Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

[PeachyQ]

I'm on Day 4 and have purchased Ketostix tonight and tried one.
I measure MODERATE 40ml's . Is this a normal range for day 4 into Induction?.

How long did it take you to get to the dark purple?

[PeachyQ]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

Before anyone answers, I just did a quick search around the board on the Ketostix and realized that we DON'T want to be in the purple. So my next question is.......is being in the moderate dangerous?. I know that I am in Ketosis, that's all that matters, but I also want to be sure I am not endangering my health with a reading that may indicate something bad!

[Mirya]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

Before anyone answers, I just did a quick search around the board on the Ketostix and realized that we DON'T want to be in the purple. So my next question is.......is being in the moderate dangerous?. I know that I am in Ketosis, that's all that matters, but I also want to be sure I am not endangering my health with a reading that may indicate something bad!

You may also need to drink more water. The more you drink the more ketones you flush out of your system during urination. Ifi remembercorrecty being in ketoss is dangerous for diabetics not te rest of us but I could be mistaken. Als if i reember correctly the reason you don't want it purple is bcause at that t you are more than likely dehydrate and need more water.

[PeachyQ]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

Thanks for the reply Mira,

Yes, I did a huge search on Google about ketosis and the strips and what I've found is that the darker it is the ketones present in the urine, however this also means the more dehydrated you are and that is is important to drink the water to flush out the ketones. Being in "trace" or slightly above would be ideal as apposed to the darker colors.

It also states that the level of ketones can change frequently through the day. Depending on the amount of ketones that the body uses for energy.

Glad I read about this as I automatically assumed the higher or darker the color the DEEPER into ketosis you were LOL

[lockeshop]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

There are great threads in the health section on Ketosis and the sticks....I was wrong about them too.
As long as you are a little pink...you are good...does not have to be purple. Then again, some of our SEASONED atkineers will tell you that it does not matter a dern bit.
I trust what theyare saying ...just look at their tickers!

[peacefuljourney]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

Thanks for the post - I also thought the darker the better. S-

[ValidRouge]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

The ketostix measure the concentration of ketones in the urine.

So, if you're not drinking a lot of water you might get deep purple because the ratio of ketones to water is very high. On the other hand, if you drink a LOT of water (which is what you WANT to do) the ratio of ketones to water is much smaller and you'll get a lighter color on the sticks.

Keep in mind too, that a ketone is the byproduct of using fat as fuel. If you test after eating a high fat meal, you might have more ketones because your body is burning the fat you ATE as opposed to the fat on your butt. I only mention this because you don't want to be GORGING on fatty food, getting purple on your ketostix, but gaining weight because your body is never able to get to burn your stored fat.

[bobbyjen]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

When is the best time of day to test. I also thought the darker the better but now I have been educated.

[PeachyQ]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

I tried again this morning after 1 bottle of water ( no food yet) and my test was dark dark purple. Obviously, doing this in the morning after just a few tiny pee's ( sorry ) the concentration would be higher. I did it again tonight when I got home and it's down to Moderate.

I drank a total of 5 liters of water today. That is ALOT of water and was in the bathroom 2x every half hour all day long. That is when I did my test and it still shows moderate ( in the middle). I know for a fact I'm getting way more water then suggested by the book.

I can only assume everything must be okay??? I don't know if I can physically drink any more water, there's just not enough time in the day!!! LOL

[ValidRouge]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

5 liters is a lot of water, but that's about what I drink every day too. Moderate is good! Early in the mornin, even afer 1 bottle of water, the ketones are going to be super concentrated because we are slightly dehydrated after sleeping all night.

I usually test when I get home from work. By that time i've not eaten in a couple hours and I'm adequately hydrated. If I test at trace or moderate, I am a happy camper.

[BeautyBox]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

I have just out of curiosity tested myself and my stick was a darky pink, I thought I wouldnt be doing that just yet I am on day 3, and yes I agree with you about the water as Im drinking lots to

[DigitalMocking]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

To be honest, I think ketostix cause more trouble than they're worth, it's been my experience in other atkins communities that folks wind up obsessing over what color their sticks are.

Colors vary from batch to batch from the same manufacturer and vary wildly over different manufacturers. The colors in your test have a lot to do with your water consumption and even retention if you're getting too much salt. It also depends on how your body produces, uses and expels ketones. My wife and I did atkins for more than a year, it was very successful for her, but in that entire year, I don't think she tested "positive" for ketosis more than a few times, mostly she barely registered... but her results were clear.

[BeautyBox]

Re: Is this normal for Day 4? ( Ketones)

that is worth remembering and highlights a different angle on it for me, thankyou. I guess as Im in the uk its different to the U.s