In today’s busy world, it can be tough to make sure you’re putting enough water into your system. Most of us probably wait to drink until we are thirsty, but according to studies, this is bad because the feeling of thirst doesn’t show up until you’ve lost 1 percent to 2 percent of the water volume in your body.

“By then dehydration is already setting in and starting to impact how our mind and body perform,” says Lawrence E. Armstrong, professor at the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory. “Dehydration affects all people, and staying properly hydrated is just as important for those who work all day at a computer as it is for marathon runners, who can lose up to 8% of their body weight as water when they compete.”

But that’s not all, according to research, not taking enough water can lead to memory impairment, decrease in mental calculation abilities and an increase in mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. Why? Because our brain cells need water in order to function.

“Brain cells require a delicate balance between water and various elements to operate,” says University of Texas neuroscientist Joshua Gowin. “When you lose too much water, that balance is disrupted. Your brain cells lose efficiency.”

With that being said, you could easily lose a lot of fluids while you’re working at your desk. While there isn’t a definite “right” amount of water you should drink every day, the consensus seems to be around 6 to 8 glasses, or 1 to 2 liters a day.

H/T Business Insider