A gesture as simple as drinking water can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and extend life expectancy, as a new study has found that adults who stay well hydrated live longer and in better health than those who do not. enough fluids. The research was based on the health data of 15,752 people between the ages of 45 and 66 who were followed for 25 years, and its authors analyzed the relationship between serum sodium levels -which increase when fluid intake decreases- and several health indicators.
The research has been carried out by the US National Institutes of Health and has been published in eBioMedicine. Their results showed that individuals whose serum sodium levels were at the high end of a normal range were more likely to develop chronic disease and show signs of advanced biological aging compared to those with serum sodium levels in the midranges. Furthermore, those with higher levels were also more likely to die at a younger age.
“The results suggest that adequate hydration can delay aging and prolong a disease-free life,” said Natalia Dmitrieva, study author and researcher at the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood University. (NHLBI), which is part of the NIH.
Higher Sodium Levels Accelerate Signs of Aging
The data that the researchers analyzed came from the information that these people provided during five visits to the doctor: the first two when they were 50 years old, and the last when they were between 70 and 90 years old. The researchers removed from the analysis individuals who had elevated serum sodium levels at first visits or had health problems, such as obesity, that could alter these levels.
“The results suggest that adequate hydration can delay aging and prolong a disease-free life”
They then evaluated how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, using 15 markers of health, including factors such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which provided information about how the system was working. cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal and immune system of each person. Factors such as age, race, gender, smoking and hypertension were also taken into account.
The researchers found that people with the highest levels of normal serum sodium, with normal ranges between 135 and 146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging, results based on in indicators such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function and inflammation.
For example, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had an associated 10-15% increased odds of being biologically older than their chronological age compared with ranges between 137 and 142 mEq/L; while levels above 144 mEq/L correlated with a 50% increase. Levels of 144.5-146 mEq/L were associated with a 21% increased risk of premature death compared with ranges between 137-142 mEq/L.
They also found that adults with serum sodium levels greater than 142 mEq/L had up to a 64% increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia. In contrast, adults with serum sodium levels between 138 and 140 mEq/L had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease.
Research findings have not demonstrated a cause-and-effect relationship, so further studies are needed to determine whether proper hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent disease, and promote longevity. However, the researchers point out the advantages of taking care that the fluid intake is recommended.
“People whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher would benefit from an assessment of their fluid intake,” Dr. Dmitrieva said, noting that most people can safely increase their fluid intake to reach recommended levels with water and other liquids, such as juices, vegetables and fruits with a high water content. The National Academies of Medicine, for example, suggest that most women consume six to nine glasses (1.5 to 2.2 liters) of fluids a day, and men eight to 12 glasses (2 to 3 liters). ).
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