People who drink more water are more likely to live a longer and healthier life, according to a new study.
The medical research agency the National Institute of Health (NIH) published new findings in the eBioMedicine Journal on Monday, January 2 following a 30-year-long study.
Some 11,255 adults took part in the research project, where the scientists discovered links between serum sodium levels – which go up when fluid intake goes down – and various different indicators of health.
They found adults with serum sodium levels higher than normal were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological ageing than those with levels in the medium ranges.
Adults with higher levels were also more likely to die younger, they said.
"The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down ageing and prolong a disease-free life," said Natalia Dmitrieva, study author and researcher at the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of NIH.
Back in March last year, the scientists published research which found links between higher ranges of normal serum sodium levels and increased risk of heart failure.
And for this new study, researchers examined information that the participants shared during five medical visits – the first two when they were in their 50s and the last when they were between 70 and 90.
They removed adults who had high levels of serum sodium at baseline check-ins or with underlying conditions, like obesity.
They then evaluated how serum sodium levels were linked to biological ageing, which was assessed through 15 health markers.
Factors such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar were also assessed, which provided insight about how well each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal and immune system was functioning.
They also adjusted for factors like age, race, biological sex, smoking status and hypertension.
It was found that adults with high levels of normal serum sodium, or higher than 146 milliequivalents per litre, were more likely to show signs of ageing.
And those with levels higher than 142 mEq/L were 64 percent more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart failure and strokes as well as diabetes and dementia.
But adults with serum sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease, they said.
The scientists said that more trials are needed to see if good levels of hydration can promote healthy ageing, prevent disease and lead to a longer life.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
