Ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic state that occurs when ketones are highly concentrated in the blood. It occurs when fat replaces glucose (sugar) as the main source of energy for the body.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat regimen that increases the consumption of fats thereby inducing ketosis. Energy is derived from amino acids instead of glucose thereby burning stored fat and promoting weight loss.

What Is Metabolism?

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur inside a living organism. Those processes take nutrients from food and use them for energy, growth, repair, and maintaining life.

This ongoing process occurs at the cellular level in all parts of our body. Metabolism is the process by which your body transforms what you consume and drink into energy. Calories from meals and drinks are combined with oxygen to produce energy.

ketones vs glucose fuel

What Are Ketones?

Many nutrition experts and researchers have paid close attention to one seemingly miraculous energy source for the past decade. It’s not carbohydrates, fat, or protein, as you might think.

Ketones are a type of fuel that has gained traction with many nutrition professionals and scientists. Ketones are byproducts of metabolism; they are water-soluble molecules that form as a byproduct of fatty acid metabolism in the liver.

Ketones

The three ketones, also known as ketone bodies, that are produced in the body are Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), Acetoacetate, and Acetone.

When glucose is not readily available, the liver produces ketones and they are utilized as an energy source. The body’s fat is broken down by the liver into glycerol and fatty acid molecules. The fatty acid is then broken down further, in a process called ketogenesis.

The main distinction between ketosis and ketogenesis is that ketosis is the metabolic condition. It is characterized by high levels of ketone bodies in the blood or urine.

Whereas ketogenesis is the biochemical process through which organisms manufacture ketone bodies by breaking down fatty acids and ketone amino acids.

The Difference Between Nutritional Ketosis And Ketosis

Nutritional ketosis is a condition in which people’s bodies enter into a state of ketosis as a result of changes to their diet.

Three types of nutritional ketosis…..

  • Carbohydrate-restricted ketosis
  • Supplemental ketosis
  • Alcoholic ketosis

The keto DIET falls into the category of carb-restricted ketosis since its fundamental pillars are low carb, high fat, and moderate protein consumption.

Since the keto diet alters what you eat, it is an example of nutritional ketosis. Blood ketone levels of .5 to 3.0 mmol/L (Millimoles per liter) are often used to define nutritional ketosis.

Don’t Confuse Nutritional Ketosis With Ketoacidosis

While ketosis has been widely proven to be a safe, effective method for weight loss, it should never be confused with ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is an extremely dangerous medical condition.

Ketoacidosis occurs when the body produces an abnormally high quantity of ketones, which is usually associated with type 1 diabetes.

keto diet word cloud

Having high ketone levels should be considered hazardous for individuals taking insulin. A measurement above 3.0 mmol/L represents a dangerous level of ketones that will require immediate medical care.

Benefits Of Ketosis

There is some exciting scientific research that seeks to prove the potential benefits of nutritional ketosis. The keto diet has been used for over a century to treat epilepsy. It may be helpful for obesity, some cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular disease Alzheimer’s, MS, and other non-communicable diseases.

Ketogenic diets may offer a natural way for the body to fight chronic diseases in combination with medicinal drugs.

Is Ketosis Safe?

Ketosis is safe for the majority of people at least as a short-term weight loss solution. Everyone’s body reacts differently to ketosis so always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your eating habits.

Always consult your physician if you want to make changes to the way your body responds to nutritional ketosis.

The Relationship Between Ketosis And The Ketogenic Diet

During the standard ketogenic diet, 75 percent of your calories come from fat, 20 percent from protein, and 5 percent from carbohydrates.

By eating a high-fat diet you force the body into ketosis to lose weight. It may seem counterintuitive that an increase in fat intake causes fat loss but that is the key to weight loss on the keto diet.

avocados

Remember, your body is using fat as its energy source so your body fat stores are needed for fuel instead of glucose.

Keto also emphasizes eating more natural foods (unsaturated fats) and eliminating processed foods.

The Keto Diet, Ketosis, and You

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that increases fat consumption and activates ketosis. Energy is derived from amino acids instead of glucose thereby burning stored fat and promoting weight loss.

If you’re considering keto, consult with your physician to ensure it’s right for you based on factors such as age, gender, health history, and current medications being taken.

I can help answer any questions about how to get started or stick with the plan!

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