Regular consumption of plain water may help lower the risk of stroke. This conclusion was reached by American researchers who analyzed data from over 29,000 individuals from the national NHANES survey conducted between 1999 and 2020. The findings were published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases.
Scientists observed an L-shaped relationship between the amount of water consumed and stroke risk. The most significant reduction in risk was seen among those who drank up to 1.4 liters of water per day. Beyond this threshold, the protective effect appeared to plateau. Individuals who consumed less than this amount had a noticeably higher probability of experiencing a stroke.
This association remained significant even after accounting for other factors such as age, weight, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and more. The researchers emphasized that adequate water intake supports better blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and decreases the risk of blood clots – all of which are key factors in stroke prevention. However, consuming excessive amounts of water did not amplify the protective effect.
The authors advocate for considering hydration status as part of stroke prevention strategies and plan to continue their research, including studies on other population groups.
Separately, scientists previously reported that combined oral contraceptives might triple the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, particularly those who already possess vascular risk factors.
