Can Drinking More Water Really Nourish Your Lungs? Key Points for Seniors!

Can Drinking More Water Really Nourish Your Lungs? Key Points for Seniors!Old Zhang, due to his work in the past, developed lung problems and suffered from persistent coughing. After long-term treatment, his symptoms finally eased

Can Drinking More Water Really Nourish Your Lungs? Key Points for Seniors!

Old Zhang, due to his work in the past, developed lung problems and suffered from persistent coughing. After long-term treatment, his symptoms finally eased. A new neighbor, seeing Old Zhang coughing all day, advised him to drink more water, claiming it was good for his lungs and could boost metabolism. Old Zhang followed his neighbor's advice, and his condition did improve, but he noticed he was going to the bathroom much more frequently. Old Zhang couldn't help but wonder: Is drinking more water really good for the lungs? Could it be putting extra strain on his body?

We all know that adequate water intake helps keep the respiratory tract moist, maintaining lung function. It also helps remove inhaled bacteria, viruses, and dust particles, promotes phlegm expulsion, and prevents respiratory infections. In 2023, a paper published in the National Institutes of Health highlighted that adults who maintain adequate hydration are healthier, have a lower risk of developing chronic conditions like heart and lung diseases, and have a longer lifespan.

While adequate water intake is beneficial for the lungs, those who drink too little may also experience lung issues. Insufficient water intake can lead to dry airways, making the lungs more susceptible to infections. This is especially true for seniors and those with chronic respiratory diseases, as they produce less respiratory mucus, making them more vulnerable to dry and polluted air.

So, should seniors drink more water? Is more always better? The answer is no. Dr. Wang Lei, deputy director of the Department of Nutrition at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, points out that while moderate water intake is beneficial, excessive water consumption can overload the kidneys and heart.

The risks of excessive water intake for the body mainly include:

1. Hyponatremia (water intoxication): When the body has too much water, the sodium concentration in the blood decreases, leading to electrolyte imbalance. This can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and in severe cases, even death.

2. Increased kidney burden: Consuming large amounts of water increases the workload of the kidneys for filtration. For seniors with kidney disease, this can lead to increased urine output, requiring more frequent bathroom breaks, and can even worsen edema in those with kidney disease.

3. Blood pressure fluctuations: For seniors with cardiovascular disease, excessive water intake can affect blood pressure. Moderate water intake helps maintain stable blood pressure.

According to the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022)," it is recommended that seniors consume 1.5 to 1.7 liters of water daily. In hot and dry weather, water intake can be increased accordingly.

How should seniors drink water correctly?

1. Pay attention to drinking time: Zhao Feihong, director of the Beijing Health Protection Association's Healthy Drinking Water Professional Committee, emphasizes that there are four optimal times to drink water: right after waking up, around 10 am, between 3 and 4 pm, and before going to bed.

2. Prefer plain water: Plain water is the most suitable for human consumption and doesn't require much metabolic effort. Various carbonated drinks and juices are high in sugar and calories, requiring additional metabolic processes by the body, which is not beneficial for blood lipids and blood sugar levels.

3. Avoid drinking large amounts of water in a short period: Consuming large amounts of water in a short time can increase urine and sweat production, putting extra strain on the kidneys and leading to excessive loss of salt, causing electrolyte imbalance.

Conclusion:

Drinking water is indeed an effective way to maintain lung health. It can keep the airways moist, facilitate phlegm expulsion, prevent lung infections, and contribute to reducing the risk of heart and lung diseases. However, seniors need to prioritize moderation when it comes to water intake, avoiding excessive consumption that could lead to hyponatremia, increased kidney burden, and blood pressure fluctuations.

Following the recommendations of the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents," adults should aim for 1.5 to 1.7 liters of water daily, paying attention to the timing of water intake and choosing suitable water types, such as plain water. Correct drinking habits can help seniors maintain good health and improve their quality of life.

References

[1] "Drinking More Water Can Be More Harmful Than Drinking Less: Excessive Water Intake Can Lead to 'Poisoning'." People's Daily Online - People's Health Network. September 15, 2019.

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