Ketosis

Introduction to ketosis

The body’s primary source of energy is glucose. When the body does not have enough glucose for energy, it burns stored fats instead; this results in a build-up of acids called ketones within the body. This state of using ketones is called ketosis. Some people encourage ketosis by following a ketogenic diet or, more simply, a low-carb diet.

When a person is in ketosis, they are able to switch the “gas tank” from glucose to fat. If a person is a glucose burner this “metabolic flexibility” only comes after they’ve adapted first. This process, called keto adaptation, is necessary because the fat “gas tank” can be likened to as deep storage and not easily accessed. During the keto adaptation process, some experience “keto flu” where the body goes through withdrawal from sugar and carby foods. This keto flu can last anywhere from one day to a few weeks.

Ketogenesis is the biochemical process by which the body uses ketone bodies through the breakdown of fatty acids and ketogenic amino acids. This supplies energy to certain organs, particularly the brain.

Ketoacidosis is a metabolic state associated with high concentrations of ketone bodies. The three main causes of ketoacidosis are alcoholism, starvation, and Type 1 diabetes. Exclusive of those conditions, it is not a potential side effect of following a low carb diet.

Exogenous ketones are ketone bodies that are ingested through a nutritional supplement. Consuming exogenous ketones alone will not result in ketosis.

The ketogenic diet was developed in the 1920s as a therapeutic treatment of pediatric epilepsy. It was widely used until the introduction of anticonvulsant drugs.