Simple habit helped reduce stroke risk

American researchers have made an important discovery in the field of stroke prevention. According to their work, published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, regular consumption of ordinary water can significantly reduce the risk of developing this dangerous condition.

Scientists analyzed a massive array of data - information on more than 29 thousand participants of the national NHANES survey, collected from 1999 to 2020. The results were quite revealing.

The study found an L-shaped relationship between the amount of water consumed and the probability of stroke. The most noticeable risk reduction was observed in people who drink up to 1.4 liters of water daily. After reaching this threshold, additional protective effect was practically not manifested. At the same time, participants who consumed less than the recommended volume demonstrated a significantly higher risk of stroke.

Notably, this pattern persisted even after adjusting the results to account for various risk factors - age, weight, presence of diabetes, blood pressure indicators, cholesterol levels, and other parameters.

Scientists explain the protective mechanism of water: sufficient fluid intake improves blood circulation, reduces inflammatory processes, and decreases the likelihood of blood clot formation - key factors that provoke stroke. The researchers note that excessive water consumption does not enhance the protective effect.

The authors of the work recommend including proper water regimen in the complex of measures for stroke prevention and plan to continue research, expanding it to other population groups.