The average person can only live three days without water.

BodyBuilding.com considers water to be the, “…single most critical nutrient for health, growth and development.” When 1% of the body’s water is lost, mental and physical coordination start to become impaired. However, by the time someone begins to feel thirsty, they have already lost 2-3% of their body’s water.

According to Mayo Clinic, the average adult body is made up of approximately 60% water. Through breathing, perspiration and using the bathroom a lot of those necessary fluids are lost during the day. Staying properly hydrated can have some huge benefits on the body. The body operates more regularly when water is consistently replenished, and it helps a person function at their highest level.

Sally Barclay, clinician in food science and human nutrition, mentioned that proper hydration can prevent dry mouth — which can lead to bad breath, cavities, promote cardiovascular health, remove toxins from the body, keep skin supple, help keep your body cool and prevent overheating.

“Mild to moderate symptoms of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, decreased urine output, dark color of urine, headache, dry skin and dizziness,” Barclay explained. “In severe dehydration you can see extreme forms of these symptoms and also confusion, sunken eyes, almost no urine output, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and fever.”

Because water is essential to everything that the body does, it should be consumed at regular intervals throughout the day. Barclay shared some tips to help increase daily water intake:

1. Drink a glass of water upon waking up and one before going to bed.
2. Carry water with you and sip on it throughout the day.
3. Add fruit or cucumber slices to water to flavor it naturally.
4. Drink a glass of water (or low calorie fluid) with each meal.
5. Drink water before, during and after exercise.
6. Many people drink water better/more with a straw!
7. If you prefer it cold, add ice or fill your water bottle from the water fountain.
8. Avoid sweet beverages and juices in large amounts due to their sugar and calorie content.
9. Drink a glass of water for each alcoholic drink you consume — it contributes to dehydration.

Following these tips can help your body function at its highest potential. Barclay explained that water needs are based on body weight and activity levels.

“A simple way is to divide your body weight in pounds in half and that is the number of ounces to aim for,” Barclay said. “More is needed if you are active, so it’s time to get drinking!”

In the words of poet W.H. Auden, “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”