Although is it not a nutrient, human beings would be unable to survive without it. Over half the human body consists of it and it is essential for the correct functioning of virtually all living cells.
Fluids have many functions in the body.
They act as a lubricant for joints and eyes, help you swallow, provide the medium in which most reactions in the body occur, act as a cushion for the nervous system and help get rid of waste. On top of that, water helps to regulate body temperature. According to a review published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association , the average man should consume 2.9 litres of water a day and the average women at least 2.2 litres a day. Health professionals recommend at least 1.5 to 2 litres of liquids a day in temperate climates and this includes many other drinks like squash, fruit juices, tea and coffee. The basic point is that you should drink enough to replace what is lost.