Still confused on the ketosis concept

[TheQuietRioter]

Ok so I keep reading that there is difference between ketones and ketonicacids, but what I do not understand is how they are produced so differently that it makes ketones safe and ketonicacids not safe.
I just don't understand the difference when they both seem to be produced in the same manner.
I guess I need clarification from a different source other than Atkins and diabetic websites.

I am currently reading at a moderate level, and I know the Atkins book claims this is safe, but the insert with the test strips says if you test at moderate or higher you should consult your doc or diabetic educator.
The test strips I bought even say they are good for low-carb dieters.

I am still tired all the time, and I still haven't gotten my energy back. My brain is still little foggy too.
Last night I pointed the tv remote at the floor fan to turn off the tv...LOL

Should I go ahead and break induction and move on to phase 2?

[Chef Kevin]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

dietary ketosis is caused by fat being broken down into ketones in the liver. It is how fat is used by the body.

Ketoacidosis is caused by one's body having it's blood sugar way high, over 240 for an extended period, and the body becoming acidic. It is not good. It is why diabetics have sudden weight loss. It is a side effect of a more serious problem. This is unsafe.

Diabetic ketosis is safe, as your blood sugar is controlled, and you are using your fat as fuel.

[TheQuietRioter]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

dietary ketosis is caused by fat being broken down into ketones in the liver. It is how fat is used by the body.

Ketoacidosis is caused by one's body having it's blood sugar way high, over 240 for an extended period, and the body becoming acidic. It is not good. It is why diabetics have sudden weight loss. It is a side effect of a more serious problem. This is unsafe.

Diabetic ketosis is safe, as your blood sugar is controlled, and you are using your fat as fuel.

So have I temporarly become a diabetic?

[Desertthorn]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

No, your spilling fat into your urine, It could be body fat that your burning or it could be last nights dinner fat. Don't rely to much on those strips as they only tell you your in ketosis and don't worry about Atkins, its safe.
You shouldn't be tired. Post a menu, maybe its something your eating.

[TheQuietRioter]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

No, your spilling fat into your urine, It could be body fat that your burning or it could be last nights dinner fat. Don't rely to much on those strips as they only tell you your in ketosis and don't worry about Atkins, its safe.
You shouldn't be tired. Post a menu, maybe its something your eating.

I posted a sample of what I eat in a thread recently entitled, I don't think I can continue...

[OzLover]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

Dr. Atkins clearly explains the difference between ketosis & ketoacidosis in Chapter 6 of Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution~~2002 version. He actually says that the 2 conditions are "polar opposites". If you have the book check it out. If you don't have the book get yourself one.

You have NOT temporarily become diabetic.

[Scribbler]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

There is no such thing as "temporary" diabetic.. Diabetes is caused by excess amount of glucose and inefficient insulin (in most of the cases).
You will need to have really high sugar levels in your blood along with Ketones in order to say you are diabetic..this is not the case with Atkins.. For your own peace of mind, you can have a blood test to check your sugar levels..

[Chef Kevin]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

no, you do not become a temporary diabetic on this way of eating.

Everyone has some ketones in your body all the time. Just not many.
Atkins exploits this way of burning fat, which is a natural process. It's how our bodies use up fat to survive, like when a bear hibernates, they live on their stored fat using this process.

A diabetic's body, because of the extremly high sugar levels, becomes acidic. The acid levels in the blood can damage the kidneys (NOT THE KETONES!) so, that is why ketoacidosis is dangerous.

You are quite immune from that damage when you are on Atkins. Atkins is very safe.

The 2 processes, as said above, are the exact opposite. ketosis (better said is Lipolysis) is just burning fat for fuel.

You are either in glucosis or lipolysis all the time. Either burning sugar for fuel or fat. There are no other states to be in. (well, ok, alcohol can also be burned, but not all the time...). So take a pick and either burn sugar or fat.

I am a diebetic. I test my sugar 2x per day. I know I am 100% safe from ketoacidosis because I keep my sugar between 90-110 all the time.

I also know if it goes over 240, I have a real problem. But, since being diagnosed, I haven't gone that high. Around 240 is where the acidosis kicks in.

If you are not eating sugar and limiting your carbs, it is virtually impossible to be in ketoacidosis, you are in lipolysis.

So, you are safe.

[Elizellen]

Re: Still confused on the ketosis concept

I am still tired all the time, and I still haven't gotten my energy back. My brain is still little foggy too.
Last night I pointed the tv remote at the floor fan to turn off the tv...LOL

Should I go ahead and break induction and move on to phase 2?

I would suggest - yes move on to OWL and start adding more carbs!

With about 45 pounds left to lose you are about the right stage to start to find out how many carbs you can eat and still lose weight (CCLL) as well as seeing if any foods upset your body and should be avoided/limited.

doing OWL carefully can take several months as you discover what foods work for you so having 30 or so pounds to lose in OWL (before moving to the third phase of Atkins when you have between 5 and 10 pounds left to lose) seems about right to me.

You might be experiencing what Dr Atkins describes as 'ascent weakness' which he said could be overcome by adding more vegetables which you would be doing in OWL rung one.