January is known for being a time to metaphorically hit life’s reset button. One of the easiest and most impactful things we can do is to pay attention to our hydration needs — especially as we age. You might be surprised to learn that with age your ability to sense thirst lessens, meaning we do not perceive thirst as acutely as we did in our youth.
The inside scoop to improve health through hydration is: more salt. Our partners at LMNT have done the research (and then some…) around a growing body of evidence that optimal health outcomes take place at sodium levels 2-3 times the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendations. The key here is how you ingest the sodium — and sorry to say that highly processed food is not the answer.
A few scientific reasons behind staying salty
- Sodium is a substance our cells need to function normally, and it helps make sure that our nerves and muscles can work as they should.
- According to the National Institutes of Health, proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life.
- Adding the right amount of salt to your water can increase hydration, as sodium draws water into your cells.
- A small amount of salt in drinking water can help maintain or replenish your electrolytes — and proper electrolyte balance leads to increased water absorption. (Pro tip: LMNT has perfected the formula here.)
While we always follow the science, we also follow the recommendation of medical professionals. For those with hypertension or prehypertension, please check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Join the Salty Squad
Our health is a process; it’s a journey full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. At AGEIST, we’ve found that even small, intentional lifestyle changes can have a big impact on healthy aging. So, drink water and add a little LMNT. Being properly hydrated improves your sleep, cognition and mood. Water also initiates the flow of nutrients and hormones that release those feel-good, happiness endorphins. Let’s all be rested. Let’s be hydrated. Let’s be salty.
For those of you looking for all the benefits of proper hydration, LMNT is offering our readers a free 8-serving sample pack with any purchase here.