Ketosis is a natural process in the body that aims to produce energy from fats when there is not enough glucose available. For example, ketosis can occur as a result of fasting periods or as a result of a low-carb diet.
In the absence of glucose, which is the body’s main energy source, the body begins to produce celestial bodies as a source of energy, which are the result of the destruction of fat cells. These celestial bodies are transported to the brain and muscles, allowing the body to function properly.
- One of the most characteristic and revealing symptoms of ketosis is breathing.
- Which begins to have an acetone-like smell.
- For example.
- Which can occur during fasting or during the ketogenic diet.
Symptoms of ketosis can vary from person to person and usually go away after a few days. The main symptoms of ketosis in the body are:
Confirmation of ketosis can be done primarily by evaluating the amount of ketones in the urine and blood. The presence of ketones in the urine can be measured by a conventional urine test by changing the color of the tape used in this test. Although faster, the concentration of otetone bodies in the urine may vary depending on the degree of hydration of the person and may provide false positive results when the person is dehydrated or false negative results when the person drinks a lot of water.
Thus, the best way to confirm ketosis is to perform a blood test, in which a small amount of blood is drawn, sent to the laboratory, and the concentration of ketones is measured. Ketosis is generally considered when the concentration of ketones in the blood is greater than 0.5 mmol/L.
Although more accurate, blood tests are invasive and recommended only for the follow-up of people with decompensated diabetes. In other situations, ketosis evaluation may be done by examining urine or using specific tape to measure celestial bodies in urine.
Although characterized by the presence of ketones in the blood, in ketoacidosis the increase of ketones is due to a disease, while ketosis is a natural process.
Ketoacidosis is usually related to type I diabetes, in which, due to decreased glucose inside cells, the body begins to produce ketone bodies to generate energy. Excessive production of ketone bodies leads to a decrease in blood pH, a situation called acidosis, which can lead to coma and even death if it does not resolve. Understand what diabetic ketoacidosis is and treated.
As a result of fasting or a restricted diet, the body begins to use the fats stored in the body as an energy source, which can help in the weight loss process, for example. In addition, the ketosis process provides enough energy for the brain to perform basic body functions during periods of low glucose intake.
However, although ketosis is a normal process of the body, generates energy and can help with fat loss, it is important to control the amount of ketones in the blood, as high concentrations can make the blood very acidic. and cause a coma, for example. For example, it is recommended that fasting and restricted diets be performed only under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
The goal of the plantogenic diet is to ensure that the body uses only fat from food and the body as an energy source. Thus, this diet is high in fats and proteins and low in carbohydrates, which leads the body to break down fats to generate celestial bodies, which are transported to the brain and muscles.
In this type of diet, carbohydrate consumption accounts for 10-15% of daily calories and increases consumption of high-fat foods. For example, in the cereal diet, nutritionist may recommend eating nuts, seeds, avocado and fish and restrict the consumption of fruits and cereals, for example. Here’s how to make the ketogenic diet.
Because the ketogenic diet is highly restricted, the body goes through a period of adjustment, during which diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting, for example, may occur. Therefore, it is important that this diet is carried out under the supervision of the nutritionist so that adaptations and control of the tonal bodies in the urine and blood can be made.
Discover in the following video how the ketogenic diet should be performed: