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Transcript of Team PACK Final Business Plan
Βülzi – Concept Statement
Page 0
βülzi
12/18/2015 Final Business Plan
A convenient, efficient, accurate, and coherent tool for
understanding hydration and sodium needs while exercising.
Adams | Chi | Kadim | Palmer
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 1
THE PROBLEM
“I was in ER last year after vomiting from a nutrition change on an 18 mile run. I was so dehydrated and
imbalanced with my electrolytes that I had leg muscle fasciculations for months afterwards that worsened every time I exercise to the point of muscle fatigue.” – Female, 46, long-distance runner
The most commonly diagnosed electrolyte imbalances are associated with sodium concentrations and include
hypernatremia (high levels of sodium) and hyponatremia (low levels of sodium).1 Endurance athletes have long
been aware of the importance of maintaining water and electrolyte balance during training and competition,
yet exercise-associated-hyponatremia (EAH) is a prevailing condition without a common solution. EAH is
defined as the condition in which sodium levels drop excessively during and up to 24 hours after prolonged
physical activity.2 Recent studies show EAH in up to 29% of endurance athletes participating in marathons and
Ironman triathlons and up to 50% in endurance cycling.3 EAH significantly impacts athletic performance,
inducing symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and mental confusion, which can prevent athlete’s from
completing their event.4 Although known and preventable, it is one of the most life-threatening causes that
can occur during an athletic event and has claimed the lives of 10 athletes since 1993.3 Most athletes manage
their fluid and sodium levels using self-diagnosis and DIY methods and find it inadequate and frustrating.
Currently, the only method for most people to measure electrolytes levels, including sodium, is by going to a
hospital or medical lab. There is no product in the market that allows for portable, timely, and reliable diagnosis
of sodium.
TARGET MARKET: WHO THEY ARE
“I play the guessing game...It's usually up to me to figure out what my imbalance is...I have found myself in some near scary situations.” –Female, distance runner
Our entry market focuses on athletes with the most urgent need for sodium management: endurance athletes.
These athletes are cyclists, swimmers, and runners who compete for substantial lengths of time (2 to 24 hours),
often unaided aside from what can be carried on their person or gleaned from intermittent aid stations.
Endurance athletes are particularly susceptible to EAH because they exercise continuously, incurring large
volumes of sweat and fluid loss. An average of 11% of endurance athletes consistently suffer from EAH (Table
βülzi – Final Business Plan
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1).5 Fluid and sodium management is therefore imperative in order to complete the race at peak performance
and avoid hospitalization.6
Table 1. Entry Market Segmentation3, 7-11
Market Segment Size
(Race Finishers)
Annual Growth
Rate (2009-2014)
Reported EAH
Occurrence Total Market Size
Half Marathons 2,000,000 14% 8% 160,000
Marathons 541,000 8% 10-15% 70,000
Triathlons 477,000 5% 18% 85,860
Cycling 63,500 2% 50% 31,750
Total 3,081,500 11% 11% 347,610
Endurance athletes suffering from EAH comprise approximately 3% of the market at-large we intend to capture
(Table 2). Fluid and sodium balance is a significant determinant of performance for all athletes.12 What
differentiates our entry market from the market at-large is that endurance athletes rarely have coaches and
trainers on the sidelines monitoring their health. Endurance athletes’ ability to maintain peak performance is
solely reliant on their self-management and diagnosis, which is a primary frustration of this market segment.
Table 2. Total Available Market13-15
Market Segment Number of
Athletes
Annual Growth
Rate (2009-2014)
Professional Athletes 14,900 7%
Collegiate Athletes 478,869 20%
High School Athletes 7,807,047 11%
Endurance Athletes 3,081,500 13%
Total Available Market 11,382,316 12%
TARGET MARKET: WHAT THEY NEED
“You need to be ahead of the game and hopefully manage things before they become a problem.” – Male, 28, Marathon runner and endurance cyclist
Endurance athletes have three primary jobs to be done: measure sodium levels, determine what is wrong, and
correctly solve that issue in order to continue to competing (Table 3). Compared to incumbent methods, this
market needs a solution which quickly provides them information in real-time and is convenient to use and
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 3
understand, without compromising accuracy (Figure 1). Additionally, personal interviews with endurance
athletes shed light that this market has limited “real estate” on their person or gear, such as a bicycle, for
utilizing additional gear. Our entry market needs a solution that minimizes impact on personal “real estate” and
integrates into existing gear as much as possible.
