Although a direct cause-and-effect link remains unclear, a study conducted by the British publication "E Biomedicine" suggests that adults who maintain proper hydration may experience improved health, a reduced risk of chronic illnesses, and potentially longer lifespans compared to those who do not consume enough water.
The National Institutes of Health, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released a press statement on January 2, announcing their research findings. Over a span of 30 years, researchers gathered health data from 11,255 adults who had undergone five medical assessments, analyzing their serum sodium levels. These evaluations took place when the participants were in their 50s (the first two visits) and later between the ages of 70 and 90 (the final visit).
Serum sodium refers to the concentration of sodium in the bloodstream. Adequate hydration typically leads to a decrease in blood sodium levels and vice versa. To ensure unbiased results, the study participants had normal serum sodium levels at the study's commencement, falling within the range of 135 to 146 mmol/L.
The analysis revealed that individuals with serum sodium levels at the higher end of the normal range exhibited more pronounced indicators of biological aging. This group was more susceptible to cardiovascular issues, reduced lung function, and heightened inflammation within their bodies. Furthermore, within the normal range, elevated serum sodium levels were associated with a heightened risk of heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Dr. Dmitrieva, one of the authors of the report and a researcher at the Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine Laboratory within the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, remarked, "The findings suggest that maintaining adequate hydration can potentially delay the aging process and extend a healthy lifespan." She emphasized that individuals with serum sodium levels above 142 mmol/L may derive benefits from increased water consumption. For most people, meeting the recommended daily water intake—1.5 to 2.2 liters for women and 2 to 3 liters for men—can be achieved by drinking more water, consuming juice, or incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables into their diets.
The researchers also cautioned that their study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sufficient water consumption and anti-aging effects. More rigorous experiments are necessary to further investigate this potential connection.
Comments
Post a Comment