This is revealed by a research carried out by scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who have followed more than 11,000 adults, aged 40 to 50 at the start, up to around 76 years. Their objective: to analyze the impact of serum sodium levelsan indirect biological indicator of the level of hydration, on global long -term health.
Hydration, aging and life expectancy: what the study says
The study is based on a simple principle: The higher the serum sodium level, the more insufficient hydration is considered. The researchers observed that participants whose sodium rate was located in the high range of normal (between 144.5 and 146 meq/l) displayed much more worrying health indicators than those whose rate was between 138 and 140 meq/l.
Here is what scientists have noted:
- A rate greater than 144 meq/l is correlated to an increased risk of 50 % of being biologically older that his real age;
- People with a rate between 144.5 and 146 MEQ/L presented 21 % additional risk of premature death;
- A rate greater than 142 MEQ/L is associated with 64 % risk in addition to developing chronic diseases : diabetes, heart failure, stroke, dementia, etc.
- The best protected participants? Those whose serum sodium levels are between 138 and 140 MEQ/L.
A marker, not direct proof
What these figures show is that there is a significant association Between insufficient hydration and overall degradation of health. Natalia Dmitrieva, main author of the study and researcher at the NIH, affirms:
“The results suggest that a good hydration can slow down aging and prolong life without disease.”
However, the research team recognizes a limit: they did not have No precise information on the amount of water actually consumed by participants. In other words, the study does not establish a cause and effect link formal between sodium levels and observed pathologies. But it identifies concrete vigilance thresholdsthat doctors could follow to advise their patients.
How to hydrate yourself intelligently on a daily basis?
Even if it is not yet a medical prescription, this study highlights the importance of drinking regularlyincluding out of high heat period. And no need to inflict three liters of water per day: the right reflex is to drink before you even thirstespecially :
- in winter, when the feeling of thirst decreases naturally,
- During a physical effort, even moderate,
- When you take certain drugs (diuretics, antihypertensive …),
- Or with age, where regulatory mechanisms are diminishing.
Another important point: water is to be preferred, but other drinks such as herbal teas, soups, or fruit rich in water (watermelon, cucumber, orange) also participate in good hydration.
So no, drinking water does not guarantee to live a centenary. But according to this data, Drinking too little could seriously reduce your chances of achieving it.