Excess Water in the Body – The Role of Water and Consequences of Its Excess
Alicja Kowalska
2026-03-22
7 min. read
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We cannot live without it, we cannot function without it. Water, which we are discussing, is an integral part of our existence. Every living cell requires water to sustain its vital functions. Water is also an essential nutrient, without which it would not be possible for all the internal systems and organs in our body to function properly. An adequate amount of water in the body ensures its proper functioning. However, sometimes there are disturbances in the water-electrolyte balance and water accumulates in our tissues, leading to the formation of edema, swelling, and a feeling of constant fatigue. How can we get rid of excess water in the body? What are the most common causes of these conditions? Answers can be found in this article, where we explain how to deal with them.
The physiological significance and distribution of water in the human body – key biochemical and functional perspectives
Water constitutes a foundational structural and functional component of the human body, playing an irreplaceable role in maintaining homeostasis. In an adult with a standard body composition, its mass fraction averages approximately 60%, while in lean body mass this figure remains constant at 75%. The distribution of water varies significantly across different tissues: the highest concentrations are observed in the lungs (up to 80%) and muscle tissue (74–80%), whereas the liver contains 68%, bone tissue around 25%, and adipose tissue merely 10%. These proportions are influenced by both endogenous factors (non-modifiable, such as age, sex, and genetically determined body composition) and exogenous factors (modifiable, including dietary habits, physical activity levels, and the quantity and quality of consumed fluids). Within the body, water does not exist in pure molecular form (H₂O) but rather as a complex solution comprising electrolytes, low-molecular-weight inorganic compounds, and soluble macromolecules. Its distribution spans two primary compartments—intracellular fluid (IFC) and extracellular fluid (EFC)—between which continuous exchange occurs, driven by ionic concentration gradients across semipermeable cellular membranes.
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