If you’re familiar with the keto diet, then you’ve probably heard the term ketosis. This means that your body is in a metabolic state in which it gets energy from ketones instead of glucose. Here’s how to tell if your body has reached that point.
Higher blood ketone levels
If you’re able to get a blood test, you can have your doctor check your ketone levels. Individuals who are in ketosis will show higher ketone levels and lower blood glucose levels. There are at-home kits that you can use to prick your finger and get a reading on blood levels.
Your breath and urine smell
This is kind of gross but it’s one of the easiest ways to see if your body is in ketosis. Higher ketone levels means an increased presence of acetone in your breath and urine. This ketone gives your breath a more sour or fruitier odor while it makes your urine smell stronger than normal.
Ketosis makes you lose weight
You’re probably on the keto diet to drop some pounds so if your weight is going down, then you’ve probably reached ketosis. Individuals typically start seeing weight loss within the first week of restricting their carbohydrate intake.
A loss of appetite caused by ketosis
Another common side effect of being in ketosis is that you get full more easily and might experience a noticeable decrease in appetite. Scientists suspect that ketones can have an effect on the brain, leading to suppressed appetite and even brain fog and fatigue. In fact, it’s not unusual for people in ketosis to report decreased sports performance and trouble concentrating, especially in the first week. However, there is still research to be done in this area.
Ketosis isn’t something that you want to be in over the long term but there are plenty of people who swear by the benefits of adopting a keto diet.