Ketostix test concern

#1

Ok I’m on day 6 of carnivore diet. I’ve gone from 126lbs to 121. I just took a test strip and my ketostix said I’m in the high range 160 mg/dL. Is this good or bad?

(Allie) #2

Throw them away they’re useless for testing nutritional ketosis levels and will just stress you out.

(Running from stupidity) #3

What the Queen of the Swans said, totally.

#4

By nutritional ketosis what do you mean? Like when I’m transitioning to becoming fat adapted ? Are the ketostix just good like when you first start out to make sure your in ketosis ?

(Full Metal KETO AF) #5

They confirm that your liver is producing ketones, but your body probably isn’t using much yet, you’re passing them in your urine is what the sticks confirm. But levels will jump all over the place throughout the day so the reading isn’t very important. But it does confirm that you’re on your way. I have never peed on a stick, but I knew when my glucose was depleted and I started using dietary fats for energy. I felt very different and energized suddenly on my 5th day of eating keto style.

#6

Yes I’m on my 7th day and I’m feeling so much better! Day 4 was a nightmare I thought I was dying lmao.

(Robert C) #7

Depending on your point of view - high levels are either “good” or “not bad”. Essentially can just be taken as proof your ketone production capability is up-and-running.

The important thing is that you keep in mind the above posts and (if you continue to measure in future) do not become disheartened if levels come down. That could mean either you are producing less or using more - the best way to try to be more sure is to keep on point with consumption.

#8

Ok thanks everyone

#9

The numbers go up and down all day. It depends on what time and day.

When people become keto adapted those pee sticks stop measuring anything (most cases).

Now that you own a pack, I suppose they are not completely useless, I wouldn’t rush out and buy any more. Just take the numbers as a vague guide.

But I’m not an expert on the carnivore diet. I started with a carnivore diet (inspired by Jordan Peterson and his daughter) but after two days I added veggies because I discovered doctors Phinney and Volek and the “Well Formed Ketogenic Diet”. YMMV

(Robert C) #10

Well, they might be soon - some strips have a label on the package - different from the “use by” date.

Instead, “Use within 2 months of opening” (which I always thought was strange on a 100 strip pack).
Might want to check label to see if it says this (or product details on the internet).