Hydration is an essential part of the healthy functioning of the body. Fluids make up 1/3 of the human body, so it’s very important to maintain fluid intake to maintain a nimble and well-functioning body. However, it has recently been revealed that well-hydrated bodies also age healthier than others. According to a study published in the journal ‘eBioMedicine’, which was carried out by the National Institutes of Health, adults who stay hydrated appear to be fitter, as they develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung diseases , and they live longer than they can. not getting enough fluids (Also Read: Tips For Healthy Ageing: Here’s How A Balanced Indian Diet Can Do Wonders For You)
Using health data collected from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period, the researchers analyzed the links between serum sodium levels – which increase when fluid intake decreases – and various health indicators. They found that adults with serum sodium levels at the higher end of a normal range were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with serum sodium levels in the middle ranges. Adults with higher levels were also more likely to die at a younger age.
“The results suggest that adequate hydration may slow aging and prolong a disease-free life,” said Natalia Dmitrieva, Ph.D., study author and researcher at the National Heart, Lung and Blood. Institute (NHLBI), part of the NIH.
The study expands on research published by scientists in March 2022, which found links between higher ranges of normal serum sodium levels and increased risks of heart failure. Both findings come from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which includes substudies of thousands of black and white adults across the United States. The first ARIC substudy began in 1987 and has helped researchers better understand the risk factors for heart disease, while shaping clinical guidelines for its treatment and prevention.
For the latter analysis, the researchers assessed the information the study participants shared during five medical visits: the first two when they were in their 50s and the last when they were between the ages of 70 and 90. To allow a fair comparison of how hydration correlated with health outcomes, the researchers excluded adults who had high serum sodium levels at baseline or with underlying conditions, such as obesity, that could affect sodium levels. serum sodium
They then assessed how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, which was assessed using 15 health markers. This included factors such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, which provided information about how well each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal and immune systems were working. They also adjusted for factors including age, race, biological sex, smoking, and hypertension.
They found that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium, with normal ranges ranging from 135 to 146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging. This was based on indicators such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function and inflammation. For example, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had a 10–15% increased odds of being biologically older than their chronological age compared with ranges between 137–142 mEq/L, while that levels above 144 mEq/L correlated with a 50% increase. Likewise, levels of 144.5-146 mEq/L were associated with a 21% higher risk of premature death compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L. Similarly, adults with serum sodium levels greater than 142 mEq/L had up to a 64% higher associated risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral arterial disease, as well as diseases chronic lung diseases, diabetes and dementia. Conversely, adults with serum sodium levels between 138 and 140 mEq/L had the lowest risk of developing chronic diseases. The researchers noted that the findings do not demonstrate a causal effect. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether optimal hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent disease, and lead to longer life. However, associations can still inform clinical practice and guide personal health behavior.
“People with serum sodium of 142 mEq/L or higher will benefit from assessment of their fluid intake,” Dmitrieva said. He noted that most people can safely increase their fluid intake to reach recommended levels, which can be done with water and other fluids, such as juices, or vegetables and fruits with a high water content. The National Academies of Medicine, for example, suggest that most women consume around 6-9 cups (1.5-2.2 liters) of fluid per day and for men, 8-12 cups (2- 3 liters).
Others may need medical guidance due to underlying health conditions. “The goal is to ensure patients are getting enough fluids, while also evaluating factors, such as medications, that may cause fluid loss,” said Manfred Boehm, MD, study author and director of the Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Cardiovascular “Physicians may also need to follow a patient’s current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake for heart failure.” The authors also cited research that finds half of people worldwide do not meet recommendations for total daily water intake, which often starts at 6 cups (1.5 liters).
“Globally, this can have a big impact,” Dmitrieva said. “Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, so the results suggest that staying well hydrated can slow the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.” This research was supported by the Division of Intramural Research at NHLBI. The ARIC study has been supported by research contracts from NHLBI, NIH, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter
This story was published from an agency channel with no changes to the text. Only the title has been changed.