Ketosis vs ketoacidosis – Here at LIFE RENU, we speak a lot about keto, how great it is and all its natural benefits. The ketogenic lifestyle is definitely a great way to boost your overall health and rewire the way your body functions.
Ketosis, however, is a properly managed and mindful approach to dietary change that stimulates a shift in your metabolism.
It’s a natural reaction where your body responds and adapts to a lack of glucose, by switching to