Why is it unhealthy for humans to drink ocean water?

Humans cannot drink ocean water because it contains too much salt. The human body can only process a certain amount of salt, and drinking too much can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, and even death.

The average salinity of ocean water is about 35 parts per thousand (‰). This means that for every kilogram of ocean water, there are 35 grams of salt. In comparison, the human body contains about 0.9% salt.

When a person drinks ocean water, the body must work hard to remove the excess salt. This process can lead to dehydration, as the body draws water from the cells in an attempt to dilute the salt. Dehydration can cause a number of problems, including fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.

In severe cases, dehydration can lead to kidney failure. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, and they can be damaged by the high levels of salt in ocean water. Kidney failure can be fatal if not treated.

Drinking ocean water can also lead to death from hypernatremia. Hypernatremia is a condition that occurs when the body contains too much sodium. This can cause the brain to swell, leading to seizures, coma, and death.

For all of these reasons, it is important to avoid drinking ocean water. If you are ever in a situation where you are stranded at sea, it is best to try to find fresh water to drink. If you cannot find fresh water, you can try drinking your own urine, as it is less salty than ocean water.