Fluctuation in Ketosis

(M) #1

Hey everyone, I’m finishing up my 3rd week on Keto and doing good. To track my progress, i’ve been using ketosis strips to see where I am at. With my strict meal schedule, I should be in a state of ketosis, but I notice that i’m either barely in ketosis or in the medium range, nothing more. What could I be doing wrong? Maybe i’m eating too much protein is the only thing I can think of. I’ve just started using an app to count my macros to ensure I am keeping all my fats, proteins and carbs in check.

Has anyone experienced this? if so, what are some tips to look out for?

(mole person) #2

Keto urine strips aren’t a very accurate measure. They are really good for one main thing which is figuring out how you are doing at the start when you are trying to dial into your macros. I never use them except before dinner or before bed because I find that earlier in the day, after mealtimes, and after exercise the readings will be brought lower by various hormonal states, even giving negative readings.

Also, don’t worry too much about the level of the colour. Not everyone gets the same sorts of readings. If you are getting in the medium range you are absolutely doing fine. Also, don’t be surprised if, as time goes by, the readings seem to get weaker. The strips measure the “leak” of ketones into your urine. As your body gets more efficient at using ketones, fewer escape. That hasn’t happened for me, but it’s a common occurrence for long term Ketoers to have the urine strips stop working eventually.

I hope this helps.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #3

In my opinion, the most accurate measurement of ketones available for use is serum β-hydroxybutyrate, since measuring acetoacetate in the urine or acetone on the breath is measuring only the excess that escaped to be excreted. Breath and urine ketones tell you only that you are wasting ketones.

Unfortunately even serum β-hydroxybutyrate isn’t all that great a measure, since all it can tell you is how much hasn’t been used yet. There is no way to know what quantity of ketone bodies your liver is producing and your cells are using. That, to my mind would be a true measure of ketosis.

(M) #4

Thank you, that really does provide some perspective!