Testing for Ketosis
Our bodies adapt very quickly to the types of food we consume, and when we overload our system with fats and take away carbohydrate; it result in burning ketones as the body’s primary source of power. Ketosis can be defined as a unique natural process which the body initiates to help us survive when our food intake is very low.
During this state, the body produces ketones, which are gotten from the breakdown of fats stored in the liver. Being in a state of ketosis defines when the body has switched from its reliance on carbohydrates for energy to burning fats for fuel. This is not peculiar to dietary fats like olive oil, or guacamole alone, but also body fat as well; A very desirable state for anyone looking to lose that extra weight.
Being in a state of Ketosis, the body generates molecules known as “Ketones” or “Ketone Bodies.” And when you cut down your intake of carbohydrate and increase the level of dietary fat consumption, more fat is metabolized with a larger volume of ketones being generated. This is very beneficial to the body as most of the cells in it, including those inside the brain, can utilize ketones for energy. When the volume of insulin in the body is in short supply, it goes into starvation mode and fails to absorb glucose or break down fats for energy. Ketones are a by-product of fat breakdown in the body, and high volumes of it can be toxic. Ketosis Strips helps to check for the presence of ketones in our bodies.
What Are Ketosis Strips?
Ketosis strips are tiny slips made of paper to help gauge the correct volume of ketone in your urine. The volume of ketones which your body is producing gives you a clear idea of the level of ketosis which you’re currently in. Practically, a greater ketone production helps you achieve or maintain a favorable state of ketosis, which is very vital to attain weight loss.
How Do I Measure The Level Of Ketones In My Blood?
Ketosis is basically a state of metabolism in which the liver breaks down fats to enable the production of ketones. In this situation, Ketones are the principal source of energy concerning the ketonic diet. Ketosis not only helps in metabolism, but they also impact on physical performance. Ketones also help to enhance mental alertness to help you shed excess fat deposits in the body. The basic thing is to know how to gauge results, and this is where Ketosis Strips play vital roles.
The volume of ketones in the body can be measured with the aid of Ketosis strips in three different ways, they include;
Measuring Ketones With Urine Strips
Measuring ketones with urine strips is by far the easiest and cheapest way to measure the volume of ketones in the blood. It is highly recommended for beginners to start with this method due to its non-complex nature, especially when one is still trying to understand the basics of a ketogenic diet.
When testing for ketones in the blood with this method, the Ketosis strip is held in your urine stream for approximately 10-15 seconds; you should notice a significant color change in the strip(that is if you are in a state of ketosis). The color of the stick is practically measured in red; light pink indicates being low in ketone production, while dark purple signifies a high ketone production state.
Measuring Ketones with Breath Meters
Breath Ketosis strips meters are gaining more popularity because of its relative ease of use. You simply connect it to your computer via a USB cable and blow gently into it. This method gauges the acetate in your breath, helping you to know the volume of ketones in your body.
According to research findings, a strong link exists between the acetate in the breath and the level of blood ketone meters. However, this varies as your body goes into a deeper state of ketosis. Though Breath meters are known to provide more accurate analysis compared to urine ketosis strips; they can sometimes provide misleading readings which vary against the results of a blood ketone meter. They are also more expensive than urine strips, and cheaper than blood ketone meters.
Measuring Ketones with Blood Meters
This method is by far the best and widely recommended to get an accurate measurement of your blood ketone levels. They display the exact level of the ketones in your blood, but the biggest drawback to the blood ketosis strip meters is the pricing. They are very expensive, and most insurance service providers don’t include them in their policies.
When testing for Ketones with urine, Ketosis urine strips makes use of a special color coding system to identify the level of ketones in your urine. Greater levels of ketones in urine indicate high amounts of fats in the urine; this shows that the keto diet is having its desired effect. However, for diabetics, high amounts of ketones in the urine indicates a dangerously high blood sugar level.
Benefits Of Using Ketosis Strips
Ketosis has different levels, with each indicating the volume of ketones being produced in your body. The rule of thumb indicates that the greater the volume of ketone production, the better the weight loss will be.
Being able to know when you are in a state of ketosis, and keeping proper tabs on it can only be possible with the use of Ketosis strips. A ketosis strip helps you know if your efforts are yielding positive results, and helps to determine your level of progress.
Options For Ketone Test Strips
Before deciding on your preferred method of Ketone tests strips, you need to put several factors into consideration such as the frequency at which you would make use of them. Ketone test strips in a vial should be used before their expiration date which is usually six months after opening the pack. For people with diabetes, having a regular supply of Ketone test strips is highly recommended, as it helps to provide valuable information for diabetes treatment.
