New study
This incredibly simple New Year’s resolution lets us live longer and healthier
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We often take on things that never come true. But with this new resolution, it could work better. And the effect – a healthier life – is even proven by a study.
Get fitter, lose weight, get organized or do more. These are some of the ideas that many of us come up with for the New Year and which are usually more difficult than we thought. Mostly because we set these goals roughly, but are not motivated enough for the planning and later implementation part. The good news: Sometimes it doesn’t have to be such a big step to improve our existence a bit. Because like a new one study shows, this one thing helps us age better and stay healthier. Well, if that isn’t a reason for resolution!
This wonder drug is good for our body in the long run
It’s easy. The only thing we have to do is that drinking will be the A & O this year! Because the said study, in which 11,255 people took part, dealt with the sodium levels of the test subjects in order to be able to draw conclusions about hydration. The researchers’ result seems to show that optimal fluid balance can be a preventive approach to prolonging people’s healthy lives.
Link between sodium levels and disease
According to the researchers, lower sodium levels are associated with fewer chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure or lung diseases. And what helps us against high sodium levels? Correct: enough liquid. Because this dilutes the sodium content in the body and regulates it better.
According to the research, people with lower sodium levels showed fewer signs of progressive biological aging and were less likely to die at a young age. Biological signs were measured with cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, among other things. “The results suggest that proper hydration slows aging and prolongs disease-free life,” says Natalia Dmitrieva, one of the study authors.
Other research had previously suggested a link to heart failure, stroke, diabetes and dementia. According to Dmitrieva, the sodium level in the body should not exceed 142 mEq/L. So if you are about to be checked out by a specialist doctor, you can take a closer look at this value.
How we regulate our sodium levels
It doesn’t always have to be just water, and masses of liquid aren’t necessary either. Natalia Dmitrieva advises drinking water or other liquids, such as juices, or consuming fluid-rich vegetables and fruits. Incidentally, the German Society for Nutrition recommends drinking at least 1.5 liters of water every day. This is already difficult for many people. Women often drink less.
Things to help us drink more
No one should stress out about hydration this year. Unfortunately, as we all know, stress does not prolong life. But there are a few things that have helped one or the other person with this problem. Try it out:
- A large drinking glass with a reusable strawbest dishwasher-safe and with a screw cap for on the go. 0.5 liters is a good size. Because when we’re doing something else, we often forget to get liquid supplies again. If you choose correctly, you can use the glass for hot or cold drinks alike.
- delicious Prepare herbal or fruit teas directly for the pot. Same effect as a large glass: the replenishment of 1.5 liters of tea lasts much longer than with a single cup. And what could be nicer than sipping warm tea in winter?
- Spice up water with fresh ingredients like lemon, cucumber or a few berries – smoothies are welcome too, because it tastes better and provides healthy vitamins at the same time. Ginger honey teas or a smoothie made from soy milk and a frozen berry mix are excellent examples. But first check the instructions to see if your blender survives frozen fruit.
- Set up a drink timer! For those who are really struggling with drinking, digital help may be an option. 1.5 liters per day corresponds to about six glasses, each with a capacity of 300 ml (which you wouldn’t fill to the brim, so it’s better to have one more glass). You can daily repeating drinking timer set up to remind you of the important mission throughout the day. At some point it might even become second nature.
- Make a firm ritual of drinking in the morning and evening: one glass at the start and one at the end of the day. You have already fulfilled about a third of your target.
Sources used: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Apothekenumschau, German Society for Nutrition, The Lancet