A captivating study from researchers at the NIH reveals that people who don’t consume enough fluids could be more prone to developing chronic diseases and, unfortunately, have a higher chance of passing away prematurely.
Motivated by previous research from the same NIH scientists who studied water restrictions in mice, a new study was conducted. This 2019 study found that long-term water deprivation caused shorter lifespans for mice of about six months – similar to 15 years for humans!
To examine if proper hydration levels in humans can impact health and aging, a research team studied data collected from over 15,000 individuals participating in an extended heart health study launched in the late 1980s. On average, each participant was monitored for more than 25 years.
To evaluate hydration, the researchers studied serum sodium levels in blood tests. For a long time, this has been viewed as an accurate way to measure the body’s hydration level since normal serum sodium should be between 135 and 146 mmol/l for healthy individuals. During the 25-year study, serum sodium levels were monitored at several intervals alongside 15 health markers for assessing biological aging, such as blood pressure, immune biomarkers, and glucose levels.
The research uncovered a significant association between participants with above-normal serum sodium levels (142 mmol/l or more) and faster biological aging. To be precise, those with higher serum sodium levels were up to 15% more likely to look older relative to their actual age than those whose values stayed within the norm. This percentage rose even further – reaching 50% – for individuals whose readings exceeded 144 mmol/l.
According to the analysis, serum sodium levels greater than 142 mmol/l were linked with an alarming 64% rise in the likelihood of chronic health issues, including heart failure, diabetes, and dementia. Individuals with the highest serum sodium levels (144.5-146 mmol/l) faced a 21% heightened likelihood of premature death compared to those with the least amount of serum salt in their systems.
It is essential to bear in mind that correlation does not always imply causation. The researchers also cautioned against drawing conclusions that chronically decreased hydration could directly lead to a reduced life expectancy. Staying hydrated daily is a reliable indicator of an overall healthy lifestyle. Those who keep their bodies well-hydrated often consume nutritious diets and partake in regular physical activity.
But the researchers have uncovered laboratory data demonstrating that decreased hydration levels can cause aging signs in both human and animal cells. Research has demonstrated that a heightened serum sodium level can cause pro-inflammatory activity and DNA deterioration, both of which are associated with premature aging. Consequently, it is reasonable to hypothesize that persistent subpar hydration contributes significantly to age-related health problems.
Reports suggest approximately 50% of all people are not meeting their recommended daily fluid intake requirements. One of the authors of the recent research study, Natalia Dmitrieva, believes that individuals with sodium levels above 142 mmol/l could gain from consuming more fluids. As Dmitrieva asserts, if future research can affirm the relationship between hydration and overall wellness, this straightforward intervention could profoundly affect global health.
According to Dmitrieva, the effects of these findings are far-reaching and profound. Through decreased body water content, serum sodium is elevated – a factor that can potentially slow down aging and protect against chronic illness. Therefore, we must stay hydrated to keep our bodies healthy long-term!