The fasting mimicking diet is an alternative to fasting. However, it can have several benefits for your overall health and wellness. We will discuss everything you need to know about the regimen. The article below describes how to do it, its benefits, and how it’s different from normal fasting. The benefits of the fast mimicking diet will have you wanting to try it for yourself.
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What is the Fasting Mimicking Diet?
The fasting mimicking diet is a type of modified fasting. The regimen produces the same benefits of fasting by eating small amounts of food. The fast mimicking diet generally lasts about five days and it includes a healthy protocol of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Calories are also maintained at approximately 40 percent of the average calorie intake. This permits the human body to remain nourished without the stress of normal fasting. Calorie restriction can cause health issues, however, the fast mimicking diet is safe and effective. Below, we will discuss just how much the fast mimicking diet differs from traditional fasting.
Traditional Fasting Vs Fast Mimicking Diet
The fasting mimicking diet is always compared to intermittent fasting. There are many myths about these types of modified fasts. Some claim that our muscles waste away while others claim that they change our metabolism, and that it’s downright unhealthy.
The health issues discussed above may be true for a person who’s actually restricting their calorie intake. Some types of fasting may cause metabolic damage which may not be recommended for people with underlying health conditions. However, the fast mimicking diet gives you all the advantages of fasting without the side effects. Below are the benefits of the fast mimicking diet.
Benefits of the Fast Mimicking Diet
The benefits of the fast mimicking diet are essentially the same as those of regular fasting. The benefits are listed below.
The fast mimicking diet “tricks” the human body into feeling as though it’s fasting. Now that we have discussed what this alternate form of fasting is and why it is worth doing, the following advice will demonstrate how to do the diet itself.
How to do the Fast Mimicking Diet
Research studies have found that the best results for the fasting mimicking diet occur in about five days or when your glucose ketone index drops below 1.0. Doing this regimen anywhere between 3 to 7 days is also beneficial. The regimen should also be repeated every month to fully experience its benefits, unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare professional.
If you’re interested in monitoring your fasting outcomes, you should consider quantifying specific biomarkers. This could be measured through lab tests before and after following the fasting mimicking diet. Measuring blood glucose, ketones, and weight changes every day can also be helpful to determine your biomarkers. You might also want to set up your environment by:
Telling friends and family about what you are doing and asking them for their support.
Eliminating any snack foods at home or work that might interrupt your regimen.
Giving yourself more time to sleep, as you will probably be more exhausted than usual.
Planning for exercise and physical activity every day. But keep away from intense workouts during this time.
Now that we discussed how you can do the diet, let’s discuss the basics of the fast mimicking diet.
The fasting mimicking diet provides the same great benefits of fasting while still providing your body with some nourishment. If you are following this regimen, make sure that you maintain a low-calorie intake and utilize appropriate supplements to achieve ketosis without experiencing health issues. Set up your environment for the diet. And if you decide to blend the ketogenic diet with this alternate form of fasting to get into ketosis faster, you can achieve the maximum advantages out of the two regimens. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before following the fasting mimicking diet. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Fasting Mimicking Diet Basics
Some people today might eat a slightly higher amount of calories the first day as they ease into the fasting mimicking diet. They might then decrease their total caloric intake. You also want to make sure you eat smaller amounts of foods which are easy to digest.
ProLon� offers a pre-packaged box which contains all five days’ worth of meals for you to do the diet. The meals are all plant-based. One day, by way of instance, offers tea and a nut bar for breakfast, a small portion of vegetable soup and a few kale crackers for lunch, several olives in the afternoon, and finally another small portion of vegetable soup for dinner.
You can also do the fasting mimicking diet without the need for a pre-packaged box like ProLon�. Simply follow the right proportions and plan out how you will space them out every day. Macros for the fast mimicking diet are 34 percent carbohydrates, 10 percent protein, and 56 percent fat for the very first day and 47 percent carbohydrates, 9 percent protein, and 44 percent fat to the rest days.
A cup of black tea and coffee every day are generally allowed. Just make sure they don’t contain any added sugars or oils. Remember that people with health issues should consult a healthcare professional prior to doing the fast mimicking diet in your own home.
Foods
Dr. Anthony Gusting followed a four-day ketogenic fasting mimicking diet. Every day, he consumed different amounts of bone broth, coconut milk, coconut oil, BCAAs, and exogenous ketones. Avocados and grass-fed butter can also be included in the fast mimicking diet. This is a great way to combine the ketogenic diet with the fasting mimicking�diet to benefit from the two regimens.
Supplements
Taking nutritional supplements can also make the fasting mimicking diet easier by providing enough nutrition. These may include:
Electrolytes like magnesium and salt to replenish any lost during water loss
Grass-fed liver tablets to provide micronutrient support
Branch chain amino acids, or BCAAs, to help prevent loss of lean tissue
Greens powder to provide micronutrients
Algal oil or cod liver oil for omega-3s
You may also take exogenous ketones to achieve ketosis through the keto diet. The fast mimicking diet can also help you achieve ketosis before following a ketogenic diet. Below, we will discuss how the fast mimicking diet promotes ketosis.
Ketosis and the Fast Mimicking Diet
The fast mimicking diet is an excellent way to prepare you for the ketogenic diet. This is because it allows you to get into ketosis. Additionally, eating keto foods makes it possible to remain in ketosis throughout the regimen. To follow a ketogenic fasting mimicking diet you must maintain your macros over the suitable range of 5 to 10 percent of carbohydrates, 20 to 25percent of proteins, and 70 to 80 percent of fats. If you’re unsure about whether you’re properly maintaining your macros, always choose something with more fat.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal health issues as well as functional medicine topics and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
It is estimated that scoliosis affects anywhere from 2 to 3 percent of children and adults in the United States. That is roughly six to nine million people. While it seems to develop most commonly within specific age ranges for boys and girls, it can also develop in infancy. Every year, approximately 30,000 children are fitted with a scoliosis back brace while 38,000 people have spinal fusion surgery to correct the problem. Scoliosis screenings can have tremendous benefits by identifying both risk factors for scoliosis and allowing for early treatment.
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The earlier you detect scoliosis, the easier it is to treat.
Scoliosis typically develops in childhood. For girls, it usually occurs between 7 and 14 years of age. Boys develop it a little later, between 6 and 16 years of age.
Getting a scoliosis screening each year during these critical age ranges allow doctors to identify the condition early and begin treating it before it gets serious. Advanced scoliosis can require extensive treatments, bracing, and even surgery.
Chiropractic has been shown to help scoliosis, as do stretching, special exercises, and physical therapy. There are spinal adjustments that chiropractors do that are specific to the treatment of scoliosis.
When addressing the condition early on, the Cobb angle can be stopped from progressing and even reduced so that the spine has a more natural curve. Non-surgical treatments tend to be much more effective in the earlier stages of scoliosis, so early detection and early diagnosis are critical.
Identifying high-risk cases early can address current issues and prevent future ones.
Chiropractors can identify certain scoliosis risk factors in children before the condition even develops. A scoliosis screening allows them to spot tension in a child�s spinal cord � a common sign that they will develop scoliosis.
When parents are aware that their child is in a high-risk category for developing scoliosis, they can take proactive measures with home monitoring for the signs of scoliosis as well as keeping up with the course of recommended screenings. They will know to look for the signs and can address them quickly so that treatment can be started at the earliest possible time.
Help researchers and doctors become more effective in treating scoliosis.
The early stages and development of scoliosis are still shrouded in mystery for researchers and doctors. While there have been great strides made in better understanding the condition, there is still much left to learn.
There have been many studies that have aided doctors in identifying high-risk children and making early stage diagnoses, such as how the�angle of the ankle and foot are linked to scoliosis. However, screening, diagnosis, and treatment are vital to maintaining the flow of data for more studies to be conducted and more research to be done.
More mainstream screenings mean�identifying more cases of scoliosis at the early stages. This would have a two-prong effect on research. It would provide more data to be reviewed and studied, and it would increase interest in the condition as more cases of early stage scoliosis is found. This would further spur research.
Avoid the �waiting game� of seeing if scoliosis will progress.
Any parent who has had to wait for the results of a test or to see if a condition will develop or worsen knows well the anxiety of playing that waiting game. A family is usually the first person to discover scoliosis in a child.
While they may suspect a problem, or know that a problem exists, they may take a �wait and see� approach in getting treatment. If the curve worsens they may eventually seek treatment, but the constant nagging of not knowing if the curve will get worse � and the anxiety it produces � can impact not only the parents� peace of mind�but the child�s as well.
Scoliosis screenings provide peace of mind and monitor the child�s development so that if their scoliosis does progress or become a problem it can be addressed in the quickest, most efficient way possible.
Functional Medicine Doctor Explains Women’s Hormones
We discussed the basics for men�s hormones. Now let�s discuss the basics for women�s hormones. Unfortunately, the effects of our diet and our environment become more obvious in the anatomy and biochemistry of women. These may frequently manifest as hormone imbalances and they can greatly affect their quality of life. Mood disorders have become an epidemic.
By way of instance, depression affects 20 percent of women, about twice as much in women than in men. And premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, affects between 60 and 75 percent of women in the United States. Infertility is also an epidemic which affects more than one in seven couples and it is generally managed by reproductive endocrinologists through invasive procedures, hormone treatments, and in vitro fertilization, or IVF, often without even evaluating what is the cause of the reproductive health issues. I�ve helped many women improve their hormone imbalances through the basic principles of functional medicine.
Now, these are only several of the reasons why we need to determine the source of hormonal imbalances in women. And I believe this knowledge can help women find the answers they need to improve their overall health and wellness. Most importantly, you need to learn to listen to what your body is telling you. After all, the human body is one of the best doctors.
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Taking Control of Women’s Hormones
Women�s hormones are much more complex than men�s hormones because they�re constantly changing based on their cycle as well as on their stage of life. If you�re experiencing mood swings, irregular cycles, menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, weight gain, and brain fog, functional medicine can help improve your symptoms by balancing your hormones.
So, let�s discuss the differences between pre-menopausal women and post-menopausal women. Pre-menopausal women should experience regular cycles every 28 days that last two or three days without a lot of pain, not too heavy bleeding, and no PMS. However, most women don�t experience regular cycles. A proper nutrition consisting of low sugar and starch, high fat, and more fiber can help correct abnormal cycles. A plant-rich diet can also help improve abnormal cycles. Caffeine and alcohol consumption can even cause hormone imbalances in women. Proper nutrition, including taking supplements like magnesium, B vitamins and fish oil, exercise, sleep, and stress management can help regulate your hormones. This is generally enough to help most women.
A doctor or functional medicine practitioner can also help balance your hormones. Because women�s hormones fluctuate throughout their cycle, progesterone and estrogen levels may be different for each woman. Also, depending on the hormonal health issues, patients may need to run their hormone lab panel tests on either day three or day 21 of their cycle for best results.
Furthermore, we will also need to evaluate your ratio of hormones, like that of estrogen to progesterone, because these can be the cause of numerous symptoms for many women. Estrogen dominance is one of the most common problems associated with a woman�s hormone ratio. Progesterone levels in women should be at their highest during the last half of their cycle. The hormone ratio between progesterone and estrogen should be 10 to one. However, if the human body is not producing the required amounts of progesterone, symptoms of estrogen dominance may begin to manifest, regardless if the human body�s estrogen levels themselves are low. Symptoms of estrogen dominance can include: anxiety, heavy bleeding, PMS, breast tenderness, shorter cycles or spotting between cycles, infertility, fluid retention, weight gain, and sleeping problems.
FSH is produced by the brain to help the follicles and the ovaries prepare to release an egg. LH is another hormone produced by the brain which triggers the release of an egg into the uterus so that conception can occur. LH also helps produce progesterone during the second half of your cycle, which may be another reason why many women have low progesterone levels.
These hormones are fundamental to look at if you�re trying to have a baby. The elevated hormone ratio between LH and FSH can demonstrate the presence of a common health issue known as PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is actually not an ovarian health issue. As a matter of fact, it�s a common problem associated with a poor diet and insulin resistance. An increased consumption of sugar and starch can cause irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, acne, hair loss, and infertility.
As for post-menopausal women, hormone blood panel tests are just as important and we generally don�t need to worry about having to evaluate them on a specific day of the month. Also, when we test a woman who�s in their perimenopause, their hormones may be tremendously unstable. Therefore, it�s ultimately essential to diagnose a woman�s symptoms to help treat the source of the health issue.
We previously discussed the importance of testosterone in men. However, testosterone is also important in women. Many women visit numerous doctors after experiencing low energy levels as well as a decreased sex drive. Most doctors will associate these symptoms with aging or they may even tell them it�s all in their head and simply prescribe them some Prozac. But if we were to run a blood panel test on them, their testosterone levels would often come back undetectable. It�s no wonder why women don�t feel like themselves after they�ve lost their libido and their vitality.
Total testosterone levels in women should be between 60 and 80 while free testosterone levels should be over 0.5. Testosterone is fundamental towards maintaining lean muscle mass and optimizing energy. Testosterone is also important for clear brain function.
Now women, if you have low testosterone levels, this may be causing you to experience a reduced sex drive or it may even be making you feel fatigue. However, this isn�t always the cause of these symptoms. That�s why it�s so essential for women to test their sex hormone levels. Testosterone is what is known as an androgen, or a male hormone, but it�s also found in women. Other androgens that help contribute to male characteristics include androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, and DHEA. In polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, women will commonly develop elevated levels of any of these hormones. Women who consume a lot of sugar and starch may also develop acne, hair loss or they may even grow facial hair. All of these are symptoms of too much testosterone in women.
PCOS affects approximately 8 to 12 percent of women. As previously mentioned, this health issue is a metabolic problem caused by poor nutrition which ultimately affects the human body�s insulin levels. It can also affect other hormones, such as the androgens we previously discussed. When women develop insulin resistance, the production of male sex hormones can increase. Other tests are important when PCOS is caused by FSH and LH hormones.
FSH generally triggers ovulation. However, if a woman�s FSH is too low due to PCOS, ovulation, and therefore, conception can�t occur. This is why women with PCOS are also commonly diagnosed with infertility. And the key is in a woman�s LH to FSH ratio. Increased levels of LH can stimulate androgens, such as testosterone, and decreased levels of FSH can stimulate the follicles and estrogen. Furthermore, facial hair or thinning of the head hair, irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, and weight gain in women can be symptoms of PCOS. Although PCOS is believed to be a health issue which exclusively affects overweight women, we�re starting to see an increase of women with healthy weights develop PCOS.
Because functional medicine focuses on finding the source of the health issue, if we see cysts on your ovaries or if any other lab tests indicate the presence of PCOS, we won�t simply stop there. And most often, we just have to look back at the patient�s diet. The high consumption of sugar and starch causes a tremendous metabolic disturbance which can cause a variety of other health issues. We will discuss these various metabolic conditions in another article.
Hormones are fundamental to women’s health. Female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, influence a woman’s mood, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and more. A variety of other hormones can also affect other aspects of a woman’s health. One of the most common health issues associated with hormonal imbalances in women is known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. Women can be tremendously affected by hormone fluctuations. It’s essential for women to seek help from a doctor to find out if their symptoms are caused by hormone imbalances. Functional medicine can also help regulate hormones. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Understanding Women’s Hormones
We measure hormonal imbalances through simple blood tests and we can also measure hormones through urine tests. Tests known as the �DUTCH� and the �Essential Estrogens� are provided by Genova to determine hormone metabolites. These can also determine the downstream breakdown products of hormones in order to help demonstrate what�s happening with your hormone metabolism.
Now, let me explain what are some of the most important things doctors or functional medicine practitioners look at when ordering a DUTCH test or an Essential Estrogens test. Hormone metabolism tests demonstrate your absolute hormone levels as well as which types of metabolites are being triggered. And this is what we utilize to look at your estrogen levels, androgen levels, and progesterone levels, as well as your cortisol levels, which we will discuss later. These are essential metabolites that can be found through our saliva, blood, and urine. We even look at all the different varieties of estrogens which get broken down by the liver.
So, it�s fundamental that we look carefully at our hormone levels. Testing for hormonal imbalances in both men and women can tell us a lot about what�s causing our symptoms as well as what we can do to treat them. We can recommend a series of lifestyle modifications, including guidance and advice in nutrition and exercise. At least that�s what a good functional medicine doctor would do.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal health issues as well as functional medicine topics and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Imagine a world where clothing feels like sandpaper, light is excruciating, or sounds make you feel like your ears are going to bleed. That is what it�s like for someone with sensory processing disorder�or SPD.
Approximately 1 in 6 children have SPD (some reports say 1 in 20, but this appears to be based on earlier research). It is unclear how many adults are affected; it is typically seen in children with autism and ADHD. There is very little research on adults with these issues at this time.
There are not many treatments for SPD or ways for people with it to get relief. Cutting tags out of clothing and laundering it multiple times before wearing (so it is soft) can help with tactile issues. Precision tinted lenses can help with photophobia, and earplugs can help with auditory issues. However, chiropractic has been found to help.
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What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
SPD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs because the brain is unable to process and integrate common sensory information that is received from one or several of the five senses (taste, touch, smell, vision, sound) as well as two other senses, the proprioceptive system,�and vestibular systems. The proprioceptive system extends throughout the spine and joints. When there is a problem with this system, it can cause problems with motor skills, learning, behavior, and emotional and social development.
