What is Ketosis and how does ketosis happen?
Ketosis occurs when the circulating blood has a high concentration of ketones or ketoacids.
Ketosis occurs as a result of a change in the body's energy creation pathways. The normal energy creation mechanism centers on glucose. The body can absorb glucose directly in the diet, make it from other sugars or protein in the diet or even recreate it from the bodies own storage systems in the liver. The brain and red blood cells among other cells are dependent on glucose to function normally.
In starvation, when the body is not getting any new glucose from the diet, it will use its own glucose storage ‘warehouse' in the liver. After the body has used up its all the liver storage, the body will make more glucose from muscle. When the body can not function because of the limitations of the energy supply, the body will begin to breakdown its fat storage.
As fat is broken down to be used, it releases smaller energy units into the bloodstream. These energy units will be used by the brain, the red blood cells and other cells. As they use the fat unit energy it releases a byproduct or end product called a ketone.
Ketone bodies are the metabolic substances known as acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. Acetone, which puts off the peculiar odor associated with ketosis, comes from acetoacetic acid. Ketones can be irritating to the kidneys and the kidneys expel ketones through the urine.
Dietary Ketosis and Ketoacidosis
Critics of low carbohydrate diets express concerns about the long-term health consequences of ketosis. The idea behind ketosis producing diets (typically very low-calorie diet programs) is to force the body to lose weight by burning body fat.
Supporters of low carbohydrate eating plans claim that low-carbohydrate-diet induced ketosis is safe. They point out that dietary ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition associated with untreated Type 1 Diabetes, caused by a lack of insulin. They argue that ketoacidosis doesn't occur in normal healthy individuals because the presence of insulin keeps ketone production in check so that only a mild, beneficial ketosis is achieved.
Benefits of Ketosis
Possible benefits of dietary ketosis include fast weight loss, decreased hunger and food cravings, and improved mood have been reported on ketosis inducing diets.
Some of the health concerns with ketosis
When the body starts using the alternative fuel fat, for its energy source it produces chemicals that have affects on many of the bodies organ systems. Some of the adverse side effects with circulating ketones include weakness, nausea, headache, confusion, dehydration and acetone-like smelling breath. The consequences could be serious for people with diabetes.
Ketosis producing diets concerns are likely to revolve around the health risks associated with lack of vitamins and minerals caused by insufficient carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a rich source of micro-nutrients and other nutrition, like fiber.
How is Ketosis diagnosed?
Ketosis can be diagnosed by a urine test, and confirmed with a blood test, which can also measure the blood acidity.
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