Health, not weight
In today's world, people often focus on weight, partly because it is easy to measure and track. We're totally on the weight-focused craze. But there's a whole universe of health factors waiting to be explored, like sleep, hormones, and minerals - for health improvements and not just aesthetics.
So, forget that pesky scale for a moment, and let's journey into the marvelous and mysterious realm of holistic health with the support of at-home tests.
But first…
THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING A WEIGHT-WATCHING WORRIER
When we're blinded by the scale, we miss out on all the other aspects of health. This weight-watching tunnel vision can lead to some not-so-fun consequences:
Unhealthy habits: The pressure to slim down or maintain a certain weight can push people into extreme dieting, over-the-top exercise, or even meal-skipping madness - which is different than proper fasting done well. This can weaken our immune systems, increase injury risks, and lead to nutrient deficiencies. So, let's ditch the short-term weight loss goals and focus on long-term sustainable habits for our overall wellbeing.
Obsessive behaviors: When weight becomes our one and only, it can breed a whole nest of food and exercise obsessions. Think constant weigh-ins, calorie counting, and relentless workouts. No, thank you! These behaviors can harm our mental health and may even lead to eating disorders or exercise addiction.
Ignoring other health indicators: If we only care about weight, we might overlook other essential health signs like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or sleep quality. It's time to open our eyes and address these health issues before they become major problems.
Damaging mental health: Focusing solely on weight can make us feel down in the dumps, with negative self-image, low self-esteem, and guilt or shame around food and exercise. This can worsen anxiety and depression, and even create a negative feedback loop where poor mental health leads to more unhealthy habits. Plus, sometimes we can't lose weight because of other health factors, like hormonal imbalances - and that is what we should actually measure.
Strained relationships: Tunnel vision can also strain friendships and family bonds. Obsessing over weight can make us socially isolated, irritable, or unable to enjoy shared meals or activities.
By recognizing the tunnel vision effect and its consequences, we can shift our focus towards a more holistic approach to health. Embracing overall health and wellbeing as our primary goal will help us make healthier choices, create sustainable habits, and improve our quality of life.
AT-HOME HEALTH TESTS: THE HIDDEN GEMS
Did you know there is a treasure trove of handy tools to measure other health aspects from the comfort of your home?
There are plenty of at-home tests that can help you keep an eye on your health. Some of these include:
Urine test strips: Measure your health through glucose levels, pH balance, and kidney function – all from a simple urine test!
Sleep trackers: Keep tabs on your sleep patterns and quality for a more well-rested and healthier you.
Heart rate monitors: Track your heart rate and gain insights into your cardiovascular health.
Blood pressure monitors: Keep hypertension at bay by monitoring your blood pressure at home.
Glucometers: Manage diabetes or assess your risk with at-home blood glucose monitoring.
Hormone test kits: Discover hormone imbalances by measuring cortisol, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones to better understand hormonal imbalances that may be impacting health.
UNVEILING THE MYSTERIES OF HORMONE TESTING FOR BETTER HEALTH
Hormones act as the body's chemical messengers, influencing various processes and keeping the body in balance. When imbalances occur, they can significantly affect one's health.
Stress and substances like caffeine can contribute to these imbalances. For example, consuming excessive caffeine might lead to increased cortisol levels, a hormone that can negatively impact sleep, mood, and weight management when chronically elevated.
By embracing at-home hormone testing, individuals can gain insights into their hormonal balance, leading to better stress management, improved sleep, and overall enhanced wellbeing.
Let's explore the hormones that can be measured and the advantages of using hormone test kits.
Cortisol: Known as the "stress hormone," cortisol is crucial for the body's stress response. Persistent stress can cause elevated cortisol levels, potentially leading to sleep problems, weight gain, and mood changes. By employing an at-home cortisol test, individuals can keep track of their stress levels and learn to manage stress more effectively.
Thyroid hormones: The thyroid gland produces hormones that govern metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. Imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can result in fatigue, weight fluctuations, and mood swings. Thyroid hormone test kits can help users pinpoint these imbalances, allowing them to collaborate with healthcare professionals to find suitable treatments.