The vestibular system is located in the cerebellum (base of the brain), the cervical spine, and inner ear. It regulates all sensory information that the body takes in and of the sensory systems in the body, is the most important.
The result is an inability to tolerate certain types of stimulation including being touched, eating certain foods, and hearing certain noises. It can also affect other seemingly unrelated issues like sleep problems, uncoordinated or clumsy, balance issues, and difficulty writing or reading in cursive. This can make life very difficult because the individual essentially lives in a world that they were not built to tolerate. They may feel depressed, anxious, frustrated, or afraid as a result. Parents may feel helpless because they don�t know how to help their child cope in a world that often feels scary and painful.
How is SPD treated?
There are several ways that treatment for SPD is approached. One very effective treatment is chiropractic for SPD.
Another popular treatment for SPD is therapy. Children work with a specially trained, licensed therapist in a sensory gym. The goal is to help them better adapt to their environment.
Diet is an important aspect of SPD treatment, particularly gut health. A clean diet (no processed foods, all natural and organic) is a very good start. Some doctors recommend a gluten-free diet.
Whatever the case, it must be well balanced and provide the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for good health. Magnesium and Omega 3 fatty acid supplements may also be advised. This works very well with chiropractic as it also addresses the root of the problem.
How does Chiropractic Help Sensory Processing Disorder?
It is the primary role of the spine to protect and contain the fragile nervous system. The nervous system is what controls how we process our environment. Its function is to respond and adapt to internal and external environments.
Structural shifts caused by injury, habits, even a forceps birth can affect the alignment of the spine. This creates neurological stress that hinders the processing and flow of information. By bringing the spine into alignment, chiropractic can help ease the neural stress, improve neural processing, and facilitate better flow of information and neural firing. This, in turn, helps to alleviate the symptoms of sensory processing disorder.
El Paso, Tx. Chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez presents the “Fasting Mimicking Diet�” (FMD�) by ProLon�. He introduces how the plan works, what it includes, and the benefits.
This 5-day meal program provides nutrients in precise quantities and combinations that nourish the body, but the body does not recognize�it as food and mimics a fast. This diet is the secret to fasting!
Research has shown certain types of diets that can mimic fasting, which enables the body to experience the health effects of a fast safely.
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Fast Mimicking diet, what does it mean?
A Fasting Mimicking and Enhancing� Diet (FMED�) is a high nutrition, low protein, low carbohydrate meal plan, that benefits aging, poor health, inflammation and maintaining optimal health.
What does plan consist of?
The ProLon� plan is followed 5-days each month.
Suggested you follow a healthy diet for remaining 25 days.
Provides natural, healthy ingredients to nourish body while body believes it’s fasting.
Meal is low in carbohydrates & proteins
Contains healthy fatty acids
Plant-based soups
Bars
Crackers
Olives
Drinks
Supplements
How Diet Is Taken?
The diet should be taken for 5 consecutive days
Patient transitions one day then resumes normal diet gradually.
Specific combination of food provided for each day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks.
Missed meal can be made up any time same day.
Diet should be taken as recommended by healthcare professional.
After Completing the Diet?
6th-day diet ends, patient should avoid binge eating and resume normal diet gradually.
Should start with liquid foods:
Soups and fruit juices
Followed by light meals:
Rice, pasta and small portions of meat, fish
Body Performance Enhancement:
Allows body to trigger set of protection measures
Greater focus
Clarity
Energy
Leaner body
Decrease excess body fat
Preserve lean muscle mass
Fastest way to lose fat (belly fat)
Enhances cellular function
Promote stem cell-based renewal (cleans up aging & damaged cells)
Director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California and The Program on Longevity and Cancer at IFOM in Milan designed the FMD.
He is considered the global leader in nutrition and aging.
His research team took on the journey to uncover an intervention that slows/reverses biological aging and delays the onset of age-related diseases.
Because it is risky nowadays to fast on water only, doctor Longo developed a natural plant-based meal program that imitates fasting while still feeding the body.
The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Formulation is only healthcare technology to be granted a patent for promoting tissue/organ regeneration, Longevity, and Healthspan by the USPTO.
You’ve seen body-weight scales at stores, online, in gyms and at the doctor’s office that utilize bioimpedance analysis. These scales can be expensive and wondered what is bioimpedance analysis and is it worth the price?
Bioelectrical impedance analysis may sound complicated, however, BIA devices use today’s technology. It measures the rate at which low-level electrical current is run through the body. Based on the rate that it travels, algorithms are used to measure fat-free mass, along with other data, such as height, gender, and weight measurements to determine your body fat percentage.
There are different types of devices, but each device requires two points of contact.
Handheld devices use two points, which are the hands (called hand-hand BIA).
Typical BIA scale uses the feet (called foot-foot BIA).
You place each foot on a pad and the current travels through your body between the feet.
There are also hand-to-foot BIA devices.
There are many brands that make different types of BIA scales (also called bioimpedance scales)
Newer models link with a smartphone app so you can track your progress.
Prices of a BIA scale depend on the sophistication of the equipment.
Some scales use multiple frequencies and more advanced algorithms, as well.
Some provide segmental fat analysis, which means, you can get body fat measurements for each arm, leg, and belly.
There are reports that segmental fat analysis (utilizing hand-foot BIA) are more accurate because hand-hand devices focus on measuring the upper body.
Foot-foot scales primarily measure the lower body.
These devices are considered safe for most people. Except:
Bioelectrical impedance analysis should not be used by anyone with an electronic medical implant, (e.g. heart pacemaker).
Not e used by pregnant women.
Studies have shown that bioelectrical impedance analysis is an accurate method for measuring body fat.
But these studies generally do not test the scales from the store.
Experts agree the accuracy of the measurement depends on the quality of the equipment.
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Parameters
(R) Resistance
Resistance and reactance are terms from physics, which are part of the field of materials and the effects on electricity. In reality, resistance and reactance are easy to understand.
