Keto urine test strips

#1

So I’ve been strict Keto for nearly 4 months, down over 25 lbs and feel all around great. I will occasionally test my urine for ketones, mostly out of curiosity at this point. I’ve read and heard that your body “learns” to use ketones more effectively thus “spilling less” into the urine to the point that the test strips will not show much ketones at all. However, when I use the test strips, they consistently show moderate ketones in my urine. Does this mean that my body has not adapted to effectively using ketones? Am I producing too much of the wrong type of ketone? Am I able to increase my carb consumption since I still have excess ketones in urine? Or is this all meaningless? Thanks for any insight.

(Allie) #2

It means you’re wasting your money by peeing on a stick.

#3

Lol, like a lot of people I bought the strips initially to see if I was trending in right direction. And now since I have them I might as well use them, as I don’t know anyone else who is getting started. So I don’t really see it as a waste of money.

(betsy.rome) #4

Treat yourself to a Keto Mojo, and compare the test strip results with the pee sticks. Anybody here do that?

(Jennibc) #5

I wouldn’t worry about it. If you are losing weight, great!

(less is more, more or less) #6

I fully agree with what @Shortstuff wrote. I write this at least once a week here on different posts about these damn strips. I’ve never turned the color of one. NOT A ONE.

There’s your proof.

For the masses, yes.

Correctly determining what your statis carb level is may take the rest of your life. Our bodies are continually changing and aging. 18+ months in to LCHF, and I don’t know, but I now know I have to keep it below 20 grams, total, including fiber.

By this point, however, I’m not missing anything, so it’s not important that I can increase that number.

What foods are you craving?

(John) #7

I bought some when I started. $12 for 50 strips. I’m 12 weeks in. I don’t test often, but when I do I am still turning them dark purple (about the “80” level whatever that is - second highest).

I am certainly in ketosis since I don’t eat a lot of carbs, am losing weight and inches, and hunger is controlled.

So I have no idea if/when they should stop turning dark purple. Definitely cheaper than a blood meter and no finger sticks. Really only worthwhile at the beginning in my opinion.

#8

I’m mostly craving fats, especially butter/cheese/nuts. However, I do get the occasional hankering for something sweet and have almost completely avoided artificial sweeteners. So, if I were to increase carb intake, it would be to add some fruits. For now, I will stick to berries and dark chocolate when I am craving something sweet.

I would add that my weight loss has been at a stall for the last month or so, but I am not too concerned as I’m about 10 lbs from goal and am in it for the long haul.

Thanks for everyone’s replies.

(Running from stupidity) #9

:metal::metal::metal::metal::metal:

#10

Adding carbs is a slippery slope

(Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) #11

It could mean you are really dehydrated.

Urine testing is specific for the ketone acetoacetate. It does not detect beta-hydroxybutyric acid, which is measured via blood testing.

Not at all, you can experiment with that when you’re fat adapted.

Yes. This.