Staying Hydrated Can Help You Live Longer: How?

For many reasons, drinking sufficient amounts of water every day is essential: it regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and ensures that organs function properly. In addition, staying well-hydrated improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood; therefore, it is essential for survival.

The concept that life expectancy is largely determined by genetic factors is incorrect. Genetics play a much smaller role than originally believed. Environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle play a significant role [1].

Meanwhile, a recent study suggests that staying properly hydrated may help you live a healthier life [2].

Read on to know how staying hydrated can help you live longer.

Can Staying Hydrated Can Help You Live Longer?

Here are the study findings which support the claim that staying hydrated can increase your lifespan:

• The risk of chronic diseases:

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that middle-aged individuals with higher serum sodium levels in their blood will have poor health and a greater risk of premature death. People may experience elevated serum sodium levels when they have not consumed enough fluids. The most common cause of high serum sodium levels is an inadequate intake of water [3].

A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) [4].

The researchers found that participants with low serum sodium levels (less than 142 mEq/L) were up to 50% more likely to be older than their chronological age.

It has been suggested that people whose serum sodium levels exceed 142 mmol/l are statistically more likely to be biologically older, develop chronic diseases, and die at an earlier age. Intervention studies are required to confirm this conclusion.

During the study, mice who were restricted from drinking water lived 6 months less than mice who were sufficiently hydrated - this would be about the equivalent of shortening a human lifespan by 15 years.

What Is The Minimum Amount Of Water That You Need To Stay Hydrated?

There is no sufficient evidence to support the recommendation of 8 glasses of water - 64 ounces - each day, even though we have always been told that. A person's optimal amount of water consumption depends upon their individual needs, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [5].

A person's average water intake varies by age among young adults and middle-aged adults:

• According to the CDC, adults between the ages of 20 and 39 should consume 51 ounces of water (6.5 cups) each day on average.
• A person between the ages of 40 and 59 should consume 43 ounces of water (5.3 cups) daily.

For example, if people who suffer from heart failure drink too much water, it may lead to fluid build-up in the body, which may contribute to shortness of breath [6].

In addition, people with kidney failure might drink less water since their kidneys are unable to maintain the balance of fluids in their bodies.

Conversely, some individuals may require more water, such as those with a high body mass index (BMI).

On A Final Note...

Despite the importance of hydration for everyone, a recent survey indicated that approximately half of the population, including children, does not drink the recommended amount of fluids. This percentage is even higher among the elderly, whose thirst sensation reduces as they age.

Experts recommended coconut water, electrolyte-infused waters, electrolyte tablets, homemade electrolyte drinks, smoothies, and fruit juices in addition to water and sports drinks as modes of hydration.