Table 3. Jobs to be Done
Figure 1. Value-based Position Map
Jobs To Be Done Importance Frequency Frustration Score Rank Benefit
Measure sodium
levels 5 5 5 50 1
Accuracy/ Convenience/
Affordability
Determine
discomfort source 5 3 5 40 2 Convenience/ Certainty
Continue
competing 4 5 4 36 3
Ability to
Participate/ Effective
βülzi – Final Business Plan
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
βülzi is an all-in-one unit designed to be a convenient solution for athletes to assess their sodium levels and
understand next-step solutions for nutrition and hydration. βülzi utilizes a sweat sensor pressed against the skin to
measure sodium levels and suggests further action to the user. Our product design is captured in the following
four target areas:
Convenience:
βülzi makes sodium-level assessment accessible at all times by attaching the sweat sensor to the body. It is easy
to use and wear. The interface and sweat sensor are designed to act as a clasp, making it possible for users to
attach βülzi to existing gear, such as watch bands or shorts. βülzi is not bulky; it’s small (approximately the
diameter of a quarter), sleek, thin design makes it functional to attach to other gear, without being
cumbersome or causing chafing. βülzi’s sweat sensor is non-invasive - sodium levels are measured through skin-
to-sensor contact. Simply attach, press the center button to turn on, and go!
Efficiency:
βülzi provides rapid feedback to users. Sensor readings are taken every five minutes, providing continuous
feedback to athletes. Users also have the ability to take “snap shot” readings, simply by tapping the center
button, triggering an on-demand measurement.
Accuracy:
Most athletes rely upon intuition to understand their sodium and hydration needs. With βülzi, athletes no longer
have to question their nutrition and hydration choices; βülzi is their guide. Based upon readings from the sweat
sensor, βülzi suggests the next-step for the user using color-coded commands (Figure 2).
Coherence:
In the middle of strenuous and prolonged exercise, athletes need an interface which is easy to read and
understand. βülzi utilizes changes in colored light to communicate to users what they need to do to keep their
sodium levels balanced. βülzi is easy to understand how to use; when held, the single center button turns the
unit on and off and can be pressed to take a “snap shot” readings for users.
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 5
Figure 2. βülzi Product Design
βülzi
Interface provides
colored readings and
contains power and
“snap shot” button
Rotates at hinge
to open and close
Sweat sensor
faces into skin
Yellow Light Blue Light Green Light
Solid = Increase Salt Intake Solid = Drink Water All OK
Flashing = Urgent Flashing = Urgent
Red Light All Lights
End exercise – seek help Rotating = Device Running
Flashing = Low Battery
βülzi – Final Business Plan
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN:
βülzi’s core competency lies in the development of new monitoring technology that has information
management designed specifically for ease of use in both training and competition. As discussed previously,
the market value mapping shows the need for an efficient and convenient measurement tool while still
retaining accuracy. The βülzi meets these market needs through these key processes and resources, which are
detailed later in the business model canvas.
The competitive advantage of βülzi in the athletic tracking device market is founded in being a unique
product that meets an unserved need. The competitive hierarchy model, as shown below in Figure 3 below,
analyzes competitors in various levels of the market environment. At the product form level, the closest
competitors are general fitness trackers that currently do not have sweat sensing or sodium measuring
capabilities. In the product category realm, supplements such as salt tablets or gel packets and hospital or lab
tests are the remaining other options for treating sodium imbalance. Both the DIY method and tests are not
meeting customer needs as shown in the value based market positioning (Figure 1). At a broad level, customers
spend money on sports drinks and personal trainers to help improve their performance, and are willing to invest
in general athletic equipment and clothing with the same budget.
