ULTRAHEALTH ?!?!
Recently I read about being in a state of “Ultra-health”. I have heard and read of good health, optimal health, and wellness. The possibility of being in an ULTRA-HEALTH state called my attention!
First of all, I wanted to know what was it. The definition I found was, “an ultra-health state is shown by your high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level being less than 0.5 mg/L, your body mass index (BMI) being between 20-24 and your percentage of body fat being around 10% for men and 17-22% for women”.
What kind of definition is that? It is more of a parameter to follow. Well, the importance here is that each of the three components mentioned above helps to define what is to be in a state of ultra-health; which means that a person in ultra-health state is more than in a good health, optimal health or living in wellness. I believe it is necessary to spell out a little what each of these components can do for us.
Your hs-CRP is one of the best indicators of how well your body is performing in terms of cellular aging. A low level can indicate best possible condition for long-term health and longevity. A level less than 0.5 shows a body who will thrive for a long time.
Google says the BMI is “a weight-to-height ratio, calculated by dividing one’s weight in kilograms by the square of one’s height in meters and used as an indicator of obesity and underweight.” It is used to assess you risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, a variety of cancers and other diseases. The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have proposed the range between 18.5 and 24.9. Studies have proven connection of BMI above or below that range to various diseases. Just to reduce your weight and being on “yo-yo diets” as a goal should not be your focus; on the other hand, an effective result of obtaining an “ultra-health” life style will be conducive to longevity!
Percentage of Body Fat is the next component indicating ultra-health. Although the amount of body fat varies according to genetics, culture and environment the range mentioned above should be the ideal. It is always advisable and healthier to aim towards the “lean” category when it comes to percentage of body fat.
So, now, you know about UNTRA-HEALTH! There are three components defining it, the levels of hs-CRP, BMI, and Body fat %. Just three little things shown to you on a blood test recommended by your doctor and/or some special table. The real trick here is – DO YOU WANT TO BE ULTRA-HEALTH? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO?
Doroti da Cunha, MSW, PhD
COPE Certified Health Coach
I inspire, promote and celebrate health!
407-399-0908