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%Begin What Is Ketosis? Symptoms, Safety, Tips, More Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Ketogenic Diet
Ketosis 101 Symptoms Benefits Risks Tips and More
By Valencia HigueraMedically Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, RDNReviewed: January 25, 2018Medically ReviewedFollowing a low-carb, high-fat diet by omitting things like grains and eating foods like eggs, can turn your body into a fat-burning machine through a process called ketosis.
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Ketosis carries some risks, but it may lead to fast weight loss.Shutterstock (3)If you research different ways to lose weight, you’ll come across various diets and lifestyle tweaks to turn your body into a fat-burning machine. Increasing the intensity and frequency of your exercise routine is one way to lose body fat and trim your trouble spots, but it’s not the only way. You can also burn more fat through a metabolic state called ketosis, which is the mechanism behind many low-carb diets, including the ketogenic diet and the Atkins diet.
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Understanding what ketosis is and learning how to achieve this state can help you whip your body into shape. But before you attempt to achieve ketosis, you should know a few things about the process, including its potential health risks. Keto Diet Risks
What Is Ketosis and How Does It Affect Weight Loss
Food is your body’s primary source of energy, and three main nutrients in foods supply your body with this energy.
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These are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Typically after eating a meal, your body will first break down carbohydrates from foods, and then fat and protein.Ketosis is a natural metabolic state that occurs when your body doesn’t have enoughcarbs (or glucose) for energy, so it burns fat instead.More on the Risks of Ketosis
11 Keto Diet Dangers You Must KnowKetosis happens when your carbohydrate intake is low.
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As your body breaks down fat, it produces an acid called ketones or ketone bodies, which becomes your body and brain’s main source of energy. Because ketosis shifts your metabolism and relies on fat for energy, your body can burn fat at a higher rate. Translation?
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You may reach your weight loss goal sooner than if you didn’t cut carbs at all. How Do You Achieve Ketosis Successfully
Putting — and then keeping — your body in ketosis isn’t exactly easy.
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You’ll need to severely minimize your intake of carbohydrates, eating no more than 20 to 50 grams (g) of carbs per day to get there and stay there. A single medium pear, for example, contains 26 g of carbs, and even foods that aren’t generally considered high in carbs — such as nuts and nonstarchy veggies — contain a small amount of carbohydrates, and so will need to be limited or avoided on this plan. If you’re following the keto diet, you will need protein, but you should limit your intake to about 20 percent of your total daily calories.
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(1) This is important because when you consume more protein than you need, your body converts the excess protein into carbs through a process called gluconeogenesis. This process pushes your body out of ketosis.
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Intermittent fasting is another way to achieve ketosis. This doesn’t suggest going days without food, but rather intermittent fasting.
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You can eat for eight hours and then fast for 16 hours, or eat a low-calorie diet for a few days (about 1,200 daily calories if you’re a woman and 1,500 daily calories if you’re a man). As you take in less food, your body uses more of its fat stores for fuel.
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In addition, you can talk to your doctor about adding supplements, such as exogenous ketones, to put and help keep your body in ketosis, according to a study published in October 2017 in Frontiers in Physiology. Most Recent in Ketogenic Diet
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms That You' re in Ketosis Checking your ketone level is one way to know if you’re in ketosis. This metabolic state usually kicks in after three or four days of restricting your carbohydrate intake or going through periods of intermittent fasting.
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You don’t have to visit a doctor to measure your level. Pick up a ketone urine test from a nearby drug store, or use a blood sugar meter that’s capable of measuring ketones.
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A normal blood ketone level is under 0.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). (2) Any level higher than this can indicate a state of ketosis.
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Physical signs and symptoms of ketosis include:Weight lossLoss of appetiteIncreased energy, though energy may be decreased in the first few weeks on the dietFruity smelling breath (halitosis)Constipation or diarrhea
Many of these symptoms are associated with what people call the “keto flu.” Experts say symptoms should subside within two weeks. 7 Myths About the Keto Diet Debunked
Doing keto doesn’t give you permission to eat just any kind of fat to keep yourself in ketosis. Avoid falling for these common misconceptions if you’re considering the approach.Article
The Relationship Between Ketosis and the Ketogenic DietFollowing a keto diet — a very low-carb, high-fat diet — focuses on replacing carbohydrates with healthy fats, and purposely forces the body into ketosis for weight loss.
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Keep in mind, this diet doesn’t only focus on eating fewer carbs. It also focuses on eating more real foods and fewer processed foods. With this diet, about 75 percent of your daily calories come from fat, 20 percent from protein, and 5 percent from carbohydrates.
