Ketosis and Weight Loss: The Relationship

What is ketosis?

The human body, like a car engine, needs energy from fuel to function. The fuel for a car engine is gasoline, while the human body needs sugar (or glucose). Carbohydrates are the main food group that breaks down to form glucose, which is then converted into the energy the body needs. On diets that emphasize a small amount of carbohydrates, so-called “low-carb” diets, the body does not have enough carbohydrates to convert into glucose for energy, so the body has to use fat storage for energy.

When the body is in a state of ketosis, ketones (sometimes called ketone bodies) are released into the bloodstream. Ketones are acidic and toxic chemicals (acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutane). This release of ketones into the blood occurs when the liver is converting fat into fatty acids that the body will use for energy.

The body’s use of its fat stores during ketosis results in weight loss. This is the reason why low-carb diets are so effective in achieving weight loss in a relatively short period of time.

Ketosis detection

Excess ketones (acetone) created by the body are removed through the lungs through breathing and urination. The breath will have a fruity odor (sometimes mistaken for alcohol) and the urine will turn dark. The presence of ketones in the urine can be detected with a special urine test strip that is sold in some pharmacies. In addition to weighing yourself on a scale, this is a way to check if your low-carb diet is working.

Potential Dangers of Ketosis

If the body remains in a state of ketosis for an extended period of time, severe stress can be placed on the liver and kidneys. A prolonged state of ketosis is also believed to have a damaging effect on muscle tissues.

A condition called ketoacidosis, which is a severe form of ketosis, causes the acidity of the blood to drop to dangerous levels. This condition is normally associated with type 1 diabetes and should not be confused with ketosis.

conclusion

The ketosis process is very instrumental and effective in the way the body loses weight when the intake of carbohydrates in the body is reduced. This reduction in carbohydrates forces the body to use its fat storage to create the energy it needs to function. This is the reason why low-carb diets are so effective for weight loss and have become so popular in the last thirty years.