Figure 3. Hierarchy of Competition
βülzi – Final Business Plan
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PROPOSED BUSINESS MODEL:
The proposed business model for βülzi is simple, much like the device itself. Revenue will be generated solely
through transactions involving the βülzi device. The price point of the βülzi was placed at $60 after thorough
discussions with our target segment. Target customers were willing to purchase the concept product anywhere
from $15-$60. While some of the target customers expressed interest in lower costs, as a health-related device in
the endurance world, we decided to set the price at $60 to represent the quality and novelty of the product.
The business model canvas for βülzi is shown below in Figure 4 and lays out the elements that enable a
profitable and sustainable business. The critical elements that provide the basis of competition are the key
processes and key resources that go into the product. The value proposition describes the market need for a
simple device with efficient information management, and the βülzi patents and intellectual property tied to
the device will ensure continued value and profitability.
Figure 4. Business Model Canvas
The main channels of revenue for βülzi include online sales, through athletic stores, and transactions at race
events. The customer relationships are a vital element to the success of the device, as are the key partners
involved in the business. Along with the assumption that partners and customers will accept and use the
product, the riskiest assumption we make is that the product performs as we have described.
Key Partners Key Processes Customer Relationships Customer SegmentsInformation management
R&D/Prototyping
Marketing at endurance
and athletic events
Reference groups
Social media
Key Resources ChannelsPatents
Sales network
Online sales
Athletic stores
Event sales
Value Proposition
Suppliers
Assembly
Event management
Sponsorships
(Teams and Individuals)
Future Partners
Drinks/nutritional brands
Endurance athletes
Growth into all athletes
A convenient, efficient,
accurate, and coherent
tool for understanding
hydration and sodium
needs while exercising
Transactional model
Unbundled device
R&D
Marketing
Warehousing
Inventory
Website
Cash Flow Revenue
βülzi – Final Business Plan
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PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS:
βülzi relies on sweat sensing technology that is still under research and development, and the business model
was created assuming an effective product could be made at a reasonable cost. Without the technology or
associated patents, βülzi would be unable to provide the value proposition we seek. Apple’s iWatch originally
had sweat sensing technologies and had to be removed due to inconsistencies with moisture levels, proximity
to the skin, and even hair on the skin.16 Assuming the device is able to perform as previously described, the next
priority in business planning is with marketing and customer relationships. As shown in Figure 5 below, βülzi has a
relatively simple ecosystem, with the simultaneous distribution directly to the customers, sponsors, and event
managers allowing for multiple opportunities for market penetration.
Figure 5. The βülzi Ecosystem
Due to the unknown market receptiveness to βülzi, the business ecosystem is more sensitive downstream than
upstream. The suppliers and investors play a major role in allowing the high quality product be manufactured at
lower costs, however the ecosystem is established with customer need. Marketing plays a major role in
ensuring the customer acceptance, and continued research and interactions with the customers would allow
βülzi to continue meeting market needs. To help combat market adoption barriers, βülzi devices would be
initially provided to high profile endurance athletes and teams to gain aspirational support in the community.
From conversations with the target segment, innovators and early adopters often copy equipment that the
high profile athletes use. We would then rely on reference groups and presence at events to continue
spreading the βülzi product to the rest of the market.
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 9
REVERSE INCOME STATEMENT AND FORCAST:
βülzi’s business concept involves a simple revenue model of transactions only. In comparing profit goals, Fitbit
was used as a benchmark due to their similar product and transactional revenue model. Over the last two
years, Fitbit has maintained gross profits of 40-50% of their total revenue, which is the projected goal for βülzi
after the third year of operation.17 As shown in the forecasted revenue statement in Table 4 below, the first year
and second year losses due to growth and customer relations are turned into profits seen in the third year. The
first year specifically has a high percentage focused on initial development, whereas the second year
operating expense increases as sales increase. By the third year, product costs would be streamlined with
higher orders, allowing for more revenue per operating expense, and research and development would
continue for eventual updates or new products.
Table 4. Forecasted Income
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Revenue $300,000 $800,000 $2,100,000
Cost of Revenue $600,000 $1,000,000 $1,200,000
Operating Expense $100,000 $400,000 $600,000
Research and Development $300,000 $300,000 $300,000
Sales and Marketing $100,000 $150,000 $100,000
General Administrative $100,000 $150,000 $200,000
Income Before Tax ($300,000) ($200,000) $900,000
Contribution Margin $300,000 $200,000 -
Contribution Percentage 100% 25%
The third year shows a 43% profit margin and equivalent sale of 35,000 units, which is still a relatively small
portion of the total target market. In terms of competitive hierarchy and customer willingness to purchase these
types of devices, between the spring of 2013 and 2014, 3.3 million fitness trackers were sold, approximately two-
thirds of which were sold by Fitbit.18 With the specific targeted customer segment, successful marketing and
reference group penetration would bypass the forecasted revenues and sales of the βülzi.
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 10
RECOMMENDATION:
Having fully explored the βülzi business concept, there are many factors that were considered in determining
the recommendation moving forward. Some of these factors included integration and connectivity to
mainstream devices, the potential health liabilities involved in the product, and the competitive rate of
innovation in the somewhat saturated market of performance devices. With these and other topics in mind, it is
our recommendation to go forward as a concept with the intent to license to or be acquired by a larger
company in the market, such as Garmin, Fitbit, or Nike. The βülzi concept of a simple and separate
measurement device for athletes can be expanded and fully utilized by a larger company. Compatibility with
watches, bike computers, or other athletic devices could also provide the means for a smaller detached
device to become mainstream in the athletic market.
If βülzi does not get acquired, the recommendation would be to recycle and attempt to sell any associated
patents or intellectual property to companies. The risks associated with continuing the product as a separate
company are too great as a start-up. Without the large customer base of the existing companies or the legal
protection they could provide, βülzi carries a good solution to a frustrating problem, but does not have a strong
enough business plan to be an independently successful start-up.
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 11
REFERENCES 1 Waikar SS, DB Mount, and GC Curhan. "Mortality after hospitalization with mild, moderate, and severe hyponatremia." The American Journal of Medicine 122.9 (2009): 857-865.
2 Hew-Butler T, JC Ayus, C Kipps, RJ Maughan, WH Meewise, AJ Page, SA Reid, NJ Rehrer, WO Roberts, IR Rogers, MH Rogner, AJ Seigel, DB Speedy,
KJ Stuempfle, JG Verbalis, LB Weschler, and P Waharam. “Statement of the Second International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference, New Zealand, 2007.” Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine 18.2 (2008): 111-121.
3 Hoffman MD. Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia. http://www.naemsp.org/Documents/2015 Annual Meeting Handouts/FRI 230 2B Hoffman.pdf. 2015.
4Speedy DB, TD Noakes, and C Schneider. “Exercise-associated hyponatremia: A review.” Emergency Medicine 13 (2001): 17 – 27.
5Speedy, DB, TD Noakes, NE Kimber, IR Rogers, JM Thompson, DR Boswell, JJ Ross, RG Campbell, PG Galagher, and JA Kuttner. “Fluid balance during
and after an ironman triathlon.” Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine 11.1 (2001): 44 – 50.
6Casa DJ, LE Armstrong, SJ Montain, BSE Rich, and JA Stone. “National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement.” Journal of Athletic Training 35.2(2000): 212 – 224.
7Running USA. July 13, 2015. http://www.runningusa.org/statistics.
8Final USA Triathlon 2014 Membership Report. 2014. http://www.usatriathlon.org/~/media/1283f1e4167c46efb5081f1574335508.ashx.
9Active Member Demographic, USA Cycling. 2015. https://www.usacycling.org/corp/demographics.php.
10Mohseni M, S Silvers, N Diehl, T Vadeboncoeur, W Taylor, S Shapiro, J Roth, and S Mahoney, "Prevelence of Hyponatremia, renal dysfunction and
other electrolyte abnormalities among runners before and after completeing a marathon or half marathon." Sports Health 3.2 (2011): 145-51.
11Speedy DB, TD Noakes, IR Rogers, JM Thompson, RG Campbell, JA Kuttner, DR Boswell, S Wright, and M Hamlin. "Hyponatremia in ultradistance
triathletes." Medical Science Sports Exercise 31.6 (1999): 809-15.
12Shirreffs SM, and MN Sawka. “Fluid and electrolyte needs for training, competition, and recovery.” Journal of Sports Science 29.S1 (2011): S39 – 46.