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Following a typical keto diet food list, you can eat certain foods freely while you’ll need to limit or totally avoid other foods! Foods to eat on the keto diet include Meat, including beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, and seafood (preferably wild-caught)EggsCheeseHealthy oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil (just keep in mind that although coconut oil is permitted on the keto diet, it is linked with raising LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels)AvocadosNonstarchy vegetables, like celery, asparagus, leafy greens, cucumber, and zucchiniNuts and seeds
Foods to avoid on the keto diet include Grains, such as rice, quinoa, white potatoes, pasta, bread, and pizzaProcessed foodsArtificial sweetenersMilkHigh-carb fruit, including bananas, pineapples, tangerines, and grapesRefined oils
One proposed benefit of the ketogenic diet is that you may lose more weight compared with other diets. One study of 17 obese men found that a high-protein, low-carb ketogenic diet over a four-week period helped reduce hunger, resulting in lower food intake and more weight loss compared with a high-protein, medium-carbohydrate nonketogenic diet.
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Keto Diet Benefits
Other research further supports the potential benefits of this diet. For example, preliminary studies link following the keto diet to reduced symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. (4) Previous research suggests it may also help reverse metabolic syndrome, manage Parkinson’s disease, has been proven to help control seizures in children with epilepsy, and, according to the results of a small pilot study, may potentially even improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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But some research exposes the potential health risks of the keto diet. For example, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet can be unhealthy due to the risk of increasing bad cholesterol and triglycerides. (8) One study even suggests that eating a low-carbohydrate diet could lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes.
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(9)More on What to Eat on the Keto Diet
More on What to Eat on the Keto DietIt’s also important to note there have been no long-term studies on the ketogenic diet, nor has there been research that details what may happen to the body if it’s in a constant state of ketosis itself. But given how the body needs carbs to function properly, diets that are based on fat burning may lead to nutritional deficiencies, and supplements and multivitamins are recommended because you’re cutting out entire food groups, warns Alyssa Rothschild, RDN, who is in private practice in New York City. Rothschild further explains how following a ketogenic diet for extended periods of time could also lead to osteopenia, which is a precursor to osteoporosis, a disease that’s characterized by bone loss.
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“When the body is in ketosis, it lowers the blood pH level, causing the blood to become acidic. To counter this, the body takes calcium away from the bones,” she says. “The increased acidity in the body also increases uric acid, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.” Therefore, it goes without saying that due to the stress that an extremely low-carb diet can have on the body, those with kidney damage shouldn’t try to achieve ketosis or attempt the ketogenic diet.
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Also worth noting is women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, people on certain diabetes medication and insulin, those with a low body mass index (BMI), children, individuals with gallstones, and those people who have had their gallbladder removed should not try the ketogenic diet. 11 Health Conditions Keto May Help and 6 It Won t
For example, while children with epilepsy can certainly benefit from following a keto diet, other touted perks of this approach need more research.Article
Is Ketosis Safe and Healthy for Everyone The long-term effects of constant ketosis haven’t been thoroughly investigated.
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But it appears to be generally safe for most people, at least as a short-term weight-loss solution. Again, it’s important to note that this state can cause a high level of ketones in the bloodstream, which can make the blood acidic, a dangerous medical state.
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Everyone’s body responds differently to ketosis. So while some people are able to produce insulin during ketosis to slow down ketone production and avoid a toxic level, others can’t.
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Ketosis becomes dangerous when blood turns acid. Always speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.
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Editor s Picks on Ketosis
6 Types of the Keto Diet and Their Pros and Cons
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Trying the Keto Diet With Online Support May Be Best for People With Type 2 Diabetes
What to Know About Ketosis and Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 Following the ketogenic diet and achieving ketosis may be beneficial if you’re living with type 2 diabetes and need to manage your symptoms. Limiting carbohydrate intake is crucial with type 2 diabetes because too many carbs can increase blood glucose levels, which can damage blood vessels and lead to vision problems, kidney problems, and nerve problems. Because you canreachketosis by restrictingyourcarb intake, this diet may lower your blood glucose levels naturally.
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And if you’re overweight and living with diabetes, eatingfewercarbs may help you lose excess pounds, which is another way to gain control of your blood glucose.More on Ketosis and Diabetes
Does the Ketogenic Diet Work for Type 2 Diabetes Ketosis is an option for many people with type 2 diabetes because they still produce insulin, which helps their body maintain a safe level of ketones in the blood. If you’re considering trying ketosis or the ketogenic diet with type 2 diabetes, be sure to consult your healthcare provider first to ensure it’s safe for you. This eating approach may interfere with some types of diabetes medication or be inappropriate for you if you have certain diabetes complications, such as kidney damage.
