Water balance
Water Balance (Medicine)
Water balance (pronunciation: /ˈwɔːtər ˈbæləns/) refers to the homeostasis of water in the body, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Etymology
The term "water balance" is derived from the Latin words "aqua" meaning water, and "bilanx" meaning balance.
Definition
Water balance is the process by which the body regulates the amount of water in its system to maintain homeostasis. This involves the balance between water intake, through food and drink, and water loss, through urine, sweat, and other bodily functions.
Importance
Maintaining a proper water balance is essential for the body's overall function. It helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, and supports other vital functions. An imbalance can lead to dehydration or overhydration, both of which can have serious health consequences.
Related Terms
- Dehydration: A condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.
- Overhydration: A condition that occurs when the body takes in or retains more water than its kidneys can excrete.
- Homeostasis: The ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes.
- Hyponatremia: A condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low, often due to excessive water intake.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Water balance
- Wikipedia's article - Water balance
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