Resistance is the ratio of electrical potential (voltage) to the current in a material. Put simply, a material with high resistance needs a high potential to generate a given amount of current in the material. A material with low resistance requires a low potential to produce the same amount of current in the material.
The easiest way to remember is:
Material with low resistance conducts well.
Material with high resistance conducts poorly.
When material conducts, it releases energy in the form of heat.
The resistance of a material is related to the material�s ability to dissipate energy.
Units of resistance are called ohms.
In the human body
Low resistance is associated with large amounts of fat-free mass.
High resistance is associated with smaller amounts of fat-free mass.
The Case
Primary conductor in the human body is ionized water.
As the percentage of body weight that is water increases, the conductivity of the body increases.
Body water is contained solely in fat-free mass
Conductivity of body is proportional to amount of fat-free mass.
The potential required to generate the current is measured.
The ratio of potential and current along with a process called correlation and integration are used to determine the resistance and reactance. NOTE: This alternating current resistance is not the same resistance that can be measured by a standard store ohmmeter.
(X) Reactance
Reactance: the effect on an electrical current caused by a material’s ability to store energy.
A time delay between applied electrical potential and current.
Material that stores energy easily causes high reactance, and causes a large delay in the current.
Material that stores energy poorly has low reactance and causes a small delay in the current.
Example: Water poured onto top of a sponge will flow out of the bottom after a delay.
Large sponge will cause a large delay in the flow of water out the bottom
Small sponge would cause a small delay.
Current flows in material the same way.
The delay flow of current from storage is the reactance.
Units of reactance are ohms.
In the human body:
High reactance: large amounts of body cell mass (intracellular mass).
Low reactance: small amounts of body cell mass.
The Case
Cell membranes consist of a layer of nonconductive lipophilic material interposed between two layers of conductive molecules.
Behave like tiny capacitors and store energy.
Reactance in the body reflects the strength of capacitance.
Intact cellular membranes contained primarily within body cell mass
Reactance of the body is proportional to the amount of body cell mass
Reactance is Measured�by
Small current is applied through the body.
The potential required to generate the current is measured.
Ratio�of potential and current along with process correlation and integration used to determine the reactance.
(Z) Impedance
Total impedance (Z): The vector sum of effects of resistance and reactance on a current in the human body.
Technically, impedance is the ratio of potential (V) to current (I) and is used in bioimpedance analysis.
How R, X, & Z Relate
Mathematical relationship between Resistance (R), Reactance (X), and Impedance (Z) are: Z = sqrt (X2+R2) X = Z * sin (?) R = Z * cos (?) phase angle = arcsin (X/Z) phase angle = arctan (X/R)
Example:
(?) Phase Angle
Phase angle is indicator of cellular health and integrity.
Research has shown the relationship between phase angle and cellular health is increasing and nearly linear.
Low phase angle: Consistent with inability of cells to store energy and
Indication of a breakdown in cellular membranes.
High phase angle: Consistent with large quantities of intact cell membranes and body cell mass.
Phase angle reflects the ratio of body cell mass to fat-free mass.
Phase angle is proportional to the ratio of reactance and resistance (proportional body cell mass to fat-free mass.)
Phase Angle Increase
Increase in body cell mass relative to fat-free mass.
Increase in fat-free mass relative to body weight.
Improved hydration of fat-free mass
Phase Angle: Useful For Comparing
Reactance along with the patient’s weight indicates an absolute amount of body cell mass (BCM).
Reactance is best applied when comparing test results in a single patient at different times.
Two patients with exact reactance (X) can have different amounts of BCM, depends on patient’s weight.
Any patient with a higher phase angle will always have a higher proportion of BCM than patient with low phase angle.
Phase angle indicates number of intact cell membranes.
Phase angle is direct measurement of relative amounts of intact cellular membranes.
Phase Angle Works How?
A bioimpedance analyzer applies 50-kilohertz alternating current to the body.
Phase angle is delay in time between the electric potential and current.
Oscilloscope connected to the body appears as delay between the voltage waveform and current waveform.
The period of each wave at 50 kilohertz is 20 microseconds. If, for example, the time delay is ten percent of the
period, then the time delay is 2 microseconds.
When expressed in units of time, it is said that the phase delay is 2 microseconds.
Time delay can be seen as percentage of entire wave period in degrees.
Complete wave period consists of 360 degrees. If time delay is one-tenth the total period of the wave, it is equivalent to 36 degrees.
When time delay is expressed this way (in degrees of total wave period),
This is the phase angle.
When electrical potential and current are depicted sweeping around a circle
Instead of moving over time
The relationship between reactance, resistance, and phase angle is easier to see.
Shown below
Range of phase angle in the human body is 1 to 20 degrees.
Phase angle is the arctangent of (X/R)
References:
Kyle UG, et al. Fat-Free and Fat Mass Percentiles in 5225 Healthy Subjects Aged 15 to 98 Years. Nutrition, 17:534-541, 2000.
Mattar J, et al. Application of total body bioimpedance to the critically ill patient. New Horizons 1995, Volume 4, No, 4: 493-503.
Ott M, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a predictor of survival in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Human Retrovirology 1995: 9:20-25.
There are plenty of people who say that chiropractic made a significant difference in their lives, relieving pain and increasing mobility. Still, some skeptics want scientific proof that it helps with managing pain and, in many cases, eliminating it altogether. While chiropractic patient testimonies are great, included here is a collection of cold, hard, facts � scientific studies on chiropractic care and its effectiveness in treating pain.
Contents
A Systematic review of evaluations of chiropractic care for pain management.
This review, published in August 2016, examined six randomized controlled trials and three full economic evaluations to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic care as compared to exercise therapy, physical therapy, and medical care. Chiropractic care was found to be comparable to or better than all three of these, particularly when managing pain.
They found �moderate evidence� that showed chiropractic care helps just as much as, physical therapy. The evidence in the other areas was limited, but still gave chiropractic high marks.
