Drinking water is essential for our overall health and well-being, but a new study by researchers at the American National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that staying hydrated may also have a positive impact on lifespan. The study found that adults who drink a lot of water have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases and tend to live longer than those who don't take in enough fluids.
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The study conducted by researchers at the American National Institute of Health (NIH), examined the sodium levels in the blood and other health indicators of over 11,000 adults over a 30-year period. They found that those with higher sodium levels were more likely to develop chronic diseases and show more signs of biological aging than those with average sodium levels. They also had a higher risk of premature death.
The new study expands on previous work that the team published in March 2022, which uncovered a connection between higher ranges of normal serum sodium levels and heightened risks of heart failure.
More articles on this topic:
Health Check: what happens to your body when you are dehydrated? (Universal-Sci)
Can aging really be ‘treated’ or ‘cured’? An evolutionary biologist explains (Universal-Sci)
The study
For their latest research, the team wanted to see how hydration affects health outcomes. As mentioned in the introduction, they looked at the health information of participants over a period of 30 years, spread out over 5 physical check ups - the first 2 during their their 50s and the last 3 when the participants were 70 and 90 years old.
To get a clear understanding of how hydration alone affects health outcomes, they left out peole that had heightened levels of serum sodium at baseline check-ins or with underlying afflections that may affect serum sodium levels.
The researchers evaluated how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging by assessing 15 different health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar to understand how well each person's respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, and immune system was working. They also adjusted for other factors such as age, race, gender, smoking status, and hypertension.
The study found that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium, which falls between 135-146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging. For instance, people with serum sodium levels higher than 142 mEq/L had a 10-15% higher risk having a biological age that is higher than their actual chronological age in comparison to ranges within 137-142 mEq/L, while levels above 144 mEq/L were linked with an increas of 50%. Similarly, those with levels of 144.5-146 mEq/L were linked to a 21% increased risk of premature death in comparison with ranges within 137-142 mEq/L. Additionally, people with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had up to a 64% increased risk of developing chronic diseases.
So, how much water should you drink?
Let's put these numbers into perspective. To stay hydrated, the researchers recommend drinking about 6 to 9 glasses of water (1.5 liters/50 fl. oz to 2.2 liters/75 fl. oz) of water for women and 8 to 12 glasses of water (2 liters/68 fl. oz to 3 liters/101 fl. oz) for men daily.
Other liquids or fruits and vegetables with high moisture content can also help to increase hydration levels. It's important to note that those with underlying health conditions or taking medication with diuretic effects may need to drink more. It's always a good idea to consult with your doctor regarding your specific hydration needs.
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Further research
Although the study provides yet more evidence for the importance of proper hydration, more research is needed to strengthen the results further. The researchers emphasized that the study, as of yet, only shows a correlation and not a cause-and-effect relationship.
Correlation relates to the relationship between two variables, while causation refers to the relationship between an event and a second event, where the second event is a result of the first. In short: Correlation does not imply causation; just because two variables are correlated, does not necessarily mean that one causes the other.
Nevertheless, evidence is growing and the researchers suggest that proper hydration may very well slow down the aging process and lead to a longer, disease-free life. In addition, the study also supports previous research that linked higher sodium levels with an increased risk of heart failure.
If you are interested in more details about the study, be sure to check out the paper published in the peer-reviewed open-access medical journal EBioMedicine, listed below.
Sources and further reading:
Middle-age high normal serum sodium as a risk factor for accelerated biological aging, chronic diseases, and premature mortality - (eBioMedicine / The Lancet Discovery Science)
Good hydration may reduce long-term risks for heart failure - (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)
Health Check: what happens to your body when you are dehydrated? - (Universal-Sci)
Can aging really be ‘treated’ or ‘cured’? An evolutionary biologist explains (Universal-Sci)
Will you live longer if you start taking it easier as you become older? - (Universal-Sci)
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