What is ketosis?

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body converts stored fat and fatty acids into ketones for energy instead of relying on glucose (sugar) for energy. The body enters ketosis when carbohydrate intake is very low and the body needs to use fat for fuel. Ketosis has been studied as a dietary method for weight loss, diabetes, and other health conditions for decades. It has also been used as a means to improve athletic performance.

Ketosis has physiological and biochemical effects on the body that can improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It is associated with the release of hormones that regulate appetite and enhance the metabolism, as well as other physical processes in the body. When in ketosis, the body’s ability to burn fuel and fat for energy is heightened, meaning that the body can become more efficient at burning fat and converting it into energy.

What are the Benefits of Ketosis?

The most common benefits associated with a ketogenic diet are weight loss and improved energy levels. Since the keto diet emphasizes eating healthy fats and limiting sugar and carbohydrates, this low-carb diet tends to lead to weight loss in those individuals who are overweight or obese. Additionally, the diet is often used as a means of managing type 2 diabetes, as it can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.

Ketosis also has been found to provide several other health benefits. It has been linked to improved brain function and decreased inflammation. It can also help treat certain conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Finally, a ketogenic diet has been shown to improve overall health and wellbeing by promoting hormonal balance and improving digestive functions.

How to Get Into Ketosis?

Reaching ketosis is a relatively simple process when done correctly. It begins with caloric restriction and reducing your intake of carbohydrates to 50– 150 grams per day. It is also important to ensure that you are consuming adequate amounts of healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish. Additionally, increasing your intake of green leafy vegetables and low-carb fruits can help ensure that you are meeting your micronutrient needs.

Finally, one of the easiest and most effective ways to get into ketosis is to practice intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is a method of fasting for certain periods of time (generally 8-16 hours or more) to encourage the body to use up its carbohydrate stores and rely on fat burning for longer. When combined with a ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting can be an effective tool to kick start your journey into ketosis.