Ketosis For Weight Loss

As explained in this post,, if the body can switch from being a carb-
burning machine to a fat-
burning one, the person loses weight. We store our fat, sometimes in undesirable places, such as our hips, buttocks, tops of thighs and our tummy. Carbohydrates cannot be stored like fat can. If our body is in carb-burning
mode, we eat when carb (carbohydrate) levels go
down, in order to get our
energy. To achieve ketosis,
the body must be on a high
fat/protein and low carbohydrate diet. According to some organizations and experts, such as Dr. Atkins, with proper monitoring (urine dip stick, for example), levels of ketosis can be kept
within safe limits and the dieter can reach his/her ideal bodyweight without
suffering unbearable hunger.

There are certain risks on
sustaining a prolonged high
protein, low carbohydrate
diet. If keytone levels are not monitored properly, there may be a strain on the kidneys, there is a higher risk of developing kidney stones because more calcium is excreted through urine, and there is a higher risk of osteoporosis. Some experts say there is also a higher risk of having unhealthily high cholesterol levels. However, several studies, such as this one have revealed that not only does a low-fat/high protein diet reduce cholesterol levels, but it also brings down blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

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.