Dehydration as an Accelerator of Aging
Animal studies show that long term inadequate hydration shortens life span, causing changes in cell behavior similar to that of aging. Using sodium levels in blood samples as a proxy measure for hydration, researchers here show that high sodium (meaning poor hydration) correlates with increased risk of age-related disease in large study populations. The effect size is fairly large, in the same ballpark as sizable lifestyle differences. Given the low cost of adjusting water intake, perhaps something to bear in mind.
In this study, we report on serum sodium in the upper part of the normal range being a risk factor for accelerated aging. In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, odds to be biologically older than chronological age was increased in the study participants whose serum sodium exceeded 142 mmol/l, reaching 50% increased odds at sodium levels exceeding 144 mmol/l. Such elevated biological age at middle age (47-68 years) translates into an approximate 20% increased risk of premature mortality at sodium levels greater than 144 mmol/l and increased risk to develop chronic diseases, that was already evident at sodium concentrations greater than 140 mmol/l and increased to approximately 40% higher risk in 143-146 mmol/l group.
The results of our study support the hypothesis that optimal hydration can potentially be such systemic preventive approach that is able to prolong diseases-free lifespan. Our data are consistent with previous reports from epidemiological and interventional studies that link hypohydration biomarkers including higher serum sodium and copeptin as well as low fluid intake with adverse health effects and increased risk of mortality. In agreement with the ARIC data from four U.S. communities that were used in current study, similar sodium levels, greater than 144 mmol/l, were found to be associated with increased risk of all-cause and chronic disease associated mortality within 3-6 years for U.S. adults aged 51-70 years in 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
The main limitation of our study is its observational nature resulting in the possibility of residual confounding. This common limitation of the observational studies is reduced to some degree in our case, because the idea for this analysis originated from a well-controlled mouse study in which lifelong water restriction shortened life span and promoted degenerative changes in multiple organ systems. In addition to the direct effect of life-long water restriction on life span and degenerative changes in the mouse model, pro-aging effects of hypohydration is also supported by other results from previous basic research studies. In those studies, increased sodium in cell culture models as well as water restriction in mouse model triggered the same changes that have been identified as underlying factors for accelerated aging and are currently considered as targets for anti-aging interventions.
Tis why I always carry a 24-case of water in my vehicle; also assists with maintaining alertness.
I suspect that sleep and sleep-patterns have a similar level of effect - which I would hazard is sub-optimal at an 8-hr diurnal pattern, though i would propose that being biphasic is somehow better if you can manage it; with long-term use of a mimetic having a measurable benefit in longevity?
It Seems like a large leap in logic to me that they presume that high serum sodium levels are primarily the result of chronic dehydration, and not also the result of some other pathologies.
I tought first that water intake would accellerate aging because it reacts with O2 and create rust. In same way as CR low water intake would icrease lifespan.
Big problem with this study is that the lowest sodium group (best hydrated?) had the worst survival!!!
So effectively you have to aim for the middle ground, a tricky proposition that makes this study of limited value.