Study shows hydration linked to living a long life, lower risk of diseases

(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - Proper hydration is known to help day-to-day functions, but a new study suggests it can also slow down aging and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

The National Institutes of Health looked at serum sodium data from 11,000 people over 30 years, that number increases when we drink less fluids.

A normal level is between 135 to 146 milliequivalents per liter.

According to the study, those at the high end of the range had a 10 to 15% higher chance of being biologically older than their chronological age, compared to those on the lower end of the spectrum.

They also had a 64% higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and dementia.

The study also found low serum sodium levels increased the risk of early death and faster aging.