Spinal manipulation for treating low back pain is as effective as more traditional treatments.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health studied several clinical trials and reviews regarding chiropractic care. Time and again, chiropractic was found to be at least as effective as other pain-reducing interventions.
Chiropractic patients can have more days of being pain-free while avoiding surgery, invasive medical procedures, and medications that have harmful side effects. In one study, they found that chiropractic care is as effective as or better than more conventional medical care for as many as 18 months.
Chiropractic patients are less likely to use prescription pain-killers like opioids.
James �Jim� Whedon, DC, MS, is a researcher at the Southern California University of Health Sciences�and is co-chair of the Research Working Group of the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health. He examined the records of 33,000 adults in the New Hampshire All-Payer Claims Database who registered as experiencing lower back pain. A little more than a third of those received chiropractic care. Of that group, only 38 percent had one or more prescriptions for an opioid, but that number jumped to 61 percent in the group who did not receive chiropractic care.
Upon examination of the related circumstances, Whedon concluded that the chiropractic patients were 57 percent less likely to fill an opioid prescription. This is a testament to the effectiveness of using chiropractic for pain relief.
Overwhelming research shows that chiropractic care is usually the best option when treating pain.
The American Chiropractic Association summarizes a number of studies and research findings that support the use of chiropractic care for pain. These studies recommended chiropractic as a safer, effective alternative to pharmaceuticals.
Others advocate incorporating chiropractic care with physical therapy and exercise for optimal results. One study (Goertz et al. (2013), Spine) asserts that using chiropractic manipulative therapy along with standard medical care provides a �significant advantage for decreasing pain and improving physical function…� Others show that it reduced the chances of the patient having to undergo surgery and could manage their pain without drugs.
The evidence is overwhelming. Yes, regular chiropractic care can really help a person to live pain-free. It also helps to follow the chiropractor�s recommendations regarding lifestyle changes and diet as well as taking any supplements that he or she advises.
While spinal manipulation is a big part of chiropractic care, it isn�t the only part. The chiropractor may recommend special stretches to do in between sessions or special supplements that can help the body to heal. That is what makes chiropractic so effective; it treats the entire body, not just the symptoms.
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural treatment for people of all ages, and senior citizens can benefit from it. It is far more preferable than many other options, including pharmaceuticals with unpleasant and even harmful side effects and surgery. Several studies have also shown that regular chiropractic treatment benefits geriatric patients and can help keep them out of long-term care facilities and nursing homes. In short, seniors who get chiropractic regularly are healthier and enjoy these great benefits.
Contents
Reduced Risk of Degeneration of the Joints (Including the Spine)
When the spine is not aligned, it can cause wear and friction on the joints, resulting in damage. Regular spinal alignment keeps the spine in the correct position so that the body is balanced. It reduces the risk of spinal degeneration and certain types of arthritis by decreasing the amount of stress on the spine and bringing it into a more normal, natural alignment.
Improved Range of Motion
As a person gets older, their range of motion decreases. This is especially true of sedentary people or those who have sustained an injury that kept them confined to a bed or wheelchair for a long time.
Helping improve a person’s range of motion is one of the best benefits of chiropractic. While there are certain levels and each person has a goal for how much range of motion they want, a chiropractor can help them get as close to those goals as possible.
Better Coordination and Balance
Most of the coordination and balance problems seniors experience come from degenerative changes or injuries that affect the cervical spine. The backside of the cervical spine joints houses mechanoreceptors responsible for providing the brain with vital information that regulates coordination and balance. When that area is compromised, their function is hindered. By stimulating the mechanoreceptors, a chiropractor can help restore or improve the condition.
Decreased Risk of Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States, some older adult falls every second of every day. Among Americans aged 65 and older, there are 850,000 bone fractures each year, and falls are the cause of 90% of them. A chiropractor can stimulate the mechanoreceptors which reside in the cervical spine, normalizing them and helping to restore the patient’s balance and coordination.
Stronger Immune System and Better Health
When the spine is properly aligned, the body is better able to function as it should. This includes the digestive system, respiratory system, and even the heart. Neural impulses can be transmitted and received more efficiently and effectively.
This strengthens the immune system making the patient less susceptible to illness and disease. Regular care can provide better health and wellness while improving the patient’s quality of life.
More Effective Pain Management
Chiropractic has been proven time and again to be one of the safest, most effective methods for treating pain, particularly those that involve the spine. Chiropractic helps correct the problem that is causing the pain and helps heal the soft tissue structures around the area. Where pain medicine, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medication are little more than band-aids that treat the symptoms while ignoring the cause, chiropractic gets to the root of the problem and begins treatment there.
In addition to spinal adjustments, the chiropractor will typically recommend stretching and special exercises, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications. Elderly patients benefit from the whole body, holistic approach to health care at the heart of chiropractic. The result is better health and a better quality of life.
Functional Medicine Doctor Explains Men’s Hormones
Hello there, it�s Dr. Alex Jimenez again and welcome to part four of �Taking Control of your Healthcare�. Today, we�re going to discuss hormones. Hormones regulate most of the human body�s systems as they are recognized as the messenger molecules of the endocrine system. Hormone imbalances can cause subtle changes, however, their effects can tremendously impact an individual�s overall health and wellness. And what�s worse, most healthcare professionals don�t treat hormonal imbalances unless they�ve already been considered extreme.
The sex hormones, the thyroid hormones, and the adrenal hormones are the most important hormones we have to keep in balance. There�s a variety of other hormones, of course, but health issues associated with those are often more rare. Many doctors generally won�t test a person for hormone imbalances unless they�ve been trying to conceive a baby or they have sexual dysfunction or any other health issue of this type. And frequently, many doctors miss other problems by performing a screening test rather than a complete test.
Contents
What are Hormones?
Hormones are essential towards mental health, gut health, and reproductive health. In functional medicine, we even believe that hormones are vital towards maintaining a healthy immune system. Even if you�re not trying to conceive a baby or if you don�t have sexual dysfunction, it�s important for both men and women to known what their hormone levels look like.
