Which method do you use to track your ketos?
reblazed
Posts: 255 Member
Blood, breath or urine? Why did you choose that method?
I've only been on this WOE for a week and don't know if I'm even in ketos (or however it's worded)
The whole thing IS working ... I have lost 11 lbs but I'd like to track the ketos adaptation, too. Also, how long did it take for you to get there, please.
I've only been on this WOE for a week and don't know if I'm even in ketos (or however it's worded)
The whole thing IS working ... I have lost 11 lbs but I'd like to track the ketos adaptation, too. Also, how long did it take for you to get there, please. 0
Replies
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Urine with ketostix. It is the cheapest and simplest way for me to check every once in a while.0
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Ketone strips, I just bought some today and haven't had the chance to try them yet. I keep chugging water lol I'm so excited to use them0
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i have the ketonix (breath) but I rarely use it. Almost never now. Was the most cost effective method since hubby and I were both keto when I originally bought it (he's not now though - he's almost done his first full round of p90x3 and found a couple of weeks in that he felt much better on carbs)0
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I already had a 100-pack of these (b/c they're way cheaper than buying the home UTI test kits) so that's what I've been using. I checked every day the first week or two and sporadically since then:
http://www.amazon.com/Mission-Urinalysis-Reagent-Strips-Parameters/dp/B009WW455I/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450574440&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=phinex+10+parameter+urinalysis+reagent+strips
(Mine were the Phinex brand but I can't find those on Amazon now. They're the 10 parameter strips like these though.)0 -
The strips are what I used in the beginning to detect the ketones in my urine. It's motivating to see the strips turn purple. But, once you become adapted the amount of ketones in the urine will decrease even though your still in ketosis. The strips may not get as purple then. As long as you keep carbs low, moderate protein, and fat high you will be in ketosis. Best of luck!0
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Thanks, everyone. Another question, does everyone get keto flu when the go into ketosis?0
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No because I eat salt, magnesium, and tons of water.
I also don't need to measure ketones - eat 20 grams total carbs or less and you're in ketosis.
Someday in the future in maintenance I will begin to measure ketones as I increase my carbs a bit. Then I will want to know how many carbs I can eat and remain in ketosis.0 -
Keto flu can be avoided by consuming 4000-5000mg of sodium daily. Seems like a lot, but we are losing it through our urine while in ketosis. Adding magnesium, and potassium supplements can help too.
Side note:
I use salt tablets (don't always feel like eating food to increase this), and magnesium and potassium supplements to try to keep my electrolytes in check. If I slack on this I will have leg cramps, even after 10 months of being in ketosis.0 -
I used urine test strips and blood testing when I first started. I had measurable ketones within the first 24 hours. I started out around 10-15g carbs. I already had the Keto sticks and blood meter because my daughter is T1D, probably wouldn't have bought one just for this.
I had no "Keto flu" symptoms at all. That term actually makes me crazy because it seems to make people think it's just a normal part of the process or something. It doesn't have to be. Just get 4000-5000mg sodium and take a good magnesium supplement and the only thing you may experience at all would be the carb withdrawal. Which in my opinion will make you realize what a grip it had on you and make you want to steer clear from then on.
Anyway, keep the carbs down and don't try to fit in tiny amounts of sugar, grains or starches and you won't need to wonder if you've achieved ketosis. It will be unavoidable.0 -
I didn't get the keto flu too bad. I read posts on here and had lots of sodium, drank plenty of water. I had a fair amount of Powerade Zero, too; not sure if that's really recommended but my BP tends to run low and my electrolytes seem to get thrown off a bit easily.0
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Great idea! I've gotten to a little over 4000mg with diet but couldn't figure out how to do the rest without going over on my numbers. ThanksI use salt tablets (don't always feel like eating food to increase this), and magnesium and potassium supplements to try to keep my electrolytes in check.
I didn't realize that ... thanks.Sunny_Bunny_ wrote: »Anyway, keep the carbs down and don't try to fit in tiny amounts of sugar, grains or starches and you won't need to wonder if you've achieved ketosis. It will be unavoidable.
