually decreases, and dawn is the most dangerous time for heart attacks and strokes. Our ancestors instinctively kept water nearby to prevent such risks.

Love may be like a flame, but life stands on water. Tonight, whether you are a couple or lovers, share a cup of room-temperature water before sharing love. A small cup of water placed by the bedside can sometimes save a heart and make a relationship deeper and healthier.

Water is not just a beverage. It is the safety belt of love and the promise of life.