Moderate vs large ketosis

(Laura) #1

HI,
I am using the keto sticks you pee on to judge whether or not you’re in ketosis. Can anyone tell me if there is a huge different between being in moderate vs large ketosis? If I could stay within moderate to large, that would be sufficent, correct?

(Ruthann) #2

Hi Laura,
This is a great question. The pee sticks are not accurate; they can tell you if you are in ketosis and that’s about it. You would need a blood meter to see your ketone numbers to confirm ketosis. From what I have read that ketone levels are 0.5- 1.5 mmol/L (light ketosis) to 1.5-3.0 (optimal ketosis). People advise to stay in the optimal ketosis range BUT everyone has a different metabolism.
I was actually going to ask a similar question to the group because my ketone levels run high at 3.5- 4.9 mmol/L consistently for the last 3 weeks and I was wondering if that much was ok or not. I do continue to have fatigue and muscle aches…anyway, I initially got the blood meter bc my urine sticks were always deep purple and I was curious where my numbers were.
You can certainly keep using the urine strips but whether you are in sufficient ketosis depends on your goals and if you are achieving them. The blood meter just gives more data to help you adjust your macros and troubleshoot any issues you may be having. .
Good luck!!

(Ron) #3

I agree with @Wheelz

(Ruthann) #4

This is a great explanation of the difference between the types of ketones and what it all means.
I will for sure get this book. Thanks for sharing this!!

(Ruthann) #5

I also found this awesome blog post that really hits it on the head. A bit long but worth reading

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #6

Even a blood ketone reading isn’t really all that good an indicator of how well your body is doing metabolizing its fat. All ketone testing really tells us is that the body is producing ketones, and at that, we are measuring the ketones that aren’t being used. In any case, for most purposes a higher reading is not really any better, as long as you’re in ketosis in the first place—except, of course, if you are using ketosis to treat a seizure disorder, cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease, where a high circulating ketone level in the bloodstream could be crucial.

Really fit fat-adapted athletes sometimes have a ketone level that barely registers—because their bodies are so efficient at metabolizing fat and ketone bodies that there is very little waste.