I've yet to experience even a hint of keto flu ... but like you I drink plenty of water ((3+ qts daily). Maybe that's why.macchiatto wrote: »I didn't get the keto flu too bad. I read posts on here and had lots of sodium, drank plenty of water.
Thank you all for your responses
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Used sticks when I first started and still have 3/4 bottle left.. I do low carb so I know i am in it and the only time I have tested would be if I have eaten out and dint know what's used to flavor meat I've eaten.0
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Thanks for mentioning that ... I may never have even considered that part.
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Less than 20 grams gross or net carbs? Ie do you include fibre in your count of 20g.0
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I am below 20 with counting fiber but most days it wouldn't mater I'm below with or with out fiber0
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I've been using blood test strips, damn they are expensive!0
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I've been using blood test strips, damn they are expensive!
One of the main reasons I haven't done that from the get go!
Jimmy Moore did a recent Periscope on the cheapest way to get strips. IIRC it was a foreign order - Australia I think (forgive my US centrism) - way cheaper than Amazon.
I don't try and "dance around the edge" of ketosis by doing carbs in the 50 to 100 range (perfectly acceptable for many, but unworkable for me because of insulin resistance and morbid obesity).
Keeping below 20 or 25 grams total I know I'm good, although I must admit to frequent curiosity as to my betahydroxybutetate levels in association with how I feel and think.
My weight loss has slowed a bit 6 months into this, and I'm about 50 lbs or so from where I want to be. In maintenance or close I think blood testing really becomes valuable.
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Sunny_Bunny_ wrote: »I used urine test strips and blood testing when I first started. I had measurable ketones within the first 24 hours. I started out around 10-15g carbs. I already had the Keto sticks and blood meter because my daughter is T1D, probably wouldn't have bought one just for this.
I had no "Keto flu" symptoms at all. That term actually makes me crazy because it seems to make people think it's just a normal part of the process or something. It doesn't have to be. Just get 4000-5000mg sodium and take a good magnesium supplement and the only thing you may experience at all would be the carb withdrawal. Which in my opinion will make you realize what a grip it had on you and make you want to steer clear from then on.
Anyway, keep the carbs down and don't try to fit in tiny amounts of sugar, grains or starches and you won't need to wonder if you've achieved ketosis. It will be unavoidable.
I'm glad you said this about keto flu, I had about 30 minutes on day 3 when I felt less than perfect, but other than that, I have never had any problems on keto. I thought I was the only one - like I was made for keto!0 -
Listen to all these lovely people on how to avoid the keto flu. Wish I had been here before I started. I was miserable on day 2 and 3. Severe headache, no energy and at one point thought I was dying from carb withdrawal. I did the broth, but I didn't up my sodium enough to avoid. My husband never had the flu when we started. I have since quit griping about how he salts EVERYTHING. I think that was his saving grace during the induction phase. Salt away, salt away! But by day 4 I felt fantastic. Now the only problems I have is when I eat something I know I shouldn't usually in the form of a bakery product. I feel bloated, gassy, sluggish and miserable for the rest of the day. Lesson learned.
I use ketostix for urine. I just check every once in awhile usually during first bathroom break of the day when urine is most potent. Usually shows med me. I've only hit that dark purple high level once or twice. Normally I can tell by the funky taste in my mouth when my ketones are high. My sweat also smells different now.0 -
My husband had keto flu for about a week. I never had it. I didn't even know it was a thing until he complained about it. To be frank, I've never felt better than I have since I started eating VLCD in September.0
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Thanks to all of you for information. The reason I wondered is because I'm into week 2 and have experienced none of the signs. Carbs have been under 20 on all but one day ... and I feel great.0
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Great!!! And being that low on carbs you should have no doubt ur in ketosis so no need to waste $0
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ettaterrell wrote: »Great!!! And being that low on carbs you should have no doubt ur in ketosis so no need to waste $
My thoughts exactly 0 -
What about if my doctor told me to stay away from sodium because of my high blood pressure? Anyone have any experience with this?0
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I've been on bp meds for a few years now and over the last 3 1/2 mo and 33lbs down my doc just dropped my bp pill to 1/4 of pill. My bp is so low I've been getting dizzy so I cut it in half for about 2 weeks and that helped now 2 weeks later it's gotten low again and I eat a lot of salt! But if ur worried about it take magnesium pills. I will have a cup of broth with butter for a few days if I start having head aches or leg cramps. the salt doesn't effect my bp at all but everyone's different0
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Get a bp machine and keep a check on it, I check mine a few days a week0
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You will be losing salt unlike you would eating a high carb diet. Adding extra salt with low carb is just to replace the salt you're losing. You want to maintain the same balance as you had before and the only way to do that with your body dumping it is to eat more of it.
