Key points from article :
Adults who drink around two litres of water a day develop fewer life threatening illnesses such as heart and lung disease.
They also live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids.
The findings are based on 11,255 individuals tracked for up to 30 years.
A recommendation known as the ‘8x8 rule’ advises downing eight 240ml glasses a day – almost two litres – on top of any other drinks.
Co-author Natalia Dmitrieva, said: “The results suggest proper hydration may slow down ageing and prolong a disease-free life.”
Her team analysed data from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study involving people from across the US.
Biological ageing was measured through 15 markers including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.
Dmitrieva said: “People whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher would benefit from evaluation of their fluid intake.”
The study was carried out at National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and published in the eBioMedicine,
