Intracellular water is the water that is inside the cell
membrane. This is where important bodily processes take place which is why intra-cellular fluid
makes up around 2/3 of our total body water. Whereas, extra-cellular fluid is the water surrounding the cell including our
blood. The main function of extra-cellular fluid is the exchange of substances
to the body’s cells.
The
health of a cell is compromised when the intracellular fluid is insufficient.
This can occur due to dehydration in general, or an imbalance of sodium,
potassium, magnesium or pH value in the extracellular water. Such imbalances in
extracellular water causes an osmotic effect drawing water out of the inside of
the cell. This can have adverse health effects such as hypertension, fatigue
and even nausea or headaches.