What Is Fluid Balance and Why Does It Matter?

by Melissa Chichester

Water – it’s essential to life on earth. Yet it’s also so easy to take how much we need it for granted, isn’t it?

The human body is made up of about 60% water, and blood is 90% water according to the United States Geological Survey. Even your bones are made of some water. 

You already know that water is vital to help keep every cell in the body healthy. It helps regulate our body temperature, it takes nutrients where they need to go, it acts as a shock absorber, and it helps remove waste.  

Another role of water is that it is the key player in an important function: fluid balance. 

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What is fluid balance?

Fluid balance refers to the principle of what water is lost must be replenished. That means what you lose through breathing, perspiring, urinating, and more needs to be taken in through eating and drinking. 

There are many factors that can impact fluid balance. Think of this scenario. Have you ever gone on vacation, eaten too many salty foods, and noticed that after a long day of walking your legs felt puffy or tight? Or maybe your fingers seemed puffier than usual. This can be from fluid imbalance or electrolyte imbalance. 

The National Library of Medicine states that this is usually caused by high amounts of sodium and low amounts of potassium. Potassium is essential for normal fluid balance between the cells and body fluids.*

Throughout the day, fluid balance and circulation in the legs can be impacted by a number of factors including sitting or standing for long periods of time, inadequate physical activity, or wearing tight-fitting clothes. 

You can promote healthy fluid balance in many ways, including: 

  • Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
  • Avoid dehydrating beverages, such as soda, energy drinks, and alcohol. 
  • Drink water throughout the day.
  • Replenish electrolytes during times of extreme sweating (such as during intense workouts or hot days). 
  • Stretch and do yoga for circulation support. 

Healthy circulation also plays a role in fluid balance and nutrient transport in the body. 

>>6 Supplements that Support Circulatory Health

How to support fluid balance at night

Getting an adequate amount of high-quality sleep plays a key role in helping you stay hydrated. While you sleep, your body is recovering from the day. That includes restoring the processes that help maintain your body’s fluid levels. 

Staying hydrated throughout the day means you won’t have to worry about this before you go to bed. If you are worried about waking up during the night, reduce fluid consumption at least one hour before bed. Always empty your bladder before bed as well. 

You can also support fluid balance before bed by elevating your legs in the evening. This helps your body absorb water from your legs and won’t disrupt your sleep. 

Another key to maintaining fluid balance at night is to sleep in your room set at the proper temperature. Sweating at night can cause water loss. If your room is too warm, sweating can cause you to be dehydrated when you wake up. This is one reason experts recommended sleeping in a cool room. 

For extra support try Nighttime Circuleg®

And if you need added support to maintain healthy circulation in the legs, Puritan’s Pride® Nighttime Circuleg® can help.*

This unique formula features horse chestnut extract, which contains the active compound aescin. Research shows that aescin can help support healthy circulation and fluid balance in the legs and maintain vein health.*

If you experience occasional sleeplessness at night, Puritan’s Pride® Nighttime Circuleg® also contains melatonin to support calm, tranquil rest.* 

Melatonin plays a vital role in the maintenance of the circadian rhythm “sleep-wake cycle.” It works with your body’s natural sleep cycle to help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.*

One capsule daily, taken 30 minutes before bedtime, can provide the support you need to maintain healthy leg circulation and get the rest you deserve, so you can awaken feeling refreshed and revitalized.*

Always speak to your personal healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.