There Are A Few Ways To Know
For people wanting to get into the Ketogenic diet, reaching is a must. Ketosis is a fat-burning phase that occurs when the human body can no longer find carbohydrates to take energy from.
According to the University of Michigan’s medical department, the human body first gets energy from the carbohydrates people consume. The carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and are used for energy. The extra glucose is then stored in the liver. Once the carbohydrates are all used up, the body then uses up fats by breaking them down into fatty acids. Should the body ever reach extreme starvation, the body proceeds to forcibly break down muscles into protein for energy.
In the Keto diet, the goal is to remove the body’s primary energy source so as to reach the second level of energy consumption -- the phase wherein the body is relying on burning fats for energy. This is where ketosis kicks in. However, it is imperative to avoid extreme starvation so as not to reach the muscle-breakdown stage, as it can be dangerous to one’s health.
Signs That You Are in Ketosis
Here are some signs that you are in ketosis, according to Medical News Today. It is to be noted that these signs and symptoms are the most common, although they are not the same for every person. One person might experience three to five symptoms of ketosis, while another person might experience none. Moreover, dieters explain that ketosis symptoms are stronger for first time keto dieters, but they fade away as a person lasts longer following the diet.
- Increased Thirst
Higher levels of ketones in the body increase the risk of dehydration, which is why people entering ketosis may feel thirstier than usual. This calls for increased liquid intake as well as electrolyte consumption.
- Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can happen in ketosis when a person has a deficiency in electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, potassium, or magnesium. This deficiency can disrupt the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles, resulting in spasms and cramps. To prevent this symptom, ensure high electrolyte consumption or use electrolyte supplements.
- Bad Breath
Another common sign that your body has entered ketosis is when you develop bad breath that does not go away with brushing. Once in ketosis, the body’s ketone levels become very high. Ketones leave the body through urine and breath, which can affect the smell of one’s mouth when talking. The smell can be described as “sweet or fruity.”
- Headaches
Since the body is consuming very little to no carbohydrates and sugars, headaches are a very common symptom that the body has entered ketosis. However, the keto headache should not be confused with a dehydration-related headache. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated through the diet.
- Fatigue and General Weakness
As the body shifts from relying on carbohydrates for energy to burning fats for energy, a person might experience fatigue and overall weakness. This is because carbohydrates provide a “quick burst of energy,” unlike fats, which take more time to be processed. This symptom can last for a few days to a few weeks. However, this should improve through time.
Use Ketosis Strips
Now in case you do not have the above-mentioned signs and symptoms of ketosis, do not fret. You can always go to your nearest pharmacy and purchase ketosis strips. These strips measure ketone in the urine, which will help you determine if you have entered ketosis or not.
References
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and blood sugar. (2020). University of Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uq1238abc
What are the signs of ketosis? (2020). Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323544