Ketostix reading

[Desihue]

My understanding of the different shades measuring the ketones in your urine is that the less hydrated the darker the shade. Does everyone agree with that? Okay so if that's true then why the words "Deep" thru "Trace"?

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Ketostix reading

Ketostix are made for diabetics. They are not made to be used for dieting purposes, but we found a way to do it anyway. Deep or dark purple to a diabetic would be a danger warning of the dangerous diabetic ketoacidosis. To a non-diabetic, dark purple means something altogether different.

I have wished many times that Dr. Atkins had never introduced us to those sticks, because when not used for the purpose for which they are intended, they can be very confusing. For our purposes, they have limited value.

[Desihue]

Re: Ketostix reading

Thanks so much for answering my question. That all makes perfect sense to me.

[Tomorrow_I'll_Be_Perfect]

Re: Ketostix reading

Hi Desihue. I use these sticks all the time and have since I first started Atkins in 2003. I know some people don't like them or use them, but I found them as useful a tool as my scale or tape measure.

I, personally, don't find the "dehydrated if dark purple" theory to apply to me. I drink at least three litres of water a day and have still seen that stick in the dark purple area (even late in the evening).

I have found them useful to determine how certain foods affect me (particularly if I've eaten somewhat questionably) and it can provide a motivation for me to keep going once I start seeing the purple appear. I, personally, wouldn't do Atkins without them (especially Induction), but that's just personal preference.

Good luck!

[studyinscarlet]

Re: Ketostix reading

The words "trace", "moderate" etc refer to the amount of ketones secreted in your urine, which is what the strips test for. Obviously when you are dehydrated, your urine is more concentrated so you will often get a darker color (like when you first wake up the the morning) but the strips are not a measure of your level of hydration. I also drink 3 liters of water a day and still get a high reading. Everyone is different though. I think they are a helpful tool for some people (myself included.) Hope that helps.

[-FOXY-]

Re: Ketostix reading

Here is some interesting info on them...

Low Carb Luxury: Looking for Purple - Ketostix

[brubble]

Re: Ketostix reading

The stix sometimes frustrate me, I've been eating 20 carbs or less a day, and more often then not I get a No Trace reading. I usually have two eggs with salt and pepper and bacon or turkey sausage for breakfast, a salad with half a breast of chkn and ceasar dressing, salami stick for a snack if I get hungry and some sort of meat and Veggies for dinner.. I believe I'm losing inches still... Sorry if I commited the dreaded thread jack..

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Ketostix reading

The stix sometimes frustrate me, I've been eating 20 carbs or less a day, and more often then not I get a No Trace reading. I usually have two eggs with salt and pepper and bacon or turkey sausage for breakfast, a salad with half a breast of chkn and ceasar dressing, salami stick for a snack if I get hungry and some sort of meat and Veggies for dinner.. I believe I'm losing inches still... Sorry if I commited the dreaded thread jack..

For you, like me, the stix will probably not tell the true story. If you are doing everything right and still fail to register on the ketostix, you could be and probably are still in ketosis. I lost over 100 pounds in 10 months and rarely ever registered a trace on the stix. I threw them away.

[brubble]

Re: Ketostix reading

For you, like me, the stix will probably not tell the true story. If you are doing everything right and still fail to register on the ketostix, you could be and probably are still in ketosis. I lost over 100 pounds in 10 months and rarely ever registered a trace on the stix. I threw them away.

thanks for that info, definitely encourages me more!!!

[-FOXY-]

Re: Ketostix reading

thanks ......last time around I was in darker ketosis, and this time I am working out harder and not straying at all....and I get trace or nothing....I was getting concerned......

[Tomorrow_I'll_Be_Perfect]

Re: Ketostix reading

Speaking of Ketostix.....it's day 4 of Induction, I've been drinking water like mad, and it's deep purple! Woot-Woot! I knew it was all coming together!

[studyinscarlet]

Re: Ketostix reading

Way to go!