But why does this phenomenon occur and, above all, why is it important to fight it?
has, among its various "worsening" effects, also a lower ability to maintain "body hydration. Since a" possible lack of water "in the organism - both intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) - compromises the functioning of any physiological process, it can be deduced that to exert a good anti-aging effect it becomes necessary to try to limit this specific dysfunction.Anyone who thinks that to stay hydrated is enough to drink a lot "gets it right" at 50%; or rather, it is certainly essential, but it is not the only aspect to be taken into account. In fact, the state of hydration in the body is not always proportional to "how much" water you drink.
The water balance is regulated by various factors including:
- the osmotic pressure of all body fluids, exerted above all by ions (especially sodium and potassium), glucose and other solutes (nitrogen groups, ketoacids, etc.);
- the oncotic pressure of plasma proteins etc.
The following also contribute to regulating the state of hydration:
- Routes of expulsion of water (renal filtration, sweating, faeces, pulmonary ventilation), therefore the hormones and neurotransmitters involved;
- Nutritional status, therefore the composition of the diet in relation to the metabolic commitment.
A decrease of 2% of water at the intracellular level seriously compromises the performance of an athlete, the decrease of 7% can cause serious damage to the organism.
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Yes, sobtaining a bioimpedance analysis (B.I.A.)
Its function is the indirect analysis of body composition. Do not make the mistake of believing that the BIA directly measures the compartments of the organism; to date, the only way to obtain this data is the section of corpses.
In addition to intra- and extra-cellular body water, the BIA is a tool that truly provides a large number of data - for example the percentage of lean mass (% FFM) and fat (% FM) - very important for any operative - medical professional, dietician or personal trainer.
Knowing the state of hydration of the person, the percentage of fat mass and lean mass, it becomes possible to intervene by modifying their training, nutrition, lifestyle, etc.
to undergo bioimpedance analysis or B.I.A.?On average 20/30 euros, but it can vary considerably according to the geographical area and the type of equipment used.
How does the meter measure the water in my body?
Electrodes are applied to the hands and feet, from which the instrument induces and receives a mild electric current.
Trivially, once set - with parameters such as the height of the subject, weight, etc. - the instrument is capable of measuring the resistance offered by the body to this shock - even if we must say that bioimpedance is based on a technology that is not at all trivial, derived from the "American military aviation in the 70s / 80s" to test the pilots, so as to avoid even a slight dehydration that could cause discomfort with the consequent risk of losing the plane.
What does the BIA measure, besides water?
In practice, it measures both intracellular and extracellular water and, mathematically, extrapolates a lot of data including fat mass (FM) and lean mass (FFM), with excellent precision if you are in normohydration.
Attention! Being an indirect calculation method, the BIA also has a margin of error due to what we could define as "top cases". Not for nothing, sportsmen are analyzed with separate algorithms, which suggests that this precision in the estimation of the compartments is, in fact, less precise than what is believed.
How do I know if a BIA is valid or not?
If you are not competent in the matter, it is not easy. However, in general, the applications that are made in an orthostatic position (standing) are not very precise instruments.
A "serious" BIA costs a few thousand euros and the examination is practically always performed in the supine position (lying on the stomach) on a bed.
What are the advantages of BIA over other methods of determining body composition?
The most logical comparison is with plicometry; with this, by pinching the body surface with a specific "millimeter tweezers", it estimates the thickness of the adipose panniculus. "X" values, depending on the formula to be used, are then related by means of an "equation which gives the percentage of fat mass (BF%).
Compared to plicometry, BIA offers the possibility of measuring body water.
But where can I undergo the BIA or who should I contact to get it?
It is essential to choose a center or a professional who knows "what to do" with the collected data. In general, you can contact sports medicine centers but, to obtain a "practical utility, you can contact your Sports Doctor, Dietitian or Personal Trainer."
Do I have to repeat the bioimpedance analysis periodically?
If you have chosen to intervene on diet, training or lifestyle, obviously yes, to control any changes in body composition. In the field of training, on average it is repeated over a period of time that varies from every 2 months every 6 months, it depends on the objectives, the results of the first analysis, the variations that have been introduced and other factors.
Why, even today, except for true enthusiasts, we hear little about BIA?
The fact is that the BIA is not so well known to the community depends mainly on the fact that the variations in body composition, in most cases (with some exceptions), are appreciable even with less expensive systems. For this reason, many professionals avoid spending money on a tool towards which the "depreciation of the company" would end after 20 years.
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