Too much protein?

tigersword

Webmd is certainly not perfect. Ketones are a by-product of fatty acid metabolization. While it's true a high protein, low carb diet can lead to ketosis through a build up of ketones (which isn't a bad thing, ketoacidosis is more dangerous, but much rarer,) a high fat, low protein, low carb diet will yield the same results. Or even a severely strenuous exercise regimen. All ketone buildup means is that your body is burning large amounts of fat. Ketones are what the brain uses for fuel in the absence of a prevalent glucose supply. It's not as efficient as glucose, but the brain can make use of it. All high carb, low protein, low fat diets do is cause your body to burn carbs for energy, and then burn muscle for backup instead of fat, because fatty acids are required to manufacture hormones that regulate body function (body fat is actually an endocrine system) so if you aren't eating enough protein to maintain muscle mass, or fat to maintain fatty acid levels, then the body will choose to burn off muscle and maintain the fat stores due to priority. That's why I personally believe eating a balanced approach of protein, fat, and carbs is the healthiest way to go.