Question:
what is ketosis

would someone please explain to me exactly what si ketosis. I know you can get into ketosis by eating your protein and staying away from carbs but I do not completely understand how it works. Thanks    — cindylou56 (posted on November 18, 2003)

November 18, 2003
The easiest way to tell if you are in ketosis is by using a urine test strip. These can be purchased at any drug store. Ketones(sometimes called ketone bodies) are released when ATP(adenosine tri-phosphate) is converted to ADP(adenosine di-phosphate) or AMP(adenosine mono-phosphate). What ketosis really means to the dieter is that your body is being forced to burn it's own fat for energy. It takes energy to burn fat and your body prefers to get it's energy from glycogen stored in the liver. Restricting carbohydrates/sugars leads to less glycogen in the liver and sooner or later your body is forced to use fat for energy.
   — PattyL

November 18, 2003
Patty gave a good explanation. I just want to add that it's critically important to get all your water in while you're in ketosis. This chemical reaction that Patty described releases toxic substances into the blood and kidneys that you need to flush out of your body. Ketones are acidic and include things like acetone (yep, the stuff that nail polish remover is made from), so you want to be sure to keep the fluids going.
   — Vespa R.

November 19, 2003
Is it bad to go into Ketosis? I am 15 mo post-op, down 155 lbs but have never had this problem. I guess I don't understand how someone could lose so quickly but not have these symptoms that are described.
   — Angela A.

November 19, 2003
Ketosis is not a bad thing as long as the fluids are pushed. Ketosis is not required to lose weight but typically helps burn the fat faster. But then again some eating plans really do not use ketosis and they are just as successful. <p>The early post-op plan had to use ketosis to keep our bodies safe. We are put on solid food at 1 week PO. Yes we are expected to take pencil eraser sized bites and chew to mush. However, it is impossible to get in 60 grams of protein on a plan of this, therefore to keep our bodies safe we must be in ketosis. This keeps our bodies from going after the protein in our bodies. Ketosis automatically goes after the fat and uses that for energy. Therefore the lower level of protein is safe for quite a while. I chose to stay in max ketosis for 4-1/2 months and it did wonders for me, but it's not for everybody.
   — zoedogcbr