For years, ketogenic diets have been utilized as a treatment for epilepsy and other medical conditions says Alex Gierbolini. We now know that the diet can also provide long-term benefits for weight loss and cardiovascular health1, as well as improving certain conditions that do not involve the gut2. As such, many researchers believe that keto could be an effective way for people to lose weight and reduce their risk of heart disease3. But there is one more term we use when talking about keto—ketosis—which may leave some people wondering: What does it mean to be “in ketosis”? This article will break down what you need to know about ketosis and how it can help you achieve your health goals.
What is Ketosis?
First, it’s important to understand the difference between keto and ketosis—the former is a diet that creates a condition in which the body produces small fuel molecules called “ketones” by breaking down fat, whereas the latter refers to this process of ketone production itself4. There are many benefits associated with being in ketosis5. The primary one is that when your body is producing energy from these ketones, you’re using up stored fat instead of the glucose (aka sugar) that comes from carbs6. This means weight loss7! One large review concluded that people on a keto diet lost 2.2 times more weight than those on a calorie restricted low-fat diet8, and another review found similar results9.
A Fatty Problem Perhaps the most well-known benefit of ketosis is that it reduces the symptoms associated with a deficiency in insulin10. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas to help shuttle sugar from your blood into your cells to be used as energy11. But when you don’t make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, sugar piles up in your blood12, increasing your risk for type II diabetes13 and other related problems says Alex Gierbolini. In fact, nearly 80 percent of diabetes cases are due to excess body fat15, which makes sense considering that studies show obese people have high rates of insulin resistance16.
A Ketogenic Supplement
A ketogenic diet has some promising potential as a long-term weight management strategy17. However, sticking with it can be tough18—especially for those who love to eat19. This is why many people turn to supplements like KETO//OS (Ketone Operating System) by Pruvit.Which provides exogenous ketones instead of forcing your body. To go through the process of producing them on its own20. Exogenous ketones work by providing energy derived from ketones. BBBut without requiring you to follow a strict low carb or high fat diet21. It’s possible that taking this supplement could kick you into ketosis without any changes in your usual food intake22, 23.
But before you go out and buy the latest fat-burning supplement, remember that there are also downsides to ketosis. For example, it can increase free radical damage in cells due to higher amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) .pProduced when your body is producing ketones24. Exogenous ketones may also lead to adverse changes in blood lipids25. While these risks are not life-threatening, it’s important to be aware of them. Before making a decision about using this product or following this diet26.
So, Is Ketosis Right for Me?
While the scientific research on keto is promising. It still has a long way to go before we fully understand its effects explains Alex Gierbolini. The bottom line is that if you are considering following a ketogenic diet or taking any dietary supplement. Be sure to consult your doctor first. That being said, exogenous ketones in KETO//OS do not supply enough B vitamins to meet daily requirements. So you’ll need to take a separate B complex vitamin daily in addition to it. Also note that this supplement does contain caffeine in the form of decaf green tea extract. 31 and should not be used by people sensitive to stimulants32. Overall, there’s no conclusive evidence yet that ketosis is beneficial or harmful long-term33. And while some research does suggest that this may be a useful weight loss strategy, there are no guarantees18.
And remember, supplements are not regulated by the FDA—so you cannot always trust the claims made on their labels34.
Conclusion:
Ketosis is a state in which your body uses fat as its primary fuel source. Rather than carbs35 says Alex Gierbolini. This state has been shown to benefit those with epilepsy36 and type II diabetes. And may even help reduce seizures in some epileptic children38. However, it’s worth noting that in order to get into ketosis, you may have to limit your carbohydrate intake39. There is currently no published evidence that ketosis offers any additional benefit. When it comes to weight loss compared to a low-carb diet40. Overall, keto can be safe—but check with your doctor before trying it out41.