Stay Hydrated or Age Faster: Study Connects Water Intake to Longevity

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that inadequate hydration may increase the risk of chronic diseases and premature death.

Published in 2023, the study builds on earlier research from the same NIH team, which explored the long-term effects of water restriction in mice. Their 2019 study revealed that persistent dehydration reduced the mice’s lifespan by approximately six months—comparable to losing 15 years in human life.

Investigating Hydration’s Role in Health and Aging

This follow-up study aimed to determine whether proper hydration affects human health and aging. To investigate, researchers analyzed data from a long-term heart health study that began in the late 1980s, tracking over 15,000 participants for an average of more than 25 years.

To assess hydration, the team used serum sodium levels in blood samples as a proxy. In healthy individuals, serum sodium levels typically range between 135 and 146 mmol/L, making it a reliable indicator of hydration status. Higher levels are often associated with chronic dehydration.

Serum sodium levels in the study group were measured at multiple points over 25 years, along with 15 health markers used to evaluate biological aging. These markers included blood pressure, immune system indicators, and blood sugar levels.

The findings revealed a strong link between higher serum sodium levels and accelerated biological aging. Participants with levels above 142 mmol/L were up to 15% more likely to appear biologically older than their actual age, while those with levels exceeding 144 mmol/L faced a 50% increased likelihood.

Elevated Serum Sodium and Increased Disease Risk

When examining chronic disease risk, serum sodium levels above 142 mmol/L were associated with a 64% higher likelihood of conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, and dementia. Those with the highest serum sodium levels (144.5–146 mmol/L) had a 21% increased risk of premature death compared to those with the lowest levels.

However, the researchers emphasize that correlation does not imply causation. These findings do not directly prove that chronic dehydration shortens lifespan. It’s possible that consistent hydration simply reflects a healthier lifestyle, as people who drink enough water may also have better diets and exercise habits.

Still, the team notes that some lab studies suggest inadequate hydration can accelerate aging at the cellular level in both animals and humans. Increased serum sodium has been linked to pro-inflammatory responses and DNA damage—both associated with faster aging. This makes it plausible to hypothesize that long-term suboptimal hydration could contribute to age-related diseases.

Emerging Evidence Linking Underhydration to Health Risks

A 2024 review article highlighted a growing body of epidemiological research linking signs of underhydration—such as elevated plasma vasopressin, high-normal serum sodium levels, low urine volume, and high urine osmolality—to an increased risk of chronic diseases and premature mortality.

Natalia Dmitrieva, a co-author of the 2023 NIH study, suggested that individuals with serum sodium levels above 142 mmol/L might benefit from increasing their fluid intake. Estimates indicate that nearly 50% of people fail to meet their recommended daily hydration needs. If future research confirms the link between hydration and overall health, Dmitrieva believes this simple adjustment could have a significant global health impact.

“This could have a significant impact on a global scale,” Dmitrieva stated. “Since reduced body water content is the primary factor that raises serum sodium levels, these findings suggest that maintaining proper hydration may help slow aging and reduce the risk of chronic disease.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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