Individuals who drink enough of water are more likely to age well

According to a National Institutes of Health study that was recently published in eBioMedicine, adults who maintain a healthy level of hydration appear to be healthier, experience the onset of chronic conditions like heart and lung disease less frequently, and live longer than those who might not get enough fluids.

Researchers examined relationships between changes in blood sodium levels, which rise as fluid consumption decreases, and a number of health markers using information on 11,255 persons' health collected over a 30-year period. They discovered that compared to people with blood sodium levels in the middle ranges, those with serum sodium levels at the upper end of a normal range were more likely to acquire chronic illnesses and exhibit symptoms of advanced biological ageing. Individuals with greater levels had an increased risk of passing away earlier in life.

Researchers examined relationships between changes in blood sodium levels, which rise as fluid consumption decreases, and a number of health markers using information on 11,255 persons' health collected over a 30-year period. They discovered that compared to people with blood sodium levels in the middle ranges, those with serum sodium levels at the upper end of a normal range were more likely to acquire chronic illnesses and exhibit symptoms of advanced biological ageing. Individuals with greater levels had an increased risk of passing away earlier in life.

According to Natalia Dmitrieva, a study author and researcher at the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adequate hydration may slow down ageing and lengthen a life free of disease.

The research builds on earlier work that was published in March 2022 and discovered associations between greater normal ranges of blood sodium levels and elevated risks for heart failure. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) research, which included substudies involving thousands of Black and White people from throughout the United States, is the source of both results. From the beginning of the first ARIC sub-study in 1987, clinical recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart disease have been developed.

In this most recent investigation, researchers evaluated data that study participants provided during five medical appointments, the last two occurring while they were between the ages of 70 and 90. The first two visits took place when they were in their 50s. The persons with high blood sodium levels at baseline check-ins or those with underlying disorders, including obesity, that may alter serum sodium levels were removed from the study in order to allow for a fair evaluation of how hydration connected with health outcomes.

The relationship between blood sodium levels and biological aging—as determined by 15 health markers—was then examined. Systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar were among the variables that gave information on how each person's cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal, and immunological systems were doing. Also, they took into account variables including age, ethnicity, biological sex, smoking status, and hypertension.

They discovered that persons with normal serum sodium levels over 135 to 146 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L) were more likely to exhibit indications of biological ageing at a quicker rate. Based on indicators including lung function, inflammation, and metabolic and cardiovascular health. For instance, compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L, people with blood sodium levels over 142 mEq/L had an associated higher risk of being biologically older than their chronological age of 10-15%, while levels beyond 144 mEq/L were linked with a 50% increase. Similar to levels between 137-142 mEq/L, values between 144.5 and 146 mEq/L were linked to a 21% higher risk of early mortality.

The risk of acquiring chronic illnesses such heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and dementia rose by up to 64% in persons with blood salt levels over 142 mEq/L. Those with blood sodium levels between 138 and 140 mEq/L, on the other hand, had the lowest chance of contracting a chronic illness.

The researchers highlighted that the results do not establish a causal relationship. To ascertain if optimum hydration may encourage healthy ageing, prevent illness, and lengthen life, randomised, controlled experiments are required. The correlations may still influence clinical practise and direct individual health behaviour, however.

"Evaluation of fluid consumption might be beneficial for those whose blood sodium is 142 mEq/L or greater," Dmitrieva added. According to her, the majority of individuals may safely increase their fluid consumption to reach suggested levels. This can be done with water as well as other fluids, including juices or vegetables and fruits with a high water content. For instance, the National Academy of Medicine recommend that most women drink 6 to 9 cups (1.5 to 2.2 litres) of fluids per day and 8 to 12 cups for males (2-3 liters).

Due to underlying medical issues, others could need medical assistance. Manfred Boehm, M.D., a research author and head of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, stated that the objective is to make sure patients are consuming adequate fluids while evaluating variables, including drugs, that may contribute to fluid loss. Physicians may also have to respect the patient's ongoing treatment regimen, including restricting fluid intake in the case of heart failure.

The authors also referenced data showing that around half of individuals globally do not consume the recommended daily amounts of water, which often begin at 6 cups (1.5 liters).

This might have a significant effect on a worldwide scale, according to Dmitrieva. The data indicate that maintaining good hydration may slow down ageing and prevent or postpone chronic illness. Reduced body water content is the most prevalent reason that raises serum sodium.