Question:
Sorry guys, One more question about Ketosis

I've been all around the q&a boards and the library and I still have questions regarding ketosis. Some say it is a good state to be in others say it is dangerous.I am in ketosis all the time(I'm 4 wks post-op)ranging from small to large amounts on the Ketostix. I do consume carbs although probably most of what I eat is protein(I do eat alot of beans, yogurt, fish, cheese and crackers)so what I don't understand is as long as you are losing weight are you in a state of ketosis regardless if you are eating all carbs or protein, does it just mean you are burning fat, or is it muscle? Why do some people say it's a very unhealthy state to be in and why do some people say it is our goal. Will it damage my kidneys and liver? Because I'd rather have my health in 10 years than a couple extra pounds lost a month. I drink 50-64oz of water a day. And if you eat all protein does your body still absorb some fat because I also want to maintain the health of my skin hair and nails? ThankYou    — Jennifer T. (posted on February 3, 2003)

February 3, 2003
Ketosis is normal for someone who is on a low-carb high-protein diet. It can also happen to someone who has diabetes and whose blood sugar goes very high. In that case, it is a life-threatening condition. Maybe that's where some of the confusion is coming from.
   — garw

February 3, 2003
Ketoacidosis is the state that can be truly dangerous, and it a threat for diabetics. Ketosis isn't unsafe unless you don't monitor it. A good source of info is www.lowcarbnexus.com.
   — scottiemaam O.

February 3, 2003
People get confused about ketosis because there are really TWO types. There is Ketoacidosis and Benign Dietary Ketosis. The Ketoacidosis is dangerous and is what happens to diabetics. Benign Dietary Ketosis is perfectly safe and a normal state to be in while losing weight. Basically when you switch from eating a high carb diet to a high protein diet your body doesn't have carbs to burn to energy. When you eat carbs, your body turns it into glucose and uses it as its primary and favorite source of energy. But our goal is to have our bodies burn fat as its energy source. So by limiting the amount of carbs you take in, you basically force your body to burn fat instead. A bi product of this is ketones. My doctor said it was fine to be in this state, so long as you drank plenty of water and did add SOME carbs to your diet. A moderate amount of veggies, fruits, and whole grains is ok. What you want to try to avoid are things like white breads, pastas, crackers, sugars, etc. I have been in dietary ketosis since my surgery in July. It has ranged from "trace" all the way to the darkest level on the ketostix. Some days I consume more carbs than other days, but not enough to stop turning the stick a shade of pink. I hope this helps! Good Luck! (open RNY 7/23/02 -113 lbs)
   — Shawnie S.