Staying hydrated may repel disease, slow aging
Could hydration hold the key to longevity?
Maybe, suggests new research that discovered older adults who are properly hydrated may be healthier and live longer than those who aren’t, having less incidence of conditions like heart and lung disease.
“Staying well-hydrated may slow down aging, prevent or delay development of chronic diseases and therefore prolong disease-free life,” said lead investigator Natalia Dmitrieva of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
“The best way for people to keep well-hydrated is to be aware of the amount of fluids they drink without engaging in intensive sports activities or (spending) a long time in a hot environment,” she said.
The current recommendations vary from 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily — for women, that’s 6 to 9 cups of fluids like water each day, while men need around 8 to 12 cups, she said.
“Worldwide population surveys estimate that more than 50% of people drink less fluid than recommended and therefore have an opportunity to decrease their risk of developing chronic diseases by increasing water intake to the recommended levels,” Dmitrieva said.
Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health in New
York City, agreed that being well-hydrated is essential for healthy living.
“Our bodies work hard to maintain a healthy fluid balance, which includes keeping serum sodium levels (blood salt levels) tightly regulated. Triggering thirst is one way the body signals us that we need to consume more water,” she said.
Drinking water isn’t the only way to maintain good hydration, Heller said.
“Hydration requirements can be met through the consumption of certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as beverages. It’s best to avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and diet drinks,” she said. Opt instead for water, seltzer, tea and herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile.
But don’t overdo it. “Drinking too much water can be dangerous. If the kidney cannot excrete excess water, the sodium content in the blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening,” Dmitrieva said.
The report was published this month in the journal eBioMedicine.