US Research Team Conducts 30-Year Longitudinal Study on Over 11,000 Adults
High Blood Sodium Levels Increase Risk of Chronic Diseases and Death
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] A study has found that adequate water intake not only slows aging but also prevents the onset of chronic diseases.
On the 2nd (local time), according to the online academic journal eBioMedicine, Dr. Natali Dmitrieva's team at the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) analyzed health data of 11,255 American adults over 30 years and reached this conclusion.
This data comes from the 'Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study' conducted from 1987 to 2019. The research team hypothesized that optimal hydration could slow the human aging process and examined the relationship between biological aging and blood sodium levels through 15 indicators measured in participants in their 50s and again in their 70s to 90s, including systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart, respiratory, and metabolic functions.
The study participants had blood sodium levels within the normal range of 135?146 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter) at their first clinical examination. Those with high blood sodium levels or underlying conditions such as diabetes that could affect sodium levels were excluded from the study.
Long-term results showed that the group with the highest blood sodium levels had a higher incidence of chronic diseases, faster biological aging, and a greater risk of death at a younger age compared to the group with moderate sodium levels.
Even among those with blood sodium levels within the normal range, differences in aging were observed. Those with blood sodium levels of 142 mEq/L or higher experienced biological aging measured by metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function, and other factors 10?15% faster than those with levels between 137 and 142 mEq/L. At levels above 144 mEq/L, aging accelerated by as much as 50%. Additionally, the risk of early death for those with blood sodium levels between 144.5 and 146 mEq/L was 21% higher than for those with levels between 137 and 142 mEq/L, and individuals with sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had a 64% higher risk of chronic diseases ranging from chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia to heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Dmitrieva stated, "These findings do not prove a causal relationship between water intake and chronic diseases, but they suggest that proper hydration can slow aging and extend a disease-free life." She added, "It is known that about half of the global population does not drink the recommended daily amount of water (at least 1.5 liters), and insufficient hydration may be a significant factor affecting health."
Blood sodium levels vary not only with salt intake but also with the amount of water consumed; drinking more water lowers blood sodium levels, while drinking less raises them. The U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM) recommends that women drink 6?9 cups (1.5?2.2 liters) and men 8?12 cups (2?3 liters) of water daily.
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