Posted on 04/02/2022 9:46:05 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Staying well-hydrated may be associated with a reduced risk for developing heart failure, according to researchers. Their findings suggest that consuming sufficient amounts of fluids throughout life not only supports essential body functioning but may also reduce the risk of severe heart problems in the future.
Heart failure, a chronic condition that develops when the heart does not pump enough blood for the body's needs, affects more than 6.2 million Americans, a little more than 2% of the population.
Adults with serum sodium levels starting at 143 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)—a normal range is 135-146 mEq/L—in midlife had a 39% associated increased risk for developing heart failure compared to adults with lower levels. And for every 1 mEq/L increase in serum sodium within the normal range of 135-146 mEq/L, the likelihood of a participant developing heart failure increased by 5%.
In a cohort of adults ages 70-90, those with serum sodium levels of 142.5-143 mEq/L at middle age were 62% more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy. Serum sodium levels starting at 143 mEq/L correlated with a 102% increased risk for left ventricular hypertrophy and a 54% increased risk for heart failure.
Based on these data, the authors conclude serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L in middle age are associated with increased risks for developing left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure later in life.
These early associations suggest good hydration may help prevent or slow the progression of changes within the heart that can lead to heart failure.
"Serum sodium and fluid intake can easily be assessed in clinical exams and help doctors identify patients who may benefit from learning about ways to stay hydrated," said Manfred Boehm, M.D.
Fluids are essential for a range of bodily functions. Yet many people take in far less than they need, researchers said.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Drinking more non-diuretic liquids would right that ship, as could a lower sodium or higher potassium intake.
My suggestion would be to have more water and potassium sources, as the ideal range for daily sodium intake, according to other studies, is actually beyond the range most are encouraged to keep (> 2,800 mg/day appears to have the lowest health issues). Of course, this should be done with your doctor’s involvement, if having pre-existing health issues.
“Good Hydration”
Ah, the Beach Boys
I’ve been reading about this for awhile - it not only lowers your avg sodium levels but, in general, will make your blood “thinner”
136
My last one shows me at 139.
I really like it when leading edge research can be made practical with things we already have at home.
Yes, sodium as a part of blood volume is what is important, so that is constantly changing throughout the day as we drink, urinate, or don’t do either.
The sodium test is strictly sodium per liter. Have more liters of liquid in your blood, you have a lower sodium density.
This is why I have two water bottles attached to my bicycle.
My goal for water intake is half my body weight in ounces. For me, that’s approximately 64 ounces. I’ve been doing this for about 5 years now and I no longer have leg cramps at night, my skin is clearer, I rarely have headaches, and I just feel better overall.
I looked up my last one, 139.
I’m wondering if the fact that labs are usually fasting raises it any.
Awesome...I checked in at 135 just two months ago and a 10 year average of 138. Lots of fluid intake and low sodium ingestion.
Drinking an entire bottled water upon waking helps with weight loss. Now I’ve heard that drinking an entire bottle at bedtime also helps, and it has seemed to. I was already getting up to pee once anyway. ;^)
A 12 pack of coors light would do the trick.
Actually, it should lower it.
You only eliminate sodium between meals and while fasting, simply due to continuing to urinate while drinking non-caloric drinks until the test.
Bkmk
20 years ago I read the book “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water”. It made a big impact on how important a role water played and also how drinking things such as coffee, soda, tea, beer, wine, etc. are actually negative water (diuretics).
I rarely drink water because I don’t like it yet my numbers are normal
Thanks for the color chart. Before starting keto four years ago, mine looked like the darkest one.
It cleared up when I went keto. I’m now carnivore and it’s normally in the first three colors, but it goes dark as soon as I have a cheat day.
Yes. This studies conclusion does not distinguish cause and effect. Is high sodium content caused by not drinking much water or is it caused by some body function not performing properly? Not identifying the true cause can produce other problems while trying to solve a symptom.
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