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Also, achieving ketosis with type 1 diabetes can cause a dangerously high level of ketones in the bloodstream and trigger diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, if you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll want to avoid putting your body in ketosis to avoid this potentially life-threatening health emergency.
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What Is the Difference Between Ketosis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis
These words sound similar, but there’s a difference between ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis. Whereas ketosis is a metabolic response, ketoacidosis is a serious, life-threatening complication of diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when ketone levels become too high, due to a lack of insulin, and poison the body.
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This condition can happen to anyone with diabetes, but it is more common in people with type 1 diabetes because their bodies don’t make insulin. In the event that their ketone level rises, their bodies are unable to produce insulin to slow down this production. If left untreated, this condition can lead to a diabetic coma or death.
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Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include a high blood glucose level, a high ketone level, dehydration, frequent urination, nausea, difficulty breathing, and dry skin. If you have poorly managed type 1 or type 2 diabetes, test your blood glucose level regularly before and after meals, and make sure you check your ketone level whenever your blood sugar is higher than 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
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A ketone level between 1.6 and 3.0 mmol/L is high and increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. (12) Drinking fluids and taking your insulin can bring down your ketone level.
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If your level doesn’t decrease or continues to rise, go to the hospital. A ketone level higher than 3.0 mmol/L is a medical emergency. What s the Difference Between Ketosis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis
One is a natural metabolic state that’s safe, while the other is a health emergency.
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Learn how these states differ in this detailed article.Article
How Can You Help Prevent or Treat Ketosis Some people intentionally achieve ketosis to lose weight by eating a low-carb, high-fat diet. If you don’t want to go into ketosis, you can prevent or treat ketosis by eating a balanced diet, which includes carbs, fat, and protein, and by not skipping meals.
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Make sure your carbohydrate intake is 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories, fat 20 to 35 percent of your total daily calories, and protein 10 to 35 percent of your total daily calories. (13) In other words, if you eat a 2,000 calorie diet, no more than 1,300 of your calories should come from carbs. Most Popular in Ketogenic Diet
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The Takeaway Is Ketosis Safe for Weight Loss and Overall Health Shifting your metabolism and achieving ketosis may speed up weight loss and result in other health benefits, like more energy and a lower blood pressure.
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But while ketosis is a preferred nutritional state for some people, it isn’t recommended for everyone — and it’s not a good long-term eating approach due to its restrictive nature, which may lead to potentially dangerous nutritional deficiencies. Before trying to achieve ketosis, be sure you talk to your doctor to make sure your medication or any underlying health issues won’t put you at risk for further health issues or potentially a health emergency. Resources We LoveVirta HealthMayo ClinicAmerican Association of Diabetes EducatorsEpilepsy FoundationRuled.MeKiss My KetoNEWSLETTERS
Sign up for our Diet and Nutrition Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Diabetes and Ketogenic Diet: Can You Manage Your Diabetes on a Ketogenic Diet? The Diabetes Council. December 7, 2017.Ketone Testing. The British Diabetes Association.
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2018.Johnstone AM, Horgan GW, Murison SD, et al. Effects of a High-Protein Ketogenic Diet on Hunger, Appetite, and Weight Loss in Obese Men Feeding Ad Libitum. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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January 2008.Henderson ST, Vogel JL, Barr LJ, Garvin F, Jones JJ, Costantini LC. Study of the Ketogenic Agent AC-1202 in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial. Nutrition and Metabolism. August 10, 2009.Vanitallie TB, Nonas C, Di Rocco A, Boyar K, Hyams K, Heymsfield SB.
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Treatment of Parkinson Disease With Diet-Induced Hyperketonemia: a Feasibility Study. Neurology. February 22, 2005.Hemingway C1, Freeman JM, Pillas DJ, Pyzik PL. The Ketogenic Diet: a 3- to 6-Year Follow-Up of 150 Children Enrolled Prospectively. Pediatrics.
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October 2001.Mavropoulos JC, Yancy WS, Hepburn J, Westman EC. The Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet on the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Nutrition and Metabolism. December 16, 2005.Paoli A.
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Ketogenic Diet for Obesity: Friend or Foe? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. February 2014.Ellenbroek JH, van Dijck L, Töns HA, et al.
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Long-Term Ketogenic Diet Causes Glucose Intolerance and Reduced β- and α-Cell Mass but no Weight Loss in Mice. American Journal of Physiology. March 1, 2014.Keto Diet Safety.
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The British Diabetes Association. 2018.DKA (Ketoacidosis) and Ketones. The Diabetes Council.
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March 18, 2015.Getting to Know Ketones. Diabetes Self-Management. November 7, 2016.How Many Carbohydrates Do You Need. Mayo Clinic. February 7, 2017.Show Less
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