13Bureau of Labor Statistics. January 8, 2014. “Occupational Outlook: Athletes and Sports Competitors.” http://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-
sports/athletes-and-sports-competitors.htm
14Irik E. “Student-Athlete Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report 1981/82 – 2013/14.” National Collegiate Athletic Association (2014).
15National Federation of State High School Associations. “2014-2015 High School Athletics Participation Survey.” http://www.nfhs.org/ParticipationStatics/PDF/2014-15_Participation_Survey_Results.pdf
16Kingsley-Hughes A. February 17, 2015. “Sensor issues forced health features to be cut from Apple Watch.” ZDNet.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/sensor-issues-forced-health-features-to-be-cut-from-apple-watch.
17Fitbit, Inc. Form 10-Q. October, 31, 2015. United States Securities and Exchanges Commission. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1447599/000144759915000012/fitbit09301510q.htm.
18Danova T. May 5, 2014. “Just 3.3 million fitness trackers were sold in the US in the past year.” Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/33-million-fitness-trackers-were-sold-in-the-us-in-the-past-year-2014-5.
Βülzi – Concept Statement
Page 12
APPENDIX I – CODEBOOK
Verbatim Comment Source Incumbent
Solution
Observed
Gaps
Level of
Frustration
Benefit
Themes
(Sentiment)
Profile
This is a great topic to explore and is a tough situation for
many endurance athletes. My core body temperature
runs really low and I don't sweat a whole lot, even with
aggressive aerobic exercises. When I was doing a lot of
distance racing/training I was really lucky to find a good
combo of products and timing of ingestion that really
worked for me and never really had any issues. I spent a
lot of time reading about concentrations of drink mixes
trying to see what was best for me. I was also really
regimented about being consistent with bottles per hour
and tracked how much I was eating and drinking while I
was running or on the bike.
communicati
on
Self-Assessment
Self-Education
Nutritional
Supplements
Inaccurate
Time
Consuming
2 Effective (+)
Accuracy (+)
Efficiency (-)
Female, Endurance
Athlete, Cyclist, long
distance runner, Ironman
My husband has had a lot of issues with electrolyte
imbalance. He does fine racing in cool weather, but the
minute the temps get over 70-75 degrees and if in a dry
climate he really struggles...He also struggled with finding
a proper concentration of electrolyte mix and often
made it too concentrated and would get sick or not
concentrated enough. On 2 occasions he has ended up
in Urgent care requiring IV fluids after a stage race and
suffering from heat exhaustion and electrolyte
imbalance. Both times he was beyond being able to
drink his way out of it and would vomit with ingestion of
fluids. On multiple other occasions he has not had to go
to the hospital after a race, but has been very ill and
vomiting due to improper intake of electrolytes.
communicati
on
Self-Assessment
Nutritional and
electrolyte
supplements
Inaccurate
Ineffective
5 Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Certainty (-)
Safety (-)
Male, Endurance Athlete,
Long distance runner,
Cyclist
My management is all based on timing of drinking. I do
my best to monitor my output through examining my
heart rate and relative effort. At that point, it becomes a
personal science of timing when you drink fluids and how
often. Some people gauge by the color/clarity of your
pee. For me, the game is over by that point if you find
your urine is too concentrated. You need to be ahead of
the game and hopefully manage things before they
become a problem. The idea you are working on would
be a big game changer in making my hydration
accurate and effective.
communicati
on
Self-Assessment
Nutritional and
electrolyte
supplements
Inaccurate
Ineffective
5 Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Certainty (-)
Safety (-)
Michael, Male, 28,
Endurance Athlete,
Marathon runner, Cyclist
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 13
My friend Spencer didn't want to go through what he
has seen Cort go through with some of the dehydration
during the stage races and ended up being hospitalized
in a coma from hyponatremia. He hasn't raced a bike
since
communicati
on
Self-Assessment
Nutritional and
electrolyte
supplements
Inaccurate
Ineffective
5 Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Certainty (-)
Ability to
participate (-)
Male, Endurance Athlete,
Long distance runner,
Cyclist
Experienced athletes tend to know what kind of race
nutrition they need (water, calories, electrolytes) based
on experience. Less experienced runners in long
distances may prefer to follow prescribed expert
guidance (mcg's per hour for example) but this doesn't
always work as all runners needs are very
individual.........and results can vary based on how hard
an athlete is running. Less experienced runners aren't
always good at gauging effort.
