Ketosis: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Ketosis is a stage in metabolism occurring when the liver has been depleted of stored glycogen (see lipolysis). This occurs after approximately two days of consuming no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates. Stored body fat or incoming dietary fat then breaks down into ketones, which are released in the urine.

It occurs during fasting, low carbohydrate diets and pregnancy.

Ketosis, which is one of the body's natural processes for the metabolism of body fat, should not be confused with ketoacidosis, a medical condition induced by starvation or diabetes that is often accompanied by excessive blood acidity, hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency.

There are a number of unsubstantiated claims made about the side effects associated with prolonged ketosis. Among those mentioned are heart palpitations, kidney stones, osteoporosis, calcium depletion, depleted glycogen stores, electrolyte imbalances, gout, dehydration, dizzyness, constipation, irratibility, lightheadedness, fatigue, depleted mineral stores, acidosis, coma, and death. Breath may smell sweet or be mistaken for alcohol.

Deliberately inducing Ketosis through the Ketogenic Diet is an approach to treating epilepsy.

See also: Atkins Nutritional Approach, insulin

References

• Lipolysis and Ketosis

• [http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic135.htm

Diabetic Ketoacidosis]

• [http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/08366/h&p2fat.htm

Fat metabolism]