Good hydration linked to healthy aging

Most people have been adviced to drink 6 to 8 ounce glasses of water each day. That's a practicable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day.

So, according to a National Institutes of Health study published in eBioMedicine, adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids. 

Researchers analyzed links between serum sodium levels - which go up when fluid intake goes down - and various indicators of health. They then evaluated how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, which was assessed through 15 health markers. This included factors, such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which provided insight about how well each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal, and immune system was functioning. 

The results showed that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium – with normal ranges were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging. Similarly, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had up to a 64% increased associated risk for developing chronic diseases like 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 had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease.  

The findings don’t prove a causal effect. Randomized, controlled trials are necessary to determine if optimal hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent disease, and lead to a longer life.

Reference:

Good hydration linked to healthy aging; EBioMedicine; DOI:10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104404