What is ketosis?
The human body, like a car engine, needs energy from fuel to function. The fuel for a car engine is gasoline, while the human body needs sugar (or glucose). Carbohydrates are the main food group that is broken down to form glucose, which is then converted into energy the body needs. In diets that emphasize a small amount of carbohydrates, so-called “low-carbohydrate” diets, the body does not have enough carbohydrates to break down into glucose for energy, so the body has to use fat storage to create energy.
When the body is in a state of ketosis, ketones (sometimes called ketone bodies) are released into the bloodstream. Ketones are acidic and toxic chemicals (acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutane). This release of ketones into the blood occurs when the liver converts fat into fatty acids that the body will use for energy.
The body’s use of its fat storage during ketosis causes weight loss. This is why low carb diets are so effective in achieving weight loss in a relatively short period of time.
Detect ketosis
Excess ketones (acetone) created by the body are eliminated through the lungs when breathing and through urine. The breath will smell fruity (sometimes mistaken for alcohol) and the urine will darken. The presence of ketones in the urine can be detected with a special urine test strip that is sold in some pharmacies. In addition to weighing on a scale, this is one way you can check if your low carb diet is working.
Possible dangers of ketosis
If the body remains in a state of ketosis for an extended period of time, it can put serious stress on the liver and kidneys. A prolonged state of ketosis is also believed to have a damaging effect on muscle tissues.
A condition called ketoacidosis, which is a severe form of ketosis, causes the acidity of the blood to drop to dangerous levels. This condition is normally associated with type 1 diabetes and should not be confused with ketosis.
Conclution
The ketosis process is very instrumental and effective in the way the body loses weight when the carbohydrate intake in the body is reduced. This reduction in carbohydrates forces the body to use its fat storage to create the energy it needs to function. This is why low carb diets are so effective for weight loss and have become so popular in the last thirty years.