A study shows how much water women and men should drink during the day. Adults who remain well hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic diseases and live longer than those who do not receive adequate fluids; this states a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US, published recently in the international scientific journal eBioMedicine. Professors of the Therapeutic Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens summarize the main points of this study.
The researchers used health data collected from 11,255 adults over a 30year period as part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Information shared by study participants was assessed during 5 medical visits. The first two were in their 50s and the last when they were between 70 and 90. It was necessary to allow a fair comparison between the way hydration is correlated with health effects. The researchers excluded adults who had high levels of serum sodium at the initial visit. Also, people with underlying conditions, such as obesity, that could affect sodium levels.
What the survey examined
The relationships between serum sodium levels and 15 health indicators such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose were studied. Other measures were also examined, which provided information on how well the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune systems of each individual performed, as well as the kidneys or metabolism. Sodium concentrations increase in the blood when fluid intake is reduced. The findings were even adjusted statistically for various factors, such as age, race, sex and smoking. Adults with higher normal serum sodium levels, with normal ranges ranging between 135-146 mEq/L, were more likely to experience signs of quicker biological aging. This was based on indicators such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function and inflammation.
Sodium levels
Adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had a 10-15% increased chance of being biologically older than their chronological age in comparison to the range of 137-142 mEq/L, whereas levels above 144 mEq/L were associated with a 50% increase in biological age. Similarly, 144.5-146 mEq/L levels were associated with a 21% increased risk of early death compared to the range of 137-142 mEq/L. Adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had up to a 64% increased risk chronic conditions, such as:
• heart failure
• stroke
• atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease
• chronic respiratory disease
• diabetes mellitus and dementia
In contrast, adults with serum sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease. These findings do not conclusively prove a causal effect. They are necessary, randomized, controlled trials, to determine whether optimal hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent diseases and lead to a longer life. However, we can draw some conclusions and push the world into practices of adequate hydration. Especially people whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher will benefit from assessing their fluid intake.
Conclusion
So, this new study found that adults with higher serum sodium levels in the normal range, and thus inadequate hydration, were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with sodium levels in the normal range. Adults with higher levels were also more likely to die at an earlier age. Adequate hydration, then, seems to be associated with good health and longevity.
