May.17: IN A CAPSULE
Over-drinking water can cause intoxication
Drinking too much water may cause potentially fatal water intoxication as sodium levels in blood become abnormally low, says a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Symptoms of water intoxication range from lethargy and nausea to convulsions and coma.
Researchers from Monash University in Australia have identified the mechanism that regulates fluid intake in the body and stops us from over-drinking. ‘Swallowing inhibition’ is activated by the brain after excess liquid is consumed making the amount of effort required to swallow water three times more. Just drink according to thirst instead of having an elaborate schedule.