When starting out on the keto diet, escaping the word ketones is hard. The conflicting advice you will find about the benefits of measuring your ketone levels will be confusing. So, we are here to clarify and simplify everything.
We will find out if monitoring the ketone levels is important if you want to enjoy the benefits of keto.
We will also laser on ketosis testing strips so you can understand if examining your urine using these strips effectively monitors ketone levels.
What are ketones
Ketones are a source of energy generated when glucose isn’t available. Among the numerous ketone compounds, the body creates only 3 ketones naturally. BHB, acetone, and acetoacetate aren’t only ketones but ketone bodies as well. For the functions of a keto meal, the ketone bodies are referred to instead of the wider family of ketones.
On ketogenic meals, ketones and fat become the body’s critical sources of energy,
By reducing carb intake, the body turns to reserves of fats for energy. While the stored fast is broken down, your liver begins to generate ketones that help fuel body parts like the heart, brain, and muscles.
Various types of ketones
The body releases three ketone bodies: acetone, acetoacetate, and BHB.
- Acetone: the lowest amount of the three ketone bodies, you may notice relatively higher quantities of acetone when beginning keto, and the body is adapting.
- Acetoacetate (AcAc): during ketosis, AcAc is the first ketone that your body releases
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB): Once the body transitions to keto full, BHB becomes the most profuse ketone body. It’s responsible for fueling the brain and muscle cells.
What are ketosis testing strips, and how they work
If you intend to measure ketones in the urine, the easiest method is to use ketosis testing strips. The keto strip is exposed to the urine sample collected. Based on the proportion of the acetoacetate, the ketosis testing strips reach chemically and turn color.
An easy-to-read color-coded chart on the packaging highlights the possible results ranging from large to negative.
If the ketosis testing strips change to dark purple, that corresponds with the upper parts indicating higher levels of ketones. If you are new to keto meals, this shows a strong indication of nutritional ketosis.
As you get accustomed to keto, you will notice a paler shade of pink or purple when testing. That’s normal since your system begins to generate ketone bodies with lesser waste effectively.
No color change indicates you’re not in ketosis.
What’s the function of ketosis testing strips?
The core function of these user-friendly and cheap urine strips is to assist in confirming if you are in ketosis when you are beginning your ketogenic meal. The more time one spends following a keto diet, the more one will know how different meals can affect their ketone levels. Any small positive change you bring about because of your health will take a while to make a complete transition.
