Hydration is an essential part of the healthy functioning of the body. Fluids make up 1/3 of the human body and therefore it is very important to maintain fluid intake to maintain a well-functioning and flexible body. However, it has recently been revealed that well-hydrated bodies also age more healthily than others. According to a study published in the journal eBioMedicine, which was conducted by the National Institutes of Health, adults who stay hydrated appear to be healthier because they develop fewer chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease and live longer than those , who may not be getting enough fluids. (Also Read: Healthy Aging Tips: Here’s How Indian Balanced Diet Can Do Wonders For You)
Using health data collected from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period, the researchers analyzed the relationships between serum sodium levels — which rise when fluid intake decreases — and various health indicators. They found that adults with serum sodium levels at the upper end of the normal range were more likely to develop chronic diseases and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with serum sodium levels in the middle range. Adults with higher levels are also more likely to die at a younger age.
“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow aging and prolong disease-free life,” said Dr. Natalia Dmitrieva, study author and researcher at the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the NIH.
The study expands on research published by scientists in March 2022 that found links between higher limits 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 involving thousands of black and white adults from across the United States. The first substudy of ARIC began in 1987 and helped researchers better understand risk factors for heart disease while shaping clinical guidelines for their treatment and prevention.
For this latest analysis, the researchers evaluated the information shared by study participants during five medical visits — the first two when they were in their 50s and the last when they were between the ages of 70-90. To allow for a fair comparison of how hydration correlated with health outcomes, the researchers excluded adults who had high serum sodium levels at baseline or with comorbidities, such as obesity, that could affect serum sodium levels .
They then assessed how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, which was assessed by 15 health markers. This includes factors such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, which provide insight into how well each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal and immune systems are functioning. They also adjusted for factors such as age, race, biological sex, smoking status, and hypertension.
They found that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium — with normal ranges between 135-146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) — were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging. This is based on indicators such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function and inflammation. For example, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L have a 10-15% associated increased odds of being biologically older than their chronological age compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L, while levels above 144 mEq/L correlate with a 50% increase. Similarly, levels of 144.5-146 mEq/L were associated with a 21% increased risk of premature death compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L. Similarly, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L have up to a 64% increased associated risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease, as well as chronic lung disease, diabetes and dementia. Conversely, adults with serum sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L have the lowest risk of developing chronic disease. The findings do not prove a causal effect, the researchers note. 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 behaviors.
“People whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher would benefit from having their fluid intake assessed,” Dmitrieva said. She noted that most people can safely increase their fluid intake to meet recommended levels, which can be done with water as well as other fluids, such as juices or vegetables and fruits with a high water content. The National Academies of Medicine, for example, suggests that most women consume about 6-9 cups (1.5-2.2 liters) of fluids daily, and men 8-12 cups (2-3 liters).
Others may need medical guidance due to underlying health issues. “The goal is to make sure patients are getting enough fluids while also evaluating factors, such as medications, that can lead to fluid loss,” said Dr. Manfred Boehm, study author and director of the Cardiovascular Laboratory regenerative medicine. “Physicians may need to accommodate the patient’s current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake in heart failure.” The authors also cite research that finds that about half of people worldwide do not meet daily total fluid intake recommendations. water intake, which often starts at 6 cups (1.5 liters).
“Globally, this could have a big impact,” Dmitrieva said. “Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, so the results suggest that maintaining good hydration may slow the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.” This research was supported by the dept. for Internal Research at NHLBI. The ARIC study was supported by research contracts from NHLBI, NIH, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
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