Fluid balance is critical to the body, but many times people are not aware of the importance of this concept. Fluid balance can be described as the process of having the same amount of fluid intake and fluid output. If more water is taken in than is eliminated, or if more water is eliminated than is taken in, a fluid imbalance may need to be addressed. The terms for these water imbalances are dehydration and overhydration, and both of these conditions can become very serious.

The average percentage of water in the body is normally between 55 and 60 percent, but this will vary depending on gender, age and body fat percentage. The obese and elderly will have lower percentages.

Water is needed for cells to live and work. Two-thirds of the water in the body is inside of the cells themselves, called intracellular fluid, while the other third is water outside of the cells, called extracellular fluid. Most of the extracellular water is in connective tissues and interstitial spaces. Roughly 8 percent of the water in the body is used in the bloodstream.

Maintaining a water balance is crucial. If the balance tips too far in either direction, dehydration or overhydration occurs. Both of these conditions can cause many problems, some of which are serious and can even be fatal if not treated immediately. Drinking enough water is essential for health and bodily functions and processes. It’s recommended that at least seven to eight, eight-ounce glasses of water are consumed each day. It is almost impossible to drink too much water unless a medical condition is present.

Water can be lost through many processes bodily processes. Breathing, sweating and urinating all remove water from the body. The human body is very versatile and can regulate the water level even if too much is taken in. This is done, of course, through urination. If not enough water is present in the body, or not enough is replaced to cover the loss by natural body processes, dehydration will occur.

The kidneys and pituitary glands play an important part in water balance. The kidneys help keep the water balance in check by regulating the elimination of excess water along with waste products. The pituitary glands, located in the brain, also help regulate the fluid balance by secreting the right amount of antidiuretic hormone into the bloodstream. This hormone will signal water retention if the water level is lower than it should be. If the water balance is off and there is too much water, larger amounts of the hormone are released to encourage the body to eliminate water.

Fluid balance is important and must be maintained. Overhydration may occur in individuals who have certain medical conditions, leading to swelling and increased pressure on the body because of too much water in the cells or in the bloodstream. Too little water can lead to cell shrinkage, which causes damage or complete destruction of cells. When the water balance is off, the cells in the brain are the first affected. This can lead to confusion the first sign of a fluid imbalance.

Keeping the right amount of water and nutrients in your body is important for your metabolism. Natural supplements like Calcium MD and Stamina-Rx can help you with that.

Human Body Energy20 Oct 2008