25-Year Study Reveals What Poor Hydration is Doing to Your Body

A new study from the National Institutes of Health showed that adults with poor hydration may age faster. They are also at a higher risk of chronic disease. The result was published after 25 years of research and data collected from over 11,000 adults.

The U.S. participants in the research had their first medical visit from age 45 to 66. Then returned for a follow-up from age 70 to 90. As a proxy for hydration, the researchers checked the levels of sodium in the participants' blood. They discovered participants with a high level of blood sodium aged faster physiologically.

Per NBC News, the blood sodium of the participants was around the normal range of 135 to 146 millimoles per liter. Hence, anyone above 144 millimoles per liter was 50% more likely to age faster physically. However, the study does not prove that staying well-hydrated will prevent chronic disease.

Staying properly hydrated comes with its benefits. It helps to sustain normal body temperature and avert joint pains. It also protects sensitive tissues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can also prevent kidney stones or constipation.

Poor hydration is most likely to speed the aging process, unlike proper hydration. This is according to the director of the Water, Health and Nutrition Lab at Penn State, Asher Rosinger. Proper hydration will ensure that the kidneys function properly. It will also reduce extra stress on the body physiologically.

Every day, water is lost through urine, breaths, bowel movement, and perspiration. The adequate daily water intake according to the U.S. National Academies Of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The daily adequate intake of water for men includes about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) and for women, about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters).

This also involves water from beverages and food. After every workout, staying hydrated is essential. Also, water is needed when in a hot or humid environment. Additional fluid is needed for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Hydration can also be provided from fruits, vegetables, and beverages.

To know if you are following an adequate intake of water daily, you will rarely feel thirsty. Also, your urine will be light yellow or colorless. To achieve this, drink water whenever you are thirsty.

Also, drink water in between meals. Drinking too much water is hardly a problem for healthy and well-nourished people. However, when too much water is taken, the kidneys will not be able to get rid of the excess water. When this happens, the sodium content of the blood can become diluted which can be life-threatening. This is called hyponatremia.