Now, let�s discuss hormonal imbalances in sex hormones. First of all, How does a hormone imbalance manifest itself? Do you experience mood swings and fluctuations in your energy levels? Or if you�re a female, do you experience symptoms of PMS? Or perhaps you need coffee to wake up in the morning and wine to sleep at night? Has your sex drive, or libido, decreased? Do you have brain fog? Or is it difficult for you to focus on tasks?
If you�ve experienced any of these symptoms, you might have a hormonal imbalance in your sex hormones. Hormones are small molecules in charge of transmitting signals from one body system to another. But, if these molecules aren�t functioning accordingly, our energy levels and our mood can be tremendously affected. If you feel that something is off within your own body, talk to your doctor and seek proper testing. Don�t simply guess.
Let�s begin by discussing how you test your hormones. In functional medicine, we can test through saliva, blood, urine, and even stool. But, which is best for testing hormones? The truth is, knowing how and when to test your hormones is important because testing can depend on the marker that you want to look at. By way of instance, blood testing is one of the best and most affordable if you�re simply looking for a preliminary screening. A functional medicine doctor can also determine when a urine test will be more helpful than a blood test or a saliva test.
Taking Control of Men’s Hormones
So, now that you know how to test your hormones, we�ll discuss the different health issues caused by hormonal imbalances in the sex hormones of both men and women. First, let�s talk about men. As for the women, this is still an essential topic for you to learn about because the men in your lives are much less likely to schedule a doctor�s appointment for themselves.
Approximately 39 percent of men over the age of 45 have low levels of testosterone, or what�s known as low T. Elevated insulin levels associated with diabetes and obesity can lower your testosterone levels, which in turn, can increase estrogen levels. When testosterone goes down, your sex drive, or libido, and other functions can be tremendously affected. Excess consumption of sugar and starch can have different impacts for both men and women. Additionally, the utilization of certain drugs and/or medications, lack of exercise and physical activity, as well as inflammation, can also contribute to lower testosterone levels. While the majority of doctors won�t test testosterone levels in a man unless they have sexual dysfunction, I always want to make sure to test the sex hormones if a man has belly fat.
I would also like to discuss the serious side effects of a drug/medication which is commonly prescribed for sexual dysfunction. Statins can help lower cholesterol, however, did you know that your testosterone is made from cholesterol? That�s right. And when you start taking a drug/medication which was designed to decrease your cholesterol, you may also potentially be decreasing your sex hormones. It�s well-known that statins can decrease testosterone, leading to sexual dysfunction and even sometimes causing men to grow breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. Side effects like these occur when we don�t treat the source of a health issue.
What you eat, including mainly sugar and starch, can be associated with your low testosterone levels and your abnormal cholesterol levels. Treatments like these where you take a drug for one thing but then end up taking another medication for the side effects of the fist medicine is unfortunately something that happens a lot in the medical field, and it can be a real nightmare.
Male testosterone levels are decreasing so much with each generation that normal reference ranges for testosterone levels in males are changing. But, that�s not something we want to happen. We don�t want these abnormal changes to become normal. Therefore, shouldn�t we be trying to find out why the overall health and wellness of our population is decreasing at such an alarming rate rather than lowering our normal standards of well-being?
Before we do that, however, we first have to understand why this problem is happening. From our increased exposure to toxins and our elevated levels of stress to our higher consumption of processed foods, these are only several of the more obvious reasons why our hormones are being affected.
In conventional medicine, the reference ranges for testosterone are between 264 and 916.
When you think about it, however, this is a tremendous range. Does a man with a testosterone level of 265 have the same sexual function as a man with a testosterone level of 916? Most definitely not. Yet these two people are classified under the same category. And with that in mind, what are the optimal reference ranges for testosterone? Men under the age of 30 should have a testosterone level of over 700, and men over the age of 30 should have a testosterone level of at least 500.
Evaluating men�s total testosterone levels is essential but we also need to evaluate their active hormone levels, or their free testosterone levels. Testosterone is carried around on what is known as a sex hormone binding globulin, which then releases it as the human body needs it. This carrier protein is found in the blood and when there�s too much of it, it becomes difficult for the human body to release testosterone when it�s needed.
In men, free testosterone levels should be of at least 10 but, they should optimally be closer to 15 or 20. Additionally, your doctor should check the sex hormone binding globulin or SHBG. As we discussed before, this carrier protein for testosterone and other hormones, can decrease your free testosterone levels. If you don�t check your SHBG, your total testosterone levels might be normal but your free testosterone levels might be too low.
By way of instance, SHBG is similar to a bus filled with many workers. In this case, the workers are testosterone. When we have too many buses, the majority of the workers will stay on the bus while only a few will be out doing their job. A man can have a total testosterone level of 700, however, if they have a free testosterone level of only 5, they�re bound to still feel like they have a total testosterone level of 300.
In summary, we want to make sure that our total testosterone level is over 500 or better, over 600 and we also want to make sure that our free testosterone level is between 15 and 20.
Another hormone you might want to make sure you get tested for is known as dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. DHEA is a precursor hormone for testosterone. It�s also an adrenal hormone, however, we will discuss this later in another article. If an individual�s DHEA is too low, it can indicate that the adrenal glands, which are in charge of the human body�s stress response, may not be functioning appropriately. DHEA levels should be between two to 400.
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be supplemented directly. Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners may also implement stress-relieving methods and techniques into your life, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga, to treat the source of the health issue. Herbal supplements can also help regulate DHEA as well as testosterone levels.
Now, we will discuss a fundamental hormone that is generally only considered to be important in female health, however, this hormone also plays an essential role in men; estrogen. Estrogen helps maintain a healthy sex function as it promotes your libido. It is also protective for the brain. In men�s health, estrogen is often demonized because it can cause health issues like breast development if estrogen levels are too high in men. But, normal estrogen levels are fundamental towards maintaining hormone balance as well as mental health.
