Water balance supplements support the body's fluid equilibrium. These nutrients are mostly derived from natural botanical sources. Their wellness benefits can include:
- Promoting balanced hydration.**
- Assisting with weight management.**
- Encouraging overall wellness.**
What is Water Balance?
This important biological concept involves fluid regulation, including water that is added to and eliminated from the body. Since the average adult consists of more than 50% water, this ongoing method of maintaining fluid equilibrium is crucial to homeostasis, a healthy state of internal stability. Basic hydration is important for overall wellness, particularly because water also helps to uphold a balance of electrolytes, which are essential to heart, kidney and liver function.**
While drinking water in adequate amounts is a key part of achieving fluid balance, the body also loses moisture through waste elimination, respiration, skin evaporation and sweating. Research has shown that approximately 75% of all Americans chronically lack sufficient hydration. Sodium and potassium are minerals that are integral to the process of water equilibrium. However, the average American consumes more than double the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) level of sodium while frequently missing adequate potassium levels, making fluid balance a challenge to maintain. When the body has an imbalance in hydration, it retains water to compensate for the deficit, and this fluid retention can lead to various health issues and hinder weight management.**
Water balance supplements optimize fluid equilibrium by counteracting elevated sodium levels with potassium and/or encouraging ideal urinary function to aid in the elimination of excess water weight. Water pills are natural supplements that feature herbs to assist in fluid balance. For best results, intake of supplemental nutrients should complement a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a low-sodium diet.** The most popular water balance supplements:
- Potassium: A mineral required by the body, potassium is essential in maintaining fluid balance. As an electrolyte, potassium works with sodium to regulate water equilibrium, particularly between the body's fluids and cells.**
- Stinging Nettle: A perennial plant valued for its leaves, stinging nettle is traditionally used to encourage fluid equilibrium and has been studied for its inflammation-modulating activity.**
- Uva Ursi: Also called bearberry, uva ursi is a shrub that has been used in wellness practices for generations by Native Americans and other indigenous groups. Uva ursi leaf is associated with the efficient elimination of excess water from the body.**
- Juniper Berries: The fruit-like cones of the evergreen juniper tree, these berries are renowned for their diuretic properties, which aid in maintaining water equilibrium.**
- Buchu Extract: A small bush native to South Africa, buchu has been traditionally used for its leaves, which are linked to promoting optimal urinary function and fluid balance.**
- Dandelion Root: Commonly known as a flowering weed, dandelion plants have long been valued as an herb with wellness attributes. Dandelion root has been investigated specifically for its diuretic effects.**
Water Balance Supplements
Water-balancing supplement products are primarily derived from natural plant sources. Supplements are regularly available in capsule, tablet and liquid form. Water pill formulations combine herbal ingredients and commonly feature buchu and uva ursi.**
Water Balance Supplements Directions for Use
Fluid balance supplementation should not begin without talking to a health care professional. The recommended Daily Value (DV) for potassium is 4,700 mg. Suggested doses for other water equilibrium supplements have not been established. Capsules and tablets are presented in a wide range, often from 100 mg to 500 mg.**
