Ketosis: What is Ketosis all about?

Background:

What is Ketosis?

What is Ketosis all all About? Ketosis is a metabolic state in which some of the body’s energy supply comes from ketone bodies (acetoacetate and ß-hydroxybutyrate) in the blood, ketone bodies are formed by ketogenesis when liver glycogen stores are depleted or from metabolizing fat at a high rate and converting fatty acids into ketones. In contrast to a state of glycolysis in which blood glucose provides energy, ketones are used for energy instead. Ketosis is a nutritional process characterized by serum concentrations of ketone bodies over 0.5 mM, with low and stable levels of insulin and blood glucose. Ketones can also be consumed in exogenous ketone foods and supplements (keto diet).

What is the Keto Diet?

The Ketois or ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. The keto diet forces the body to utilize fats rather than carbohydrates. Normally, the carbohydrates contained in food are metabolized into glucose which then serves as a source of energy. However, if there is little to no carbohydrate in the diet, the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. The types of foods contained in the keto diet include Seafood, low-carb vegetables, avocados, cheese, meat, eggs, coconut oil, Nuts and seeds, berries. The ketone bodies produced replace glucose as an energy source. The potential side effects of a keto diet may include constipation, high cholesterol, growth slowing, acidosis, and kidney stones.

Uses of Ketosis/Ketogenic Diets:

Deliberately induced ketosis can serve as a treatment for conditions, such as intractable epilepsy and diabetes. Keto diets also help in weight loss, Increased HDL cholesterol levels, Reduced blood glucose levels.

Symptoms that you’re in Ketosis:

There are certain symptoms that occur when the body is in ketosis. Theses symptoms include:

• Fruity odor breath because ketones are partially expelled through breath.
• Weight loss due to the restriction of intake of carbs.
• Ketosis can also result in significantly reduced appetite and hunger when one is on a keto diet.
• There is also report of improved brain function and steady energy levels in people on keto diets.

Some symptoms that occur during the early stages of ketosis include Gastrointestinal disturbances, Insomnia and Fatigue.

Helpful Ketosis related links:

• Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients