A study published by the National Institutes of Health in the journal eBioMedicine found that adults who stay hydrated tend to be in better health, have fewer chronic illnesses like heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who do not consume enough fluids. The study analyzed data on 11,255 adults over 30 years and looked at the relationship between low fluid intake (as indicated by high levels of serum sodium) and various indicators of health.
The results showed that adults with higher levels of serum sodium were more prone to developing chronic conditions and had signs of advanced aging, and were also more likely to die at a younger age compared to those with medium levels of serum sodium. The researchers found that proper hydration may be associated with slower aging and longer disease-free life. This was stated by Natalia Dmitrieva, a researcher at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and a study author.
This study builds on the researchers' previous findings from March 2022, in which they found a connection between higher levels of normal serum sodium and increased risks for heart failure. Both of these studies were conducted as part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which includes data on thousands of Black and white adults from across the United States. The ARIC study began in 1987 and has contributed to our understanding of risk factors for heart disease and the development of clinical guidelines for its treatment and prevention.
Water Consumption Analysis
In this latest analysis, the researchers used information gathered from five medical visits with study participants, who were in their 50s for the first two visits and between ages 70-90 for the final visit. To ensure that the results were accurate and not affected by other factors, the researchers excluded participants with high levels of serum sodium at the beginning of the study or with underlying disorders such as obesity that can impact the serum sodium levels. They then analyzed how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, which was assessed through 15 different health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. They also took into account other factors that could influence the results, such as age, race, sex, smoking status, and hypertension.
The researchers found that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium (normal levels are between 135-146 milliequivalents per liter) were more likely to show signs of accelerated biological aging. The basis was on the indicators, such as cardiovascular and metabolic fitness, lung process, as well as body inflammation. For instance, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 milliequivalents per liter had a 10-15% increased likelihood of being biologically older than their chronological age compared to those with levels between 137-142 milliequivalents per liter. Similarly, levels above 144 milliequivalents per liter were associated with a 50% increase in the likelihood of being biologically older.
Levels between 144.5-146 milliequivalents per liter were associated with a 21% increased risk of premature death compared to ranges between 137-142 milliequivalents per liter. The researchers also found that adults with serum sodium levels above 142 milliequivalents per liter had up to a 64% increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia. In contrast, adults with serum sodium levels between 138-140 milliequivalents per liter had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease.
Health Risk of Dehydration
The researchers cautioned that the findings do not prove a causal relationship and that randomized controlled trials are needed to determine if optimal hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent disease, and increase lifespan. However, the associations found in the study could still be useful in informing clinical practice and personal health behavior.
According to Dmitrieva, people with serum sodium levels of 142 milliequivalents per liter or higher would benefit from evaluating their fluid intake. She added that most people can safely increase their fluid intake to meet recommended levels, which can be achieved through the consumption of water as well as other fluids like juices or foods with high water content. The National Academies of Medicine recommends that most women consume around 6-9 cups (1.5-2.2 liters) of fluids daily and for men, 8-12 cups (2-3 liters).
Some individuals may need medical guidance due to underlying health conditions. Manfred Boehm, a study author and director of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, stated that the goal is to ensure patients are getting enough fluids while also considering factors such as medications that may cause fluid loss. He also mentioned that doctors may need to follow a patient's current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake for heart failure. The authors also mentioned that research has found that about half of the global population does not meet the recommendations for daily total water intake, which is usually at least 6 cups (1.5 liters).
Dmitrieva noted that the findings of this study have the potential to have a significant impact on a global scale. She explained that decreased body water content is the most common factor that leads to increased serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that proper hydration may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease. This research was supported by the Division of Intramural Research at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The ARIC study has received support from research contracts with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
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