It is an undeniable fact that drinking water is good for our health. Aside from its involvement in metabolism, it also plays a crucial role in keeping the skin moist. According to a new study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), drinking water helps people age in a healthy way.
According to the press release, researchers investigated the link between a number of health markers and blood salt levels, which rise when fluid intake decreases. The study comprised health data from 11,255 people gathered over a 30-year period.
They discovered that, as compared to adults with serum sodium levels in the middle of the normal range, those with serum sodium levels at the higher end of range were more likely to acquire chronic illnesses & exhibit signs of advanced biological aging. Adults with greater levels were more likely to die early.
“The findings imply that proper hydration may decrease aging and prolong a disease-free life,” said Natalia Dmitrieva, Ph.D., a study author and researcher in Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
The study expands on previous research that was released in March 2022 and revealed links between higher normal ranges of serum sodium levels and an increased risk of heart failure. Both findings come from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which includes substudies involving thousands of Black and White people from around the United States. Clinical recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart disease have been created since the first ARIC sub-study began in 1987.
Assessed through 15 health markers
The researchers looked at how serum sodium levels interacted with biological aging, which was measured using 15 different health markers. They discovered that people with normal serum sodium levels more than 135 to 146 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L) were more likely to show signs of biological aging at a faster rate.
“Evaluation of fluid consumption might be beneficial for people whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or greater,” Dmitrieva added.
She emphasised that most people could increase their fluid intake to the advised levels without the risk, and that this was possible with water as well as other fluids such juices, vegetables, & fruits with high water content.
“The goal is to ensure patients are getting enough fluids while evaluating factors such as medications that can lead to fluid loss,” said Manfred Boehm, M.D., study author and director of laboratory of cardiovascular regenerative medicine. “Physicians may also need to reschedule a patient’s current treatment plan, e.g. B. Limiting fluid intake for heart failure.”
The study was published in eBioMedicine.