So adding salt to your diet is not to end up with more salt than you had before low carb. It's to maintain a healthy level so that you feel well and so that it doesn't go low and your body starts dumping magnesium and potassium in an effort to hold onto sodium. When that starts to happen you get the leg and foot cramps. It's a good idea to take a magnesium supplement anyway. Pretty much everyone is deficient. And if you add some LoSalt or NuSalt (potassium chloride salt substitute) to foods also, then that will probably give you enough extra potassium to offset any losses without needing a supplement.
Everyone I know that eats low carb at 50 or so grams or less, ends up being able to reduce or eliminate bp meds within a short time even with the added salt. You will want to keep a regular check on it, as I imagine anyone on meds should anyway, so that you can respond to any issues with your doctor.0 -
Sunny_Bunny_ wrote: »You will be losing salt unlike you would eating a high carb diet. Adding extra salt with low carb is just to replace the salt you're losing. You want to maintain the same balance as you had before and the only way to do that with your body dumping it is to eat more of it.
So adding salt to your diet is not to end up with more salt than you had before low carb. It's to maintain a healthy level so that you feel well and so that it doesn't go low and your body starts dumping magnesium and potassium in an effort to hold onto sodium. When that starts to happen you get the leg and foot cramps. It's a good idea to take a magnesium supplement anyway. Pretty much everyone is deficient. And if you add some LoSalt or NuSalt (potassium chloride salt substitute) to foods also, then that will probably give you enough extra potassium to offset any losses without needing a supplement.
Everyone I know that eats low carb at 50 or so grams or less, ends up being able to reduce or eliminate bp meds within a short time even with the added salt. You will want to keep a regular check on it, as I imagine anyone on meds should anyway, so that you can respond to any issues with your doctor.
This! Thanks for explaining it sunny ! What magnisum meds did u tell me to try I can't remember0 -
Hi @smartgirl88. Almost all medical advice that should make us healthy has been wrong (think obesity and diabetes here). When LCHF the recommendations change to opposite of what they were. Our doctors give us their best guess for problem resolution, but, it's not accurate for ketosis (which most know nothing about!). Sodium is a necessity with this woe. I used to have terrible edema that I thought was from salt, to the point where I was unable to wear shoes. I now know it was the carbs that created the vicious cycle. Now, I will have swelling if my sodium isn't high enough. Plus, I'm off my blood pressure meds too! Good luck!0
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I've been using blood test strips, damn they are expensive!
One of the main reasons I haven't done that from the get go!
Jimmy Moore did a recent Periscope on the cheapest way to get strips. IIRC it was a foreign order - Australia I think (forgive my US centrism) - way cheaper than Amazon.
I don't try and "dance around the edge" of ketosis by doing carbs in the 50 to 100 range (perfectly acceptable for many, but unworkable for me because of insulin resistance and morbid obesity).
Keeping below 20 or 25 grams total I know I'm good, although I must admit to frequent curiosity as to my betahydroxybutetate levels in association with how I feel and think.
My weight loss has slowed a bit 6 months into this, and I'm about 50 lbs or so from where I want to be. In maintenance or close I think blood testing really becomes valuable.
I'm in the same boat with the insulin resistance. I started my first couple of weeks aiming for < 50g per day, but after that I adjusted my goal to < 30 and usually I hit right around 20 unless I go out for a big dinner at which point I still end up only around 30 - 35.0
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