What Is Ketosis

Ketosis is a condition in which levels of ketones (ketone bodies) in the blood are elevated. Ketones are formed when glycogen stores in the liver have run out. The ketones are used for energy. Ketones are small carbon fragments that are the fuel created by the breakdown of fat stores. Ketosis is potentially a serious condition if keytone levels go too high.

However, when the body is in ketosis the individual tends to feel less hungry, and will probably eat less than he/she might otherwise do. The body switches from being a carbohydrate-burning
organism into a fat-burning
one. The fat stores become a primary energy source, and the person loses weight. That is why low-carb diets have become popular, and effective, especially among obese people.

The modern human body in
most societies usually
metabolizes glucose from carbohydrates for energy purposes, rather than energy from fat. If there is not enough glucose (from
carbohydrates) in the
bloodstream the body draws on fat stores for fuel, causing the appearance of ketones in the blood. Ketones are produced by the liver from fatty acids.

We need proteins and fats for building and repairing tissue and cells - proteins and fats can also be sources of energy. If necessary, the body can get all its energy from fats and proteins.

Our brain can use glucose or ketones for energy; it cannot generally burn fat for energy.

When there are plenty of
carbohydrates in the body, it breaks them down into
glucose, which is then
converted into energy and
transported into the cells of our body.

Ketones consist of acetone,
acetoacetate or beta-
hydroxybutyrate. Very high
ketone levels can be toxic,
making the blood more acid, and may damage such organs as the kidneys and liver.

The human body tries to
lower acetone (a ketone)
levels by breathing it out,
causing a sweet and fruity
breath. We also reduce
keytone levels by expelling them through our urine.