Estrogen can increase in men with diabetes and obesity. Elevated insulin exchanges more testosterone into estrogen which may cause additional symptoms like fatigue. This can also create more problems alongside sexual dysfunction, including hair loss. So, if you have less than optimal testosterone levels, you should seek help from a doctor or functional medicine practitioner to find out why. And looking at your estrogen levels is a great place to start.
There are two types of estrogen tests which can help demonstrate your estradiol and estrone levels. These are important markers to look at because one can be elevated while the other can be in the normal range. The brain is the other place you can look at to determine your estrogen levels. Your brain produces hormones which can stimulate sex hormones, such as the follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, and the luteinizing hormone, or LH, which helps produce testosterone and sperm within the testicles. If your LH is low, then your low testosterone levels may be caused by a brain health issue. However, it�s much more likely that sugar and starch consumption may be causing hormonal imbalances in your sex hormones.
Approximately 70 percent of the testosterone deficiencies in the United States are associated with insulin resistance due to diabetes and obesity. So, if your diet is filled with sugar and starch or if you have belly fat, you may already have decreased testosterone levels.
Hormones are secreted directly into the blood stream in order to control a variety of bodily functions. These can affect growth and development, mood, sexual function, reproduction, and metabolism. As a fundamental part of the endocrine system, hormone imbalances can have a tremendous effect on our overall health and wellness. Men’s hormones, by way of instance, can significantly impact a man’s quality of life. Research studies have demonstrated that decreased testosterone in men can cause a variety of health issues. Evaluating sex hormones in both men and women is essential towards overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Understanding Men’s Hormones
While we keep discussing the importance of lab tests, we also need to keep asking ourselves why these health issues are happening in the first place. The answers trace back to the basics of health and wellness. What are you eating? Do you participate in exercise or physical activities? Do you sleep properly? Do you have stress? What are your nutrient levels? Of course, several of these answers require more evaluations. That�s why I highly recommend you find a functional medicine doctor who can help get you on the right path towards optimal health and wellness. Most of the time, basic lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, stress management, sleep and supplements can help. Other times you may need hormone replacement therapy.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal health issues as well as functional medicine topics and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) is defined as the analysis of resistance and reactance in the human body.
Energy dissipation is called resistance (R).
Energy storage is called reactance (X).
Units of resistance and reactance are called ohms.
Resistance and reactance taken together create impedance (Z).
Fat-free mass in the human body is proportional to its resistance.
Body cell mass is proportional to its reactance.
A bioimpedance analyzer is a device that contains a highly precise frequency meter, a processor, and a printer. The meter is called an impedance meter. It measures resistance and reactance.
The microprocessor computes the size of the fat-free mass and body cell mass along with all subsequent calculations.
A bioimpedance analyzer measures resistance and reactance, computes fat-free mass, body cell mass, total body water, and intracellular water.
To measure resistance and reactance, the bioimpedance analyzer generates a small electrical current to the body.
Contents
Measurements
Bioimpedance analysis is an assessment of change in electrical tissue conductivity, which indicates altered body composition.
The following electrical characteristics are measured and used to evaluate body composition.
Impedance (Z)
Impedance is a measurement of a medium to conduct current. It is a ratio of voltage injected current in a conductive medium and has two components: resistance and reactance.
Resistance (R)
Resistance is the component of impedance related to the dissipation of energy.
Reactance (X)
Reactance is the component of impedance related to the storage of energy.
Phase angle is a time delay between stimulating current and the voltage generated by an alternating current. The phase angle is expressed in degrees.
Electrical characteristics and their relation to each other?
The time relationship of voltage, current, and phase is shown below.
The Circuit
Water is the body’s conductor and determines the resistance.
Electrolytic fluid in fat-free mass consists of water and charged ions that conduct electrical current.
Extracellular fluid (water and ionized sodium Na+) provides a low-resistance pathway.
Intracellular fluid (water and ionized potassium K+) provides a low-resistance pathway.
Fat mass is non-conductive because there is no water.
Cell membranes within intracellular mass determine reactance.
The cell membranes consist of a layer of nonconductive, lipophilic material interposed between two layers of conductive molecules. They are tiny capacitors that store electrical charge.
Extracellular pathway (which is sodium ionized water) is represented by single resistance.
Intracellular pathway (potassium ionized water and cell membranes) is represented by resistance and reactance.
Total resistance is proportional to the amount of fat-free mass.
Reactance is proportional to body cell mass (intracellular mass).
The meter reports total resistance and total reactance to the microprocessor.
Equation for Regression
Bioimpedance analyzers use algorithms to compute amounts of fat-free mass, body cell mass, body water, and intracellular water.
What is the regression equation?
This equation is a mathematical formula that predicts the relationship between two or more variables based on the analysis of data.
For example, total body water�regression�equation
(TBW) = form:
TBW = a * Ht2 / R + b * Weight + c * Age + d
The terms are Ht2 / R, Weight, and Age.
The weighting constants are a, b, c, and d.
Resistance, height, weight, gender, and age are supplied for each subject. A computer then generates an algorithm which best describes the relationship between TBW, resistance, height, weight, gender, and age.
This is called Regression Analysis.
How do you use regression equations?
Once the bioimpedance analyzer measures the resistance and reactance, the results are sent to the microprocessor to perform the calculations. All the equations, (FFM, BCM, TBW, and ICW) are encoded into the analyzer’s software.
Diagram
Fat-Free Mass
Fat-free mass is derived by applying a small alternating current to the body.
The resistance of the body is measured using the measured resistance (R), the analyzer estimates the fat-free mass.
Body Cell Mass
Body cell mass is derived by measuring both the resistance (R) and reactance (X) of the body. With this measurement, the analyzer estimates body cell mass.
Total Body Water
Using the measured resistance, the analyzer estimates total body water.
Intracellular Water
Using the measured resistance and reactance, the analyzer estimates intracellular water.
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