Expert: Drinking this much water every day can save you from a stroke

Drinking enough water has many health benefits. The body needs enough water to function properly and people cannot survive more than 3 days without enough water.

The brain also relies heavily on water. Even mild dehydration can negatively affect mood, memory, and concentration. The good news is that drinking water can also help prevent strokes. Here, two health experts explain why.

Carrie Myers, a health coach specializing in disease prevention, gut health, and heart health, and nutritionist Emily Lachtrupp, a registered dietitian in the US, agree that there is a link between drinking enough water and blood flow.

Drinking enough water has many health benefits - Photo: AI

Studies have shown this. Basically, when the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker and does not flow easily through the blood vessels. This also increases the likelihood of blood “clotting.” And blood clotting leads to strokes and heart attacks. Researchers have also found evidence that drinking enough water reduces the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. What’s more, drinking enough water also reduces inflammation, according to the health news site Eating Well.

What did the study find?

Researchers from China wanted to know whether drinking enough water could reduce the risk of stroke, and if so, how much would be effective. They looked at data from more than 29,000 people, with an average age of 49, from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), between 1999 and 2020 to find out, and published their findings in the journal Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease.

Participants reported their daily water intake. After adjusting for other factors, the study found that those who drank the most water had a significantly lower risk of stroke than those who drank the least.

Specifically, people who drink at least 6 glasses of water per day (240 ml/glass) - equivalent to 1,400 ml of water, have reduced the risk of stroke by 25%, according to Eating Well.

Drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day will reduce the risk of stroke by 25% - Photo: AI

Experts also note: People with high blood sugar levels should consider their hydration habits. When blood is thicker and more viscous, blood sugar is more concentrated. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute blood sugar and can help lower blood sugar.

However, two experts also noted that one should not drink too much water because it can cause hyponatremia, which can lead to death.

The best way to gauge your fluid intake is by the color of your urine. Ideally, it should be the color of diluted lemon juice - indicating adequate hydration. If your urine is dark yellow or amber, it is a sign that you need to drink more water.

In addition to staying hydrated, there are other factors that can help reduce your risk of stroke. Following a heart-healthy eating plan or Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help. Regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep also play important roles in stroke prevention, according to Eating Well.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuyen-gia-uong-chung-nay-nuoc-moi-ngay-co-the-cuu-ban-khoi-dot-quy-18525071023220393.htm