Ketostix Question

[dbowen]

I am sure millions have asked questions similar to mine, but I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. I bought the Ketostix because I am the type that needs a little extra motivation and I felt these would do the trick. I started Induction Monday and the stick was already dark pink yesterday afternoon so I was happy about that! I am writing for a little clartification on the ketone check. I read somewhere (God knows where) that the sticks only measure the concentration of ketones. Call me crazy, but wouldn't more concentration mean more fat burning?? Just asking.

Also, how do you know if you are metabolically resistant?

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Ketostix Question

Read this:

https://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/82407-article-ketostix-color.html

[Georgiana]

Re: Ketostix Question

I read somewhere (God knows where) that the sticks only measure the concentration of ketones.

Not the most accurate definition.

Ketostix measure the concentration of excess acetoacetate (one of the three ketones made by the body) that is spilled over in urine at the time of testing. This is just excess. The sticks do not measure the concentration of acetoacetate in your blood, nor do they measure the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone (the other two ketones).

Call me crazy, but wouldn't more concentration mean more fat burning??

No, for the reasons above.

Also, ketones are used for energy by the body and acetoacetate can form beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone. So not having "a lot" of acetoacetate in urine does not tell the complete story.

Dr. Atkins defined ketosis as the process of burning primarily fat for fuel. A direct consequence of this will be ketonemia (ketones in blood). Ketonuria (ketones in urine) is a possible -- but not required -- consequence.

Also, how do you know if you are metabolically resistant?

Are you reading the 2002 edition of Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution? The degrees of metabolic resistance are explained there.

A summary of the info in the book is also here:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6773-what-my-ace-ccll.html

[Moss]

Re: Ketostix Question

I just bought the sticks today to make sure I was in ketosis. My first test was between moderate and small.

So my understanding, lacking as it may be is that I'm good, I shouldn't worry about getting it dark purple or anything; all that matters is that I'm in ketosis, it will fluctuate just as blood sugar or anything else would but darker doesn't mean more fat is being burned.

Is that right?

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Ketostix Question

>>I shouldn't worry about getting it dark purple or anything;>>

Yes.

>>all that matters is that I'm in ketosis>>

Well, turning the stick a color doesn't mean you're doing Atkins right, or that you'll lose weight.

It does mean you have good aim and that you're spilling ketones.

[mission to lose]

Re: Ketostix Question

I have lost 37#,
and yes, I must confess, early on I was a victim of buying ketostix,
so just for fun I use one every few weeks...might as well use them up.
My color is always very very light.

[Desertthorn]

Re: Ketostix Question

Color doesn't matter and I understand that if its really dark purple it probably means your not drinking enough water, which, now that I think about it doesn't make much sense at all.

I think everyone trys them at some time.

[Moss]

Re: Ketostix Question

Color doesn't matter and I understand that if its really dark purple it probably means your not drinking enough water, which, now that I think about it doesn't make much sense at all.

I think everyone trys them at some time.

If you aren't drinking enough water then it would be more concentrated in what waste water you are expelling, so it makes perfect sense.

However, I read in another post that it isn't actually true in this case.