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Ketosis: Low-Carb Diet Side Effect
Posted on Dec 7th 2009 12:15PM by Martha EdwardsKetosis is a state characterized by abnormally high levels of ketones in the bloodstream. It occurs in our livers when extra ketones are produced through the process of metabolism.
Ketones occur naturally. In fact, the heart muscles and kidneys prefer ketones to glucose. Most cells can use ketones for their energy requirements instead of glucose, though few choose ketones over glucose.
In ketosis, high levels of ketones, which are used for energy, are generated when the body burns fat as energy, a process known as fat metabolism.
Ketosis can be the result of medical conditions like diabetes or alcoholism, but your low-carbohydrate diet could be the cause. Some diets, like the Atkins Diet will tell you that when you reach a state of ketosis, stored fat will be burned. Many on this diet are encouraged to monitor the level of ketones in their body with urine test strips that will indicate the presence of acetone.
Some health professionals consider ketosis to be a dangerous state because ketones are regarded as toxic, especially in high levels. Acetone, which is found in nail polish remover, is a ketone. Dieters often wonder if they are getting enough glucose if their bodies are burning a lot of energy for fat. People can, however, break down protein into glucose. Still, extremely elevated levels of ketones are dangerous. They can potentially lead to organ failure, gout and kidney stones.
Ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that is most commonly associated in people with Type 1 diabetes. Most people with Type 2 diabetes who inject insulin usually produce enough insulin of their own to prevent ketoacidosis.
Low-carb diets aren't a dieters only choice. Check out the Zone Diet, the Volumetrics Diet or the Raw Foods Diet and more diet reviews, news and updates from That's Fit.
Ketones occur naturally. In fact, the heart muscles and kidneys prefer ketones to glucose. Most cells can use ketones for their energy requirements instead of glucose, though few choose ketones over glucose.
In ketosis, high levels of ketones, which are used for energy, are generated when the body burns fat as energy, a process known as fat metabolism.
Ketosis can be the result of medical conditions like diabetes or alcoholism, but your low-carbohydrate diet could be the cause. Some diets, like the Atkins Diet will tell you that when you reach a state of ketosis, stored fat will be burned. Many on this diet are encouraged to monitor the level of ketones in their body with urine test strips that will indicate the presence of acetone.
Some health professionals consider ketosis to be a dangerous state because ketones are regarded as toxic, especially in high levels. Acetone, which is found in nail polish remover, is a ketone. Dieters often wonder if they are getting enough glucose if their bodies are burning a lot of energy for fat. People can, however, break down protein into glucose. Still, extremely elevated levels of ketones are dangerous. They can potentially lead to organ failure, gout and kidney stones.
Ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that is most commonly associated in people with Type 1 diabetes. Most people with Type 2 diabetes who inject insulin usually produce enough insulin of their own to prevent ketoacidosis.
Low-carb diets aren't a dieters only choice. Check out the Zone Diet, the Volumetrics Diet or the Raw Foods Diet and more diet reviews, news and updates from That's Fit.
