Track Your Daily Water Intake

Not only does water compose more than 60% of the human body, but it plays a key role in a number of essential bodily functions. From digestion and circulation to nutrient transportation and thermoregulation, water is the primary medium by which our bodies are able to stay fluid and in motion.

It’s easy then to imagine how a dehydrated body can cause any of these systems to malfunction. Fluid loss of just 2-3% body weight can begin to noticeably impair mental and physical performance, while a prolonged loss of 7-10% can result in stroke or death. Young children who have reduced sweating capacities and older folks with impaired thirst mechanisms are particularly susceptible to dehydration.

So how does water work its magic? Why is it so important? As mentioned, this simple molecule operates at every level of our biology. Blood is 92% water. Water suspends our muscles, skin, and joints in a liquid environment that helps preserve the condition of our cells. Muscle cells lacking adequate levels of fluids (and thus electrolytes) suffer in performance.

Our kidneys also depend on water to carry various wastes and soluble toxins out of our bodies as urine. Nutrients trapped in water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are absorbed more slowly into the body and keep us feeling full for longer periods of time.

Any way you look at it, water is an essential part of our everyday lives, but it isn’t always easy to stay on top of our body’s demands. Hospital admissions over recent years suggest that during the peak of summer’s heat, many Americans do indeed fall short of adequate hydration. This is partly due to the fact that soda, coffee, and other sugary drinks, which are staples of our culture’s diet, actually contribute to dehydration by pulling water out of our systems to dilute the influx of sugar or caffeine.

Depending on his or her level of activity as well as the climate, adults should consume about 6-8 glasses of water to stay properly hydrated. This is where Argus can come in handy. Argus enables you stay on top of your hydration by letting you set a daily water goal, and the app even sends you a friendly reminder when you haven’t had a drink in a few hours. You can even compare your water consumption with other key trends, such as heart rate or daily steps, to better understand how hydration affects your personal routine.

With just a few small changes in your water-drinking habits, you’ll find yourself feeling more energized, positive, and concentrated. So next time, put down that can of soda and instead raise a glass to the natural miracle that is water.

Argus is a free app available today for Android and iOS. To download, visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. For more information, visit Azumio.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. If you have any questions, please email us at support@argus.com.