HOW TO KNOW YOU’RE IN KETOSIS?
The ketogenic diet is all the rage. It's the latest way to lose weight and improve your health.
When followed correctly, this very low-carb, high-fat diet will raise blood ketone levels. Before we answer that question, it will be good to review the basics of 'what is a ketone'? And 'what are the ways to get into ketosis'?
What are ketones? Ketones are the breakdown of fat metabolism in your body into usable energy (ketone bodies,) or ketones. It is part of your native state. Ketones provide a fuel source for your cells. Ketones are the superior fuel source, burning cleaner energy and providing 33% more oxygen to the brain.
What are ways to get into ketosis?
There are several ways to get into ketosis, that I liken to a trip to Hawaii. First, there are several ways to get to Hawaii. The first is by swimming and it will take you weeks to get there. The second is to fly on an airplane and be there in a few hours.
Both ways get you to Hawaii, but one is definitely harder.
Getting into ketosis via the diet is called "nutritional ketosis" via endogenous ketones. I liken this to swimming to Hawaii.
Either by long periods of fasting or limiting all carbohydrates and increasing your diet to approximately 4 parts fat to 1 part protein & carbs, you can force your liver to make ketones from the good sources of fat in the diet. It can take weeks to get into ketosis via the diet and some people can just not access their fat stores to make ketones due to a state called 'metabolic syndrome'. Other difficulties on the journey to ketosis with the Diet is passing through the keto flu stage with symptoms of headache, diarrhea & nausea.
Since 2015, the 2nd option for gaining the state of ketosis is drinking exogenous (made outside the body) ketones to raise your blood ketone levels. I liken this to flying on an airplane to Hawaii. These are Pure Therapeutic Ketones. They are naturally fermented, called NAT ketones, by Pruvit. This ketone supplement puts your body in ketosis in less than an hour. These ketones were originally made for the Navy Seals to overcome seizures when using underwater rebreathers on missions.
However you get to Hawaii, either by swimming or flying, it’s worth it once you get there. I just prefer the easy way.
AM I IN KETOSIS?
The 3 ways to measure your ketone levels and know you are in ketosis are through a blood meter, urine test or breath test.
1. Ketones in Blood. Experts say ketosis is defined as blood ketones ranging from 0.5–3.0 mmol/L. You can use a Blood Meter with a finger prick to test your levels. Measuring ketones in your blood is the most accurate way of testing and is used in most research studies.
2. Ketones in Urine. Urine strips can measure the amount of ketones being expelled, but are not accurate. Unusable non-bio-identical ketones would not be absorbed and since they are water-soluble they would be expelled through the urine.
3. The least accurate way is to use a breath meter to measure the ketone, acetone which is partly expelled via your breath. Ketosis can cause a fruity-smelling breath.
BENEFITS OF KETOSIS?
Once you are in ketosis the benefits are many. Improved brain function and increased focus with more stable energy levels are my favorite benefits. It translates into a Better Mood when blood sugar levels are more stable and you're fueling your brain with exogenous ketones.
When in ketosis your Appetite is suppressed due to the suppression of hunger hormones and they affect your brain, reducing appetite. That naturally leads to the burning of stored FAT and fat loss that is maintainable. I have many friends and customers that have maintained over 100 lbs of fat loss on their keto journey just by drinking ketones.
Another benefit is the ability to maintain muscle by increasing protein synthesis in your muscles and maintain strength gain, which is so important, particularly as we age.
Better sleep is the result of ketones calming the nervous system. People report better sleep with less waking moments in the night, resulting in awaking refreshed.
And finally, people experience better digestion, as ketones encourage good gut health and clearer skin.
Ketone Living Done Right?
At Ketone Living we promote a Quito lifestyle, drinking pure exogenous ketones, rebooting monthly (60 hours fast), and eating a low-carb diet. The only diet that will work is the one you can maintain.
I believe this sets you up for success with overall better health and nutrition. You will discover you are more energized upon waking, sugar cravings are diminished, no more afternoon crashing and you have the energy you once experienced when young.
Anyone can bio-hack their body now with Pure Therapeutic NAT ketones and it’s my mission to Pruv-it.
Footnotes: The ketogenic Bible by Dr. Jacob Wilson and Dr. Ryan Lowery, The Charlie Foundation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwsOEc-rHMg