Everyone is looking for ways to lose weight and get in shape in a short time without making significant efforts. This approach encourages people to choose different diet plans like Keto. Unlike other diet programs, the keto diet has received a lot of attention in the last two years.

This is because of its benefits to your overall health, including weight. Following a keto diet keeps you in a ketosis state that helps you lose weight in a healthy way.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about ketosis.

What is ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic process where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. This process leads to the production of ketones in your body. You can keep your body in ketosis by following a ketogenic diet also known as a low carb diet.

This diet is effective in burning excess fat and forcing your body to rely on fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Ketosis usually occurs in people who have diabetes due to insufficient insulin or if the body does not use insulin properly.

However, high levels of ketosis lead to health complications in people with type I diabetes, while patients with type II diabetes do not develop health complications.

When your body is not in ketosis, the cells in your body use glucose to produce energy. You get this glucose from dietary carbohydrates, such as starchy foods – bread and pasta, and sugar found in dairy products or fruits.

In addition, your body processes this glucose and converts it into simple sugar. This glucose is used as fuel or stored as glycogen in your liver and muscles. It is useful when your body is not getting enough glucose to produce energy. In case of insufficient glucose, your body breaks down the fat stored in it to provide triglycerides. And, ketones are a result of this process.

What are ketones?

Ketones are acids that accumulate in your bloodstream and are eliminated through urination. Ketones help your body break down fat. However, high levels of ketones are dangerous as they can adversely affect your health and lead to ketoacidosis.

Ketosis and weight loss

Fat burning is one of the reasons that make the ketogenic diet popular with fitness enthusiasts and those who want to lose extra pounds. Therefore, people aim to reach the state of ketosis in order to reach their milestone quickly.

Health experts refer to this diet as a low carb diet, keto diet or ketogenic diet. Many dietitians have called it a high fat diet as you get 75% of your calories from fat. For the rest of the calories, you are expected to eat foods rich in protein and low in carbohydrates.

According to a recent study, a group of obese people followed the ketogenic diet for four weeks and lost about 10 pounds without any adverse effects on their health. Nutritionists have also revealed that the keto diet is a great way to lose weight. However, this weight loss is often short term.

The fact that the study participants consumed limited calories and did not feel hungry during this period, makes keto ideal when it comes to limiting increased appetite.

Effects of Ketosis on Health

Eating foods that are friendly to ketopathy leads to ketosis, which is safe for people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

Following a proper ketogenic diet keeps you in ketosis, which also improves HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol, which is not common in a normal or moderate carbohydrate diet. Health experts have suggested that these benefits are possible due to weight loss and the consumption of whole foods.

In addition, studies have shown that ketosis is effective in reducing the risk of seizures in children with epilepsy. However, they were given a keto diet under strict medical supervision, as they did not respond well to other treatments.

Studies have also concluded that ketosis can improve the condition of adults struggling with seizures. People who have tumors, acne, Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig disease, polycystic ovary disease (PCOS) should consult their doctor before choosing a ketogenic diet.

Ketoacidosis

In this condition, the levels of ketones in your body increase uncontrollably. This is dangerous for your health as ketones reach higher levels in just 24 hours. In addition, there are many factors that cause ketoacidosis.

It occurs due to health complications that contribute to the overproduction of hormones that begin to act against insulin. Insulin therapy can also be a trigger for ketoacidosis. In addition, certain but rare events such as physical trauma, drug abuse, surgery, stress or emotional trauma also lead to ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis

Like other health problems, ketoacidosis can adversely affect your overall health. Therefore, it is best to monitor ketone levels.

High levels of ketones in your urine and high levels of sugar in the bloodstream are common symptoms of ketoacidosis, which can be detected using home kits. Common and initial symptoms of ketoacidosis also follow.

• Dry or reddened skin
• Abdominal pain
• Fruity breath
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Unspecified mind
• Vomiting and nausea

Ketosis Treatment

Ketosis does not just happen by following a keto diet. Your body may go into a state of ketosis when you reduce your calorie intake, exercise for several hours or during pregnancy. You can control these conditions by consuming a well-balanced diet and consult a doctor.

Not to mention, ketosis in people with diabetes can increase the risks of ketoacidosis. This is mainly due to insufficient insulin, insulin reactions or skipping meals.

Health experts have revealed that diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that leads to diabetic coma or worse – death. In many cases, diabetic ketoacidosis requires medical attention and hospitalization. Doctors may prescribe a fluid replacement in which the patient’s body is rehydrated by diluting the excess sugar in the bloodstream.

Insulin therapy is recommended to reverse the process that caused ketoacidosis. In addition, there is a risk of electrolyte replacement in the treatment. These are needed to measure the proper functioning of nerve cells, the heart and the muscles.

Conclusion

Ketosis does not negatively affect your health. However, when following a ketogenic diet to keep your body in ketosis, do not forget to measure your ketone levels. This way, you can balance the ketone levels in your body and protect your overall health.