Don't Shed Water, Good Body Hydration Can Slow Down The Aging

JAKARTA - Well-hydrated adults appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get enough fluids, according to research by the National Institutes of Health in the journal eBioMedicine.

To arrive at these findings, researchers such as Science Daily broadcast, used health data from 11,255 adults over a period of 30 years.

"The results show proper hydration can slow aging and prolong disease-free life," said study author and researcher at the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Natalia Dmitrieva, Ph.D.

For this latest analysis, the researchers assessed the information the study participants shared during five medical visits, the first two when they were in their 50s, and most recently when they were between the ages of 70-90.

In order for the comparison to be fair between hydration correlated with health outcomes, researchers excluded adults who had high levels of sodium serum at the initial examination or underlying conditions, such as obesity, which could affect levels of sodium serum.

They then evaluate how levels of sodium serum correlate with biological ageing, which is judged through 15 health markers. These signs include factors, such as cystolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Researchers also adjust various factors, such as age, race, biological gender, smoking status, and hypertension.

Researchers found that adults with higher levels of sodium serum than normal (135-146 mEq/L) tend to show signs of faster biological aging. This is based on indicators such as metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function, and inflammation.

They have increased risks by up to 64 percent developing chronic diseases such as heart failure, stroke, atrium fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease, as well as chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.

Quoted from ANTARA, these findings do not prove causal effects. Thus, random and controlled trials are needed to determine whether optimal hydration can increase healthy aging, prevent disease, and prolong life. However, the association can still inform clinical practices and guide personal health behavior.

Dmitrieva noted, most people can safely increase their liquid intake to meet the recommended levels, namely by drinking water and other fluids such as juice or vegetables and fruits with high water content.

The National Academy of Medicine advises most women to consume about 6-9 cups (1.5-2.2 liters) of liquid daily and for men, 8-12 cups (2-3 liters).

Dmitrieva added that the decrease in body water levels is the most common factor that increases sodium serum. Therefore, staying well hydrated can slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic diseases.

The author of the study and director of Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine