WATER KEEPS YOU YOUNG!

New study proves H2O wards off old age & death

PLAIN old water may be a real-life fountain of youth! Staying properly hydrated lowers the risk of premature aging, dying early and developing chronic diseases, according to a new study.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed data gathered from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period and found a link between serum sodium levels — the amount of the mineral in the blood, which rises when fluid intake goes down — and documented indicators of health.

The scientists found folks who had serum sodium levels at the high end of the normal range — defined as 135 to 146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) — had up to a 15 percent risk of being biologically older than their chronological age when compared to those with lower measurements.

Individuals whose serum sodium levels were above 144 mEq/L had a 50 percent chance of being biologically older and their risk of developing life-threatening conditions rose to 21 percent. And people with the fastest aging risk had a 64 percent greater chance of heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes and dementia.

“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life,” says the NIH’s Dr. Natalia Dmitrieva.

The National Academy of Medicine advises the daily fluid consumption for most men is eight to 12 cups and for women, six to nine cups.

Dietary experts point out juices and fruits and veggies with a high water content are additional options for those looking to boost their liquid intake.