Adults who stay well hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic diseases, such as heart and lung ailments, and live longer than those who don’t get enough fluids, according to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study. published in the magazine Biomedicine.
Using health data collected from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period, the researchers analyzed the links between serum levels (the amount in the blood) of sodium – which increase when fluid intake decreases – and various health indicators . They found that adults with serum sodium levels in the higher end of the normal range were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with levels in the middle range. Adults with higher levels were also more likely to die at a younger age.
“The findings suggest that adequate hydration may delay aging and extend a disease-free life,” said Dr. ), part of the NIH.
expanded search
The study expands on research the scientists published in March 2022, which found links between higher ranges of normal serum sodium levels and higher risks of heart failure. Both findings are from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which includes secondary studies involving thousands of black and white adults in the United States. The first ARIC substudy began in 1987 and helped researchers better understand risk factors for heart disease while establishing clinical guidelines for treatment and prevention.
For the latest analysis, the researchers looked at the information shared by study participants during five doctor visits: the first two when they were in their 50s and the last when they were in their 70s and 90s. To allow for a fair comparison of the correlation of hydration with health outcomes, the researchers excluded adults who had elevated serum sodium levels at baseline or who had underlying conditions, such as obesity, that could affect serum sodium levels . They then evaluated how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, which was assessed using 15 health markers. This included factors such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, which provided insight into the functioning of each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal and immune systems. They also adjusted for factors such as age, race, biological sex, smoking and hypertension.
They found that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium — with normal ranges between 135-146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) — were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging. This was based on indicators such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function and inflammation. For example, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had a 10% to 15% increased likelihood of being biologically older than their chronological age over the ranges 137-142 mEq/L, while levels above at 144 mEq/L correlated with a 50% increase. Similarly, levels of 144.5-146 mEq/L were associated with a 21% increased risk of premature death compared with ranges between 137-142 mEq/L. And adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had an up to 64 percent increased risk associated with developing chronic diseases such as heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease, as well as chronic lung disease, diabetes and insanity. On the other hand, adults with serum sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease.
Guide to behavior
The findings do not demonstrate a causal effect, the researchers noted. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether optimal hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent disease, and lead to a longer life. However, associations can still inform clinical practice and guide personal health behavior.
“People whose serum sodium is at or above 142 mEq/L would benefit from having their fluid intake evaluated,” Dmitrieva said. She noted that most people can safely increase their fluid intake to reach recommended levels, which can be done with water and other liquids such as juices or fruits and vegetables with a high water content. The U.S. National Academy of Medicine, for example, suggests that most women consume 6 to 9 cups (1.5 to 2.2 liters) of fluids per day, and for men, 8 to 12 cups (2 to 3 liters).
Others may need medical advice due to underlying health conditions. “The goal is to make sure patients are getting enough fluids while evaluating factors, such as medications, that can lead to fluid loss,” said Dr. Manfred Boehm, co-author of the study and director of the cardiovascular regenerative medicine laboratory. “Doctors may also need to defer a patient’s current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake for heart failure.” The authors also cited research that found that about half of people worldwide don’t meet recommendations for total daily water intake, which usually starts at 6 cups (1.5 liters).
“Globally, this could have a big impact,” Dmitrieva said. “Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the findings suggest that staying well hydrated may slow the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.”
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