Water makes up over half of the adult human body weight and is essential for key functions like waste elimination and joint lubrication. Every cell, organ, and tissue in the body depends on water to operate. Your body continuously loses water daily, so you need to replenish it through foods and drinks to avoid dehydration. Typically, a person can survive only a few days without water.
Well-hydrated adults tend to be healthier, experience fewer chronic illnesses and have a longer lifespan compared to those who don’t consume enough fluids. Researchers wanted to find out if inadequate hydration could accelerate biological aging and heighten the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. The study suggests that adequate water intake could be crucial for a longer, healthier life.
Researchers investigated whether optimal hydration could serve as an effective tool for promoting well-being. They examined serum sodium (salt) levels in participants’ blood over a 30-year period to assess hydration status and correlated these levels with their overall health outcomes.
Starting in their 40s and 50s, participants had their serum sodium levels measured at multiple intervals over 30 years. These levels serve as an indicator of an individual’s fluid intake. Insufficient fluid intake raises serum sodium levels. Researchers compared participants’ levels to 15 biological aging markers, including cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar. The results showed that adults with elevated serum sodium are more likely to age biologically faster, experience a chronic disease, and die younger.
Just being thirsty can fail to serve as an early warning for the body’s hydration needs. Many people, particularly seniors, may only sense thirst after dehydration has already set in. Dehydration can lead to mental cloudiness and delayed brain responses. Research indicates that just a 1% dehydration level can impair cognitive function by 5%.
Adults typically require 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water daily, roughly 11-15 cups. While aiming for a specific number of glasses offers a useful guideline, hydration needs differ based on factors like age, gender, and health. Listening to your body’s cues, such as thirst and urine color, is essential for achieving proper hydration. Staying hydrated by consistently drinking enough water is an excellent way to support a healthy body.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Middle-age high normal serum sodium as a risk factor for accelerated biological aging, chronic diseases, and premature mortality