Sex hormones: Playing essential roles in reproductive health, mood regulation, and overall wellbeing, sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are vital to monitor. Imbalances can cause symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, mood shifts, and reduced libido. Hormone test kits can help individuals keep tabs on their sex hormone levels, empowering them to address any imbalances through lifestyle adjustments or medical intervention.
Here's how a typical at-home salivary cortisol test works:
Purchase the test kit: At-home cortisol test kits can be purchased online from various health and wellness retailers or even Amazon, as well as from some pharmacies. Before purchasing, make sure to choose a reputable brand with good customer reviews to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Collect the sample: The test kit usually contains detailed instructions on how to collect a saliva sample. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to obtain accurate results. Typically, you will be asked to refrain from eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for a specific amount of time before collecting the sample. Saliva is collected by either spitting into a provided tube or by using a cotton swab to absorb saliva from your mouth. You would also want to measure your cortisol level at different times throughout the day, to see your pattern.
Send the sample to the lab: Once you have collected the saliva sample, you will need to send it to the designated laboratory for analysis. Most test kits come with a pre-paid shipping label, making it easy to mail the sample.
Receive results: After the laboratory has analyzed your sample, you will receive your cortisol test results, usually via email or through a secure online portal. The turnaround time for results varies depending on the company, but it generally takes a few days.
Interpret results: The test results will show your cortisol levels, usually in the form of a graph or a numerical value. It is essential to compare your results with the provided reference ranges, which indicate the normal cortisol levels for your age and sex. If your cortisol levels are outside the normal range, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential causes and treatment options.
URINE TEST STRIPS: YOUR TICKET TO A HEALTHIER YOU
I just bought myself some new urine test strips from Perfeqt (no association with them at the time of writing). And today I had my first test, which got me quite a few red flags on my liver health and on potential urinary infections. I will continue to check them with more urine strips, and if it persists, I will go for a medical check.
Urine test strips are like your personal health detectives, helping you keep an eye on various aspects of your health from the comfort of your home. These magical strips contain tiny pads that react with certain substances in your urine, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Just compare the colors to a provided chart, and voila – you've got a glimpse of your health markers!
Here's a sneak peek at some common substances these strips can measure and why they matter:
Glucose: Is there sugar in your pee (aka glycosuria)? It might be a sign of diabetes or other glucose-related conditions. Keep tabs on those sweet levels to manage diabetes and prevent complications.
Ketones: Produced when your body breaks down fat for energy, high ketone levels in your urine (ketonuria) could mean you're rocking a keto diet or fasting. But watch out, diabetics – too many ketones might signal a dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Protein: If there's protein in your urine (proteinuria), it could be a clue that something's up with your kidneys. Keep an eye on protein levels to detect kidney issues early and plan your next move.
Blood: Blood in your urine (hematuria) can point to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or other urinary issues. If you spot consistent blood presence, chat with a healthcare professional for further investigation.
pH: What's your pee's pH level? If it's too acidic or too alkaline, it could hint at issues like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or metabolic disorders. Dive into my pH balance adventure here!
Leukocytes: White blood cells (leukocytes) in your urine might mean there's an infection or inflammation lurking in your urinary tract. High levels of these cells should prompt a chat with a healthcare pro.
Nitrites: Got nitrites in your urine? You might be dealing with a bacterial urinary tract infection. These sneaky bacteria, like Escherichia coli, turn nitrates into nitrites, making this test a nifty tool for diagnosing UTIs.
Bilirubin: This yellowish substance appears when red blood cells break down in the liver. Usually, there's little to no bilirubin in your urine, so detecting it can help spot liver or bile duct disorders. If your bilirubin levels are elevated, it could mean your liver isn't processing it properly, or there's a pesky obstruction in your bile ducts.
I hope this can help you surround yourself with useful tools for monitoring health aspects and be empowered to manage your health well, tracking impact of food and lifestyle choices on these markers, and spotting early indicators of imbalances before you get to more serious problems.
Barcelona Health Club offers you the place to discuss all these, in some cases measure some on the spot, and have conversations and practice on how to improve your health based on test results. Every individual is unique, that’s why all retreats at Barcelona Health Club are personalized.