communicati
on
Expert
recommendati
ons
Self-assessment
Nutrition
supplements
Inaccurate
Not enough
experience
to self
manage
No ability to
quantify
x Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Understanding
(-)
Male, Long distance
runner
In my 3 years of running I have been able to start by
weighing myself before and after running to know how
much fluid I need and then I alternate every 6 oz with
light electrolytes such as NUUN... I had some issues if I
have changed products for nutrition or hydration... I was
in ER last year after vomitting from a nutrition change on
an 18 mile run. I was so dehyrated and imbalanced with
my electrolytes that I had leg muscle fasciculations for
months afterwards that worsened every time I exercises
to the point of muscle fatigue
communicati
on
Self-Assessment
Body weight
measurement
technique
Electrolyte
supplements
(Nuun)
Inaccurate
Inconsistent
Ineffective
4
Effective (-)
Reliability (-)
Accuracy (-)
Female, 46, Long distance
runner
They happen every bloody time :-( All is well until about
90 to 110km and then it starts. Always in the right leg first:
quads, then hamstring and then the adductors. Left leg is
better, not as strong cramps, just quads. If I ride hills
cramps happen sooner, on the flat later, but it is all very
frustrating. I did a Granfondo ride last week, averaged
35kmph for about 100km or so and when we hit the hills I
lost about 25 min in stops and very slow rides. I wasn't
hammering, I was in a group most of the time so it was
mostly drafting and I did my share of pulling too. But even
in training when I average 30kmph, give or take, at
about the same distance I get bad cramps. I drink
Gatorade every 10 min (big gulp) with added
electrolytes (e-lete) drops and eat a Power bar or Cliff
bar every 35-45 min. I just can't eat and drink more.
Slowtwitch
online forum
Self-Assessment
Nutritional
supplements
Inaccurate
Ineffective
Time
Consuming
5 Convenience
(-)
Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Distance cyclist
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 14
Did a 59m hilly road race yesterday, and like clockwork
had severe cramping around two hours in to the point of
not being able to pedal. Took precautions day before
and morning of by preloading with Salt stick and
Enduralite tablets, ate two bannanas morning of along
with two pickles, also adequate hydration. This has been
happening at nearly every race of over two hours for me,
up to the point of cramping I was at 207 watts average
and 158bpm ave(47 years old/158#'s), then bam, could
barley finish, constant cramps till the end. I ride roughly
200 miles a week and am at 6300m YTD. can it be too
much electrolytes?
Slowtwitch
online forum
Self-Assessment
Nutritional
supplements
Ineffective
Inaccurate
Uncertain
Results
4 Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Certainty (-)
47 yr old, endurace cyclist
Swimming, football, athletics. All had to be stopped
competitively because of my reoccurring cramp
problem. I went to the doctors and they couldn't suggest
anything to resolve the problem. I've tried so many
remedies and "tricks" to try and prevent it. Even now I'm
finding cramp setting in during less strenuous activities
such as running. It is slowly ruining my life, one which I am
always desperately trying to stay fit and healthy.
Reddit -
Online Forum
Self-assessment
"Tricks"
Home remedies
Inaccurate
Ineffective
Unreliable
Uncertain
results
5 Ability to
participate (-)
Reliability (-)
Accuracy (-)
Certainty (-)
Effective (-)
Swimmer and Football
Player
"The rationale is good," Bergeron said of James taking
cramping pills. "But what amount of sodium? Those salt
pills might contain 600 milligrams of sodium, but he might
need a thousand or tens of thousands of milligrams.
Often times, it's not enough. The salt pill is often nowhere
near enough once the cramps occur."
ESPN Article -
"The science
of Lebron's
cramping"
(Tom
Haberstroh,
6/8/14)
Salt tablets Inability to
meet
demands of
the
environment
4 Relability (-)
Effective (-)
Accuracy (-)
Efficiency (-)
Ability to
Participate (-)
Michael Bergeron, Doctor
Just a wee bit concerned here. Gotta wait more than a
week to find out if reducing my fluid intake will resove it -
she
said to come back in a week (that would be next Friday)
to be tested again...then it's long weekend, and she only
works
part time, so I'll be waiting till the middle of the next week
after that to find out if this is relatively minor or what.
instead or reducing your water -
why not increase your salt?
That's what I would have thought too -
but when the PA phoned me late Friday afternoon to tell
me about this, she said,
"And the idea isn't to increase salt, but to reduce your flui
d intake -
I want you to reduce your fluid intake by at least
half, and come back within a week so we can check yo
ur sodium level again".
I don't know whether that means 'don't increase salt' -
or if it just means, 'cut back on the water'.
Active Low-
Carber Forums
- Electrolyte
imbalance -
an update...
Hydration
Hospital
Timeframe
for results
Uncertainty
for diagnosis
5 Certainty (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Effective (-)
Efficiency (-)
Sara, active user
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 15
I've a question: it's my second time having hyponatremia.
It's much milder this time (133mmol/L) compared to last ti
me
(118mmol/L). My sodium level self corrected back, about
7~8 hours after peeing hourly. I didn't go to the hospital b
ut
restricted my fluid intake to ~1.5L (from both food and wa
ter). I wonder how long do I need to stay water restricted
?
Patient.info -
Eleyctrolyte
imbalance
forum
Hyponatremia
fluid restrictio
n
Hospital
diagnosis
Water
Restriction
Uncertainty
of diagnosis
3 Efficiency (-)
Accuracy (-)
Certainty (-)
user ida95461
I ended up severely hyponatremic with sodium level of 11
9. Got readmitted. Boy this
feels aweful. Lots of labs and hormone replacements.
MDJunction -
Pituitary Tumor
forum
hyponatremia
post op
Labs
Hormone
replacements
Lack of
control
Uncertainty
of cause
4 Safety (-)
Accuracy (-)
Certainty (-)
user agosrenshaw05
I have had been treated chronic hyponatremia for 2 yea
rs. The treatment has consisted of salt pills and demecloc
ycline.
The results have varied with being hospitalize twice. Sam
sca was used in the hospital to bring my sodium levels up.
Last
time I went to the ER with SL 122. No underlying cause ha
s been diagmosed. I am a 78 year male that was in goo
d health.
Patient.info -
Eleyctrolyte
imbalance
forum
Hyponatremia
SIADH
Salt Pills
Hospitalization
Medicines
Varying and
uncertain
results
4 Safety (-)
Accuracy (-)
Certainty (-)
78 year old male
previously in good health
My body cannot retain water. That causes me to drink
and if the urination doesn't stop, I will drink more. And I'll
suffer symptoms. Nausa, drowsy, very tired are the
common symptoms. If it is too bad, I'll get fast breathing,
my body shake/trembling, confusion, vomiting. I'll take V8
and gatorade to help me with the symptoms. If the
urinating doesn't stop and the symptoms continues, I'll go
ER.
MDJunction -
Hypopituitaris
m forum
Hyponatremia
?
V8 and
Gatorade
ER if bad
conditions
Inability to
regulate
Lack of
control
Unreliable
Inaccurate
5 Certainty (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Effective (-)
Safety (-)
User
pinkapple, Diabetes Insipi
dus
I found out yesterday that she was asked to go to the ER
by her doctors after getting her blood drawn because
her sodium levels were WAYYY low. She will be there for a
couple days with an IV treatment to regulate this. Has
anyone else experienced this??
MDJunction -
Cirrhosis forum
low sodium
levels
ER
IV treatment
Length of
inconvenien
ce
3 Convenience
(-)
Certainty (-)
Child of mother affected
Question, does anyone have a low sodium problem? I
got my blood work back and this is the second time my
sodium was 133. supposed to be 135-146. My doc says it
could be from drinking too much water? I need to drink a
lot of water since I am always thirsty.
MDJunction -
Lyme Disease
forum
low sodium?
