Study after study has indicated that well-hydrated individuals tend to be healthier, less vulnerable to chronic illnesses like lung and heart disease, and live longer than individuals not getting sufficient fluid intake1.1
Utilizing health data collected from 11,255 individuals over three decades, associations were examined between serum sodium levels, which increase when fluid consumption decreases, and multiple health indicators.

Researchers observed that individuals with higher serum sodium levels were more likely to suffer chronic illnesses and exhibit signs of advanced biological aging compared to individuals with medium levels. Individuals with high sodium levels also had a greater chance of dying younger.

Researchers evaluated information shared over five medical visits made by participants of this study; two occurred when they were between 50-90 years of age and three lasted up to 90 years old.

Participants with high baseline serum sodium levels or conditions such as obesity that could impact levels of serum sodium were disqualified.

Researchers studied how levels of serum sodium correlate with biological aging as measured by 15 health markers, such as blood sugar, cholesterol and systolic blood pressure – all indicators that provide insight into how effectively each individual’s renal, metabolic, respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems were functioning. Other factors were also taken into consideration including high blood pressure, smoking status, biological sex status, race and age status.

Studies conducted by this team of scientists revealed that those with higher serum sodium levels – within normal ranges between 135 and 146 milliequivalents per liter – were more likely to exhibit signs of premature biological aging, including cardiovascular and metabolic health, inflammation and lung function indicators.

Individuals whose serum sodium levels exceeded 142 milliequivalents per liter had a 10 to 15% increased likelihood of having biological ages that are older than their chronological ages, and levels exceeding 144 mEq per liter were associated with 50%. Furthermore, ranges 144.5-146 mEq per liter correlated with an 21% increased risk of premature death compared with levels between 137 and 142 mEq per liter.

Individuals with serum sodium levels greater than 142 milliequivalents per liter were at 64% increased risk for chronic diseases like peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure, dementia diabetes and chronic lung disease; on the contrary individuals with levels between 138 and 140 mEq per liter experienced reduced chronic disease risks.

Individuals whose serum sodium level exceeds 142 milliequivalents per liter would benefit from having their fluid intake evaluated. Most individuals can safely increase fluid consumption to meet recommended levels through water as well as other fluid sources like juices or fruits with high water-content such as vegetables.

The National Academies of Medicine advise that most women consume 1.5 to 2.2 liters of fluid daily and men 2 to 3 liters.

Reduced body water content is one of the primary drivers of serum sodium increases; thus demonstrating how being well hydrated could slow down aging processes and delay or prevent chronic diseases.