Ketone blood level higher with little food?!

(Kellie) #1

Can someone explain why when I don’t eat as much in a day (honestly some days I eat like once ) or go longer periods of time without eating my ketone blood monitor will have higher levels?

(Ron) #2

My guess would be that your body is still used to burning glucose and is pulling on the stored reserves in your fat cells to fuel the daily needs of energy. Since your not putting sugar into your body manually it is supplying your blood with fuel all by itself creating elevated readings as the day goes on.
This is just a guess as I am learning also.

(Chris W) #3

The simple answer is that the longer you fast typically the higher your ketones will be.

The more in depth answer is that since ketosis is regulated by insulin when you ingest anything your insulin raises. After that each macro; carbs will make your insulin spike, and raise your blood glucose(also makes insulin go very high);protein will raise your insulin level and it tapers off quickly, and fat will raise insulin a small amount for a short time. Since its rare on the keto WOE to actually separate the two after you eat your insulin will raise some for a while.
From there it really matters what you eat, large amounts of certain proteins typically will lower your ketones, were as large amounts of SCT’s or MCT’s will raise your ketones quickly.
When that insulin spike(large and long lasting) ketosis shuts down and your body reverts to an anabolic state(carb burner).
When that insulin goes up maybe a smallish spike like a nice steak, your body will probably shut down ketosis for short while, and depending upon your ketone and BG levels other processes may kick in like GNG.
With a short small raise, ketosis may be slowed or stopped briefly.
In all cases your body will prefer to use ketones so they will deplete the reserves floating around in the blood, until insulin drops low enough to allow ketosis to start again(if needed)
Exercise, time of day, fat adaption, fasting, being sick, stress, metabolic dysfunction can all effect ketone levels as well.