The Link Between Hydration and Longevity

Learn about the relationship between staying hydrated and living a longer, healthier life.

By: Maggie Pace

Water accounts for more than half of the adult human body by weight, so it’s no surprise that people need a lot of it to live well and thrive. Water is a key ingredient in your body’s makeup, and in addition to helping you regulate your temperature, it also helps you digest food and maintain the growth and well-being of your organs. But did you know that there’s a link between hydration and longevity? In a recent study, the National Institutes of Health found that proper hydration can help people live longer, healthier lives. The study also argued that people who were less hydrated were at a greater risk of developing chronic health conditions. 

In this article, we’ll explore the link between hydration and longevity, including how much water you should drink each day, the benefits of hydration, tips for drinking more water, and how to make sure you’re drinking the best water for your body.



Study suggests staying well-hydrated may promote longevity

The world’s population is aging as people are living longer than ever, which has led to an epidemic of age-related chronic diseases. To combat this, medical researchers are increasingly searching for ways to slow down aging and prevent such diseases. 

One such study from The National Institutes of Health recently found that a person’s hydration levels can be a good predictor of whether they develop chronic health conditions. This followed up on previous research that connected good hydration to a reduced risk of heart failure, and a prior finding that restricting the water intake of mice shortens their lifespan. According to the new study, which explored whether hydration might also be associated with aging in people, poor hydration may accelerate biological aging and increase the risk of chronic disease and death.

The researchers looked at the concentration of serum sodium (salt) in participants' blood at various points in their lives, over a 25-year span, to see how hydrated they were and then compared hydration levels to their health. People with serum sodium near the middle of the normal range had the lowest mortality rate. In contrast, people with higher levels (above 144 mmol/L, an indicator of dehydration) had a 39% higher risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart failure, dementia, chronic lung disease, and stroke. They were also 50% more likely to have biological markers older than their actual age—meaning a dehydrated person may appear biologically older than they actually are, essentially aging at a faster rate. What’s more, people with higher sodium levels had a 21% greater risk of dying at an earlier age.

These findings have sparked many discussions about the relationship between hydration and longevity, suggesting that optimal hydration is essential for long-term health.



Does drinking water help you live longer?

Adequate hydration is essential for the proper functioning of the body's systems, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. So, yes, drinking water may help you live longer and support your overall well-being. Staying well-hydrated supports cardiovascular health because it helps maintain blood volume and circulation, reducing the risk of heart-related issues. Good hydration also supports kidney function by aiding in the elimination of waste products from the body.

As we age, the body's ability to retain water diminishes, making older adults more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to serious health complications. Chronic dehydration has been linked to kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and even cognitive decline

Keep in mind, the quality of the water is arguably more important than the quantity. Drinking lots of contaminated water (even at low levels) could come with its own set of issues, like immediate danger from waterborne diseases or health effects that develop over time from long-term exposure to contaminants like microplastics and lead that may be invisible to the naked eye. Before you ramp up your water intake, consider using a filter to make it safer by removing contaminants. Aquasana’s SmartFlow® Reverse Osmosis is WQA certified to remove up to 99.99% of 90 contaminants while retaining minerals like calcium that are beneficial for your health.

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Health benefits of hydration

Ensuring proper hydration comes with a multitude of health benefits that extend beyond simple thirst quenching and can increase your longevity. Here are a few:


  • Healthy Skin: Since our skin is the largest organ in the body, and the one organ we can see, it’s important to drink water to retain its strength and elasticity. 
  • Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Studies show that water can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, and making exercise easier and more efficient. 
  • Brain Function: Water accounts for 75% of brain mass. That water in the brain helps clear out toxins and waste that can impede brain function, carry nutrients to keep your brain healthy, and help brain cells communicate with one another. Dehydration can cause brain fog and slow the brain’s reaction time. Studies show that you only need to be 1% dehydrated to experience a 5% decrease in cognitive function. 
  • Increased Energy Levels: Staying well-hydrated boosts energy, promoting activity, alertness, and physical strength.
  • Improved Blood Flow: Hydration is crucial to blood circulation, and increased blood flow benefits brain health, heart function, and overall wellness.
  • Enhanced Physical Performance: Proper hydration helps prevent injuries by maintaining optimal muscle function and joint lubrication during physical activities.
  • Toxin Removal: Adequate fluid intake aids in flushing out toxins from the body acquired through daily consumption of food and medications.
  • Reduced Risk of Mental Health Issues: Proper hydration contributes to a lower risk of anxiety and depression, supporting overall mental well-being.
"Studies show that you only need to be 1% dehydrated to experience a 5% decrease in cognitive function."

How much water should you drink to increase your longevity?

The average adult needs between 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water each day, or about 11-15 cups, according to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But, the amount of water each person needs in order to be healthy varies from person to person based on factors like gender, age, climate, and overall health status. For example, if you’re someone who exercises often or lives in a hot, humid climate, you’ll probably need to drink more water to account for the fluids lost during your workout or through general sweating. It’s important to remember as well that dehydration can also be a result of high altitudes, as there is an apparent link between fluid retention and high altitudes. Another example is if you’re sick with a fever, diarrhea, or a urinary tract infection, you’ll need to increase your water intake as these conditions draw — or purge — fluid and electrolytes from your body, making you more susceptible to dehydration.



How to tell if you’re not hydrated enough

While staying hydrated can boost your health and longevity, being dehydrated can have some pretty serious consequences. Thirst isn't always a reliable early indicator of the body's need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don't feel thirsty until they're already dehydrated. Here are some signs you’re not drinking enough water:

  • You feel thirsty
  • You’re more tired than normal
  • Dizziness
  • Frequent headaches
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dry skin
  • Dry mouth, lips, and tongue
  • Peeing less often than usual
  • Dark-colored, strong-smelling urine

Tips for staying hydrated to live a long and healthy life

From boosting energy levels and promoting mental well-being to supporting vital organ functions and aiding in detoxification, staying properly hydrated is a cornerstone of overall health. While drinking a certain number of glasses of water each day provides a practical starting point, it's crucial to recognize that individual hydration needs vary based on factors like age, gender, and overall health. Striking a balance and paying attention to your body's signals, such as thirst and urine color, are vital aspects of maintaining optimal hydration.

Here are a few tips for staying hydrated, and you can read more in our 7 Tips to Drink More Water post:

  • Keep a Water Bottle Handy: Not only are you more likely to drink water when it’s right next to you, but using a reusable water bottle reduces plastic waste and lowers your environmental impact.
  • Choose Filtered Water: If your home’s water tastes or smells bad, it’s no wonder you’re hesitant to fill up. By filtering your water, it not only will taste and smell better, but potentially harmful contaminants will be reduced, as well.
  • Add Flavor to Your Water: Sometimes drinking plain water can be boring. Don’t hesitate to add flavor to your water by infusing it with fruit or adding natural flavor drops. Not only will your water be more flavorful, but the fruit can add important vitamins and antioxidants to boost nutrition.

The water you drink matters

The quality of the water we consume is just as important as the quantity. Ensuring that the water we drink is free from contaminants is an essential step toward better health. Aquasana’s whole house, countertop, and under sink systems can help you on your journey to staying hydrated with better water. Filtering your water not only enhances its taste, but also removes potentially harmful impurities, contributing to your overall well-being. With multiple models to choose from to suit your needs, Aquasana’s filtration systems provide contaminant removal for delicious water that’s rich in beneficial minerals. 

Shop Aquasana’s selection of water filters for refreshing water today!