Bisu, a startup based in Tokyo and San Francisco, presented an innovative personal urine testing device at CES in Las Vegas.
Bisu is an easy-to-use device capable of analysing and measuring certain biomarkers in urine through a disposable strip. The urine contains valuable information on diet, metabolism and hormones.
Bisu is the first device that measures both Acetal Acetate (AcAc) and Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in urine with a high detection sensitivity. These two ketones are by-products of fat breakdown and are naturally produced by our body to generate energy when we consume few carbohydrates.
Bisu is able to detect pH and uric acid. The human body must keep its pH within a very narrow range (typically 7.35 – 7.45) in order to function properly. Although it is not possible to change this pH significantly through diet, excess acidity is continuously removed from the body through breathing and urine to maintain the correct pH. Foods such as meat, grains, salt and saturated fats produce acidity, while foods such as fruits and vegetables produce alkalinity.
If the diet is too acidic, it creates metabolic stress that promotes insulin resistance and influences muscle retention, bone density and kidney function. Dietary acid makes it more difficult to remove lactic acid from the muscles, thus reducing the performance of anaerobic exercise. PH monitoring can help avoid these pitfalls.
Bisu detects the specific gravity of urine which measures the concentration of particles in the urine and its density. The more hydrated you are, the more diluted the urine becomes and the lower its specific gravity. Conversely, the less hydrated you are, the more concentrated the urine becomes and the higher its specific gravity.
Since the colour of your urine can be affected by many factors, including diet, exercise, infections and medications, specific gravity is a much more reliable indicator of your hydration status.
Bisu finally measures sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), electrolytes which are all excreted in the urine. Sodium and potassium help regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals. Magnesium supports the immune system and bone health, regulates heart rate and glucose levels and helps create energy and protein. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth and maintain healthy blood pressure.
The device operates through an app, Bisu Body Coach, which displays the data detected in urine and provides personalized dietary suggestions, allowing you to see the logic behind each recommendation.
Bisu will be marketed during 2020, you can subscribe to a waiting list to receive the device among the first ones. The selling price is not known yet.
Digital-health 