Is It Possible to Cheat the Aging Process? The findings of the new study published today say that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life
A National Institutes of Health study, published in eBioMedicine, found that adults who drink enough fluids seem to be healthier, get fewer chronic diseases like heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not drink enough fluids.
Researchers looked at the links between serum sodium levels, which go up when fluid intake goes down, and different measures of health. The data came from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period.
They found that adults with serum sodium levels at the high end of the normal range were more likely to get chronic diseases and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with serum sodium levels in the middle ranges. Additionally, those with greater levels were more likely to die early.
The findings of the study “suggest that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life,” says study author Natalia Dmitrieva.
The study builds on research that scientists published in March 2022. That study found links between higher ranges of normal serum sodium levels and higher risks for heart failure.
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which includes sub-studies involving thousands of Black and white adults from across the United States, was the source of both of these findings.
In this most recent analysis, information supplied by study participants during five medical appointments was evaluated; the first two took place while they were in their 50s, and the last visit took place when they were between the ages of 70 and 90.
To accurately compare the relationship between hydration and health outcomes, the researchers excluded adults who had high levels of serum sodium at the beginning of the study or who had underlying conditions such as obesity that could affect serum sodium levels. This ensured a fair comparison.
The researchers then looked at the connection between serum sodium levels and biological aging, which was measured using 15 health markers.
Systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar were among the variables that gave information on how each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal, and immunological systems were doing.
Additionally, they took into account variables including age, ethnicity, biological sex, smoking status, and hypertension.
They discovered that individuals with normal serum sodium levels over 135 to 146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) were more likely to exhibit symptoms of biological aging at a quicker rate.
This was based on indicators like metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function, and inflammation. For instance, compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L, people with serum sodium levels over 142 mEq/L had an associated higher risk of being biologically older than their chronological age of 10-15%, while levels beyond 144 mEq/L were linked with a 50% increase. Similar to levels between 137-142 mEq/L, values between 144.5 and 146 mEq/L were linked to a 21% higher risk of early mortality.
Adults with blood sodium levels more than 142 mEq/L had a 64% higher chance of acquiring chronic illnesses such as heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease, as well as chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Adults with serum sodium levels between 138 and 140 mEq/L, on the other hand, had the lowest chance of contracting a chronic illness.
Researchers highlighted that the results do not indicate a causal relationship. To evaluate if optimal hydration may promote healthy aging, prevent illness, and extend life, randomized, controlled experiments are required. But the links can still be used to guide clinical practice and personal health behavior.
“People whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher would benefit from evaluation of their fluid intake,” Dmitrieva adds.
Water and other fluids like juices or foods rich in water content may be used to safely boost fluid consumption to achieve recommended amounts, according to her.
For example, the National Academies of Medicine recommend that most women drink between 6 and 9 cups (1.5 to 2.2 liters) of fluids on a daily basis, while males should drink between 8 and 12 cups (2-3 liters).
Others may need help from a doctor because of underlying health problems.
“The goal is to ensure patients are taking in enough fluids, while assessing factors, like medications, that may lead to fluid loss,” adds study author Manfred Boehm. “Doctors may also need to defer to a patient’s current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake for heart failure.”
The authors also referenced data showing that around half of individuals globally do not consume the recommended daily amounts of water, which often start at 6 cups (1.5 liters).
“On the global level, this can have a big impact,” Dmitrieva adds. “Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that staying well hydrated may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.”
Source: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104404
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