By Abbas Nazil
A recent systematic review published in JAMA Network Open has highlighted the health benefits of increased water consumption, linking it to improved weight loss, fewer kidney stones, and better management of certain health conditions.
Despite the ubiquity and simplicity of water intake, the study’s findings provide new insights into how hydration can positively impact a wide range of health outcomes.
The research, conducted by a team led by Dr. Benjamin Breyer, MD, MAS, at the University of California, San Francisco, aimed to clarify the benefits of increased water intake, a topic that has not been fully explored in clinical research.
Breyer pointed out that while the potential advantages of water consumption are well-known, the scientific evidence has often been unclear and not well-established.
“For such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, the evidence hasn’t been clear, and the benefits were not well-established, so we wanted to take a closer look,” Breyer said.
The study examined 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1999 and 2023, focusing on the effects of additional water intake on various health outcomes.
These trials included both parallel group and cross-over studies, with sample sizes ranging from 14 to 631 participants.
The intervention periods varied from as short as 4 days to as long as 5 years, with participants asked to drink additional water compared to control groups, who maintained their usual water intake.
One of the key findings of the review was the effect of increased water intake on weight loss. In three parallel RCTs, adults with overweight or obesity who consumed an additional 1,500 mL of water daily before meals saw significant weight loss—ranging from 44% to 100% more than those in the control groups.
This result suggests that drinking water before meals can help manage body weight and potentially support weight loss efforts.
The study also confirmed the potential role of increased water intake in preventing kidney stones. In two separate trials, participants who drank an additional 2,000 mL of water daily experienced 15 fewer nephrolithiasis events per 100 participants over the course of five years compared to those in the control groups.
Kidney stones are a painful and recurrent health issue, and hydration is known to play a key role in their prevention.
In another part of the study, researchers observed the impact of increased water consumption on individuals with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
In a trial with 140 postmenopausal women, those who drank an additional 1,500 mL of water daily had fewer UTI episodes over a 12-month period compared to those who did not increase their water intake.
While the study showed promising results, the researchers noted that the findings in this area need further investigation, as there is limited evidence supporting the direct link between hydration and UTI prevention.
Migraines, another common health issue, were also examined in the study. Although the evidence was not statistically significant, one trial found that increasing water intake by 1,500 mL daily led to fewer days with at least moderate headaches in participants with recurrent headaches.
While the reduction was modest, the researchers noted that more studies are needed to explore the potential benefits of hydration in preventing migraines.
Further findings indicated that increasing water intake could have positive effects on diabetes control. In one trial, participants with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes who drank 250 mL of water before breakfast, 500 mL before lunch, and 250 mL before dinner showed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, with the intervention group experiencing a mean change of 32.6 mg/dL compared to just 5.3 mg/dL in the control group.
The researchers concluded that while the evidence on some conditions, such as migraines and UTIs, remains limited, the benefits of water consumption are undeniable.
They stressed the need for further research to assess the potential for increased water intake to help prevent and manage conditions like UTIs and migraines.
Given water’s low cost and minimal side effects, it offers an easy and accessible intervention with promising health benefits.
While increased water intake is not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for individuals with specific health concerns such as frequent urination, the overall findings suggest that hydration plays a significant role in supporting health and preventing chronic conditions.
The study calls for more comprehensive research to fully understand the breadth of water’s benefits and its role in improving public health.
Source: Healio