The results of this team National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Bethesda (Maryland, USA) would they unveil a “ secret weapon » to age in good health? If we consider the simplicity of the recommended measure, we would be tempted to answer in the affirmative, sinceil it’s no more and no less than getting enough hydration. But what does it mean to “hydrate enough”? We already have dealt with this issue , and this research does not revolutionize the usual recommendations: drink between 1.5 and 3 liters daily depending on gender and level of physical activity, in particular. On the other hand, relying on a observation period of more than 25 yearsit provides a solid insight into long term benefits.
To assess the level of hydration, the researchers referred to the serum sodium level : in short, the higher it is, the more the person is in a state of dehydration. Health data from 11,250 participants aged 45 to 66 showed that those whose serum sodium levels remained above 142 mmol/L were more likely to develop chronic diseases showed more advanced signs of aging, and tended to die younger.
A few figures to illustrate these assertions: compared to a serum sodium level below 142 mmol/L, a greater than 144 is associated with a 50% increase in the likelihood of aging prematurely and to a 20% increased risk of premature death. However, the authors point out that these risks are also greater with low serum sodium levels (between 125 and 137 mmol/L), attributable according to them not to the fact of drinking too much water, but to a dysregulation of electrolytes resulting from some diseases.
There would therefore be a “ideal” range between 138 and 142 mmol/L within which the risks of chronic disease, premature death and premature aging are the most contained. Considering that a large part of the world’s population does not reach the recommendations in terms of hydration, the first priority to stay healthy longer might therefore very simply be to drink more daily.