Reduce
Hydration
Uncertainty 2 Certainty (-)
Convenience
(-)
Safety (-)
Anthony, lyme disease
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 16
So I did more research and this time I realized I probably
had a sodium deficiency, (or a potassium/salt ratio
imbalance). That problem is almost unheard of in
American society, but as I thought of what I was eating - I
realized it make total sense that was my problem. I
started adding salt to everything and within a day all the
palpitations stopped. So that was totally the problem.
Now it's two weeks later and I want to start the exercise
part again, minus heart palpitations. How can I make
sure I'm getting enough potassium and salt? I've added
more salt to my diet, but I think I'd like to add a sport drink
element just to make sure my heart doesn't freak out
again.
Mark's Daily
Apple - Salt
and Potassium
- Electrolyte
Issues
Add Salt to diet Uncertainty
of solution
Ineffective
Inaccurate
2 Certainty (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Effective (-)
Safety (-)
User MaloryVon, on primal
diet with heart palpations
Anyone here dealt with sodium serum levels? My dads
was too low, 129. 2 weeks ago we cut all table salt out of
his diet and we don't eat a lot of canned or processed
foods. I'm wondering if he should eat a little table salt.
The hospital got his levels back to normal by restricting
fluids. He doesn't seem to be carrying a lot of fluid right
now. 2.5 weeks ago he was 205 lbs. now he is 165, most
of it was loss from draining his stomach and the diuretics.
MDJunction -
Cirrhosis forum
Sodium Serum
Levels
Reducing salt
intake
Fluid Restriction
Hospital
Uncertainty
of solution
3 Certainty (-)
Safety (-)
Reliability (-)
Child of affected parent
with cirrhosis
I play the guessing game. Often. I rarely get them tested
(only during a physical exam - maybe once every two
years) so it's usually up to me to figure out what my
imbalance is. I choose to maintain a lower sodium intake
because I find that it throws me out of sync when I don't.
That said, I am also an avid runner and have found
myself in some near scary situations. I don't care for
bananas or potatoes on a regular basis, two of the most
talked about potassium sources. To moderate, I find
myself eating foods I would otherwise avoid - like potato
chips and salty snacks - because I haven't found a better
FAST alternative in my 15 years with CDI. I would love a
way to test my electrolytes at home and replace them
with natural sources.
Support
Group
Self-assessment
Low-sodium diet
Salty snacks
Access to
Testing
Accuracy of
Self-
assessment
5 Certainty (-)
Safety (-)
Accuracy (-)
Effective (-)
Reliability (-)
Female, athlete, Central
Diabetes Insipidus
For me it's a "treat the symptoms" method, which is an
awfully challenging way to do things. I don't monitor my
electrolytes regularly but I try to pay attention to my body
signals. It's just too expensive to go to the hospital for
testing on a regular basis. Some sort of person meter
(similar to a glucose meter for DM) would be ideal.
Support
Group
Self-assessment Financial
Inaccurate
Access to
Testing
5 Certainty (-)
Affordability (-)
Accuracy (-)
Reliability (-)
Effective (-)
Female, Diabetes
Insipidus
βülzi – Final Business Plan
Page 17
My sons number one reason for hospital admissions over
the years has been electrolyte imbalance - particularly
sodium. Two years ago, we were able to obtain an istat
machine. These are normally only approved for hospital
use, but my sons situation is extreme with sodium levels
fluctuating wildly and dangerously so. Since obtaining
the istat, we have had far fewer hospital admissions and
ER visits. We can easily check 1-2 times per week when
he is in normal range and 1-2 times per day if we need to
make an adjustment. He feels better, and it has really
improved his quality of life. It's a huge blessing!
Support
Group
iStat None 5 Certainty (+)
Safety (+)
Accuracy (+)
Effective (+)
Efficiency (+)
Mom of child with
Diabetes Insipidus
I just got out of the hospital last night due to low sodium
(123-124). Mine was due to diuretics working too well,
which were causing a crash in the sodium
levels/electrolyte imbalance, although I think there are a
number of reasons why this happens in patients with liver
disease. I took a pill (called Samsca, I think) which
seemed to help, but isn't covered by my insurance and
would cost me close to 10 grand to buy over the course
of the year, so that's not a long-term solution.
MDJunction
Support
Group
Hospital Inaccurate
Ineffective
Financial
4 Affordability (-)
Certainty (-)
User with liver disease