Hydration is one of the essential components to good health. While it may seem basic and easily overlooked, hydration is actually one of the fundamentals we pay A LOT of attention to at Natural Balance Wellness Center. What does it mean to be hydrated? It means the process or ability to absorb water efficiently.
Many people think that drinking water is the optimal way to hydrate, but recent research and evaluation of other hydration methods proves otherwise. This is great news, as it can be hard to continuously drink water throughout the day without having to rush to the bathroom constantly!
Why is hydration important?
The human body is 70% water. In order to maintain physiological processes such as cell-to-cell communication, detoxification, and electrolyte balance, we need to be adequately hydrated at the cellular level. If you are not hydrated, you impair your body's ability to carry out these processes and thus set yourself up for less-than-optimal health.
How do you measure cellular hydration?
Many people think that monitoring your thirst or the color of your urine serves as an adequate way to gauge your hydration status. This is incorrect. While these factors are helpful signs and symptoms of dehydration at a blood plasma level, we want to know how you are doing from a long-term perspective at the cellular level. This has greater implications for your overall health. We gain this information through measuring what is called a phase angle.
When we talk about cellular hydration, we are trying to investigate "does the cell have enough structured water?" This is a particular phase of water that is more efficient at hydrating.
The general range for a phase angle is 4.5 - 10. Individuals with a lower phase angle are associated with poorer health outcomes and are more likely to suffer from diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and even cancer.
More importantly, the phase angle can guide us in implications for optimal healing. If you are not optimally hydrated, you cannot heal as effectively or start to reverse the health conditions you have been struggling with.
What does the evaluation look like?
We attach electrodes to your hand and foot and use a bioimpedance analyzer to determine your phase angle. This will also measure the conductance, capacitance, and resistance at the cellular level. We also get information regarding your body composition (fat, muscle, BMI, bone mineral content, total body water, intracellular and extracellular water). Cool, right?
How long does it take to change a phase angle?
It takes about 6 - 9 months to change a phase angle. After we determine your initial phase angle, you will discuss your results with the physician. You will meet with our registered dietician who will customize a hydration protocol specific to you. This can involve smoothies, fruits, vegetables, bone broth, and our special rehydration formula.
Ready to get your phase angle tested? To learn more about our clinic and testing programs, call our office at (734) 929-2696 or use our online scheduler to request an appointment with our New Patient Coordinator. We will answer all your questions, go over pricing and insurance details, and get you scheduled for the program that best fits your individual needs. We are here to help and look forward to speaking with you soon!
