Perhaps the way to ensure a youthful appearance and longevity is simpler than we think after all: discover the simple movement you must do every day to live longer.
Could a simple, easy and quick movement, performed almost anywhere, guarantee better health and a longer life? Yes, say the experts, turning their attention back to an old familiar marker of good health: hydration.
According to the findings of a new study from the US National Institutes of Health, published in eBioMedicineadults who stay adequately hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease, and live longer on average than those who do not consume sufficient amounts of fluids.
The researchers collected health data from 11,255 adults over more than 30 years to analyze the possible association between sodium levels, which rise when fluid intake is insufficient, and various health indicators.
The data examined were those that the participants themselves shared during the five medical visits. The first two visits were made when the participants were in their 50s and the last two when they were in their 70s and 90s.
The study team wanted to determine if sodium levels affected biological age, which was determined through 15 health markers, including systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. These data provide a comprehensive picture of an organism’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal, and immune function.
The researchers found that adults with the highest normal sodium levels (normals defined as those between 135 and 146 mEq/L) were more likely to experiencing symptoms of premature biological agingdevelop several chronic diseases and face a higher risk of premature death compared to those whose sodium levels were lower.
For example, adults with sodium levels greater than 142 mEq/L had a 10-15% increased risk of developing a biological age greater than their chronological age. The same risk was increased by 50% in those with sodium levels greater than 144 mEq/L. Consequently, levels between 144.5 and 146 mEq/L were associated with a 21% increased risk of premature death.
Similarly, adults with sodium levels greater than 142 mEq/L faced up to a 64% increased risk of chronic conditions, such as heart failure stroke, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral arterial disease, as well as chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia .
In contrast, adults with sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L faced the lowest risk of developing chronic disease. The researchers emphasize that the findings cannot explain why this is the case, adding that randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm whether adequate hydration can promote healthy aging and prevent disease onset, and ultimately ensure health. longevity.
“The results point to the need for adequate hydration, which can delay aging and ensure a healthier life”said study author Natalia Dmitrieva, a researcher in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart Institute of Health.
“People whose sodium levels are above 142 mEq/L could certainly benefit from drinking more fluids”he added, clarifying that adequate hydration levels can come not only from water, but also from juices, vegetables and fruits with a high water content.
According to the recommendation of the National Academy of Medicine, women should consume at least 6-9 glasses a day (1.5-2.2 liters), while for men the recommended amount is 8-12 glasses.
“The goal is to ensure that people get adequate amounts of fluids, especially if there are factors that increase dehydration, such as the intake of certain medications”explained Manfred Boehm, study author and director of the Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine Laboratory.
Finally, the study authors recalled findings from previous research, according to which Approximately half of the people worldwide do not consume the recommended amounts of water per day. “This can have a significant impact globally”emphasizes Dr. Dmitrieva.
“Decreased body water levels are the most common cause of increased sodium levels, which is why we emphasize that adequate water intake could prevent premature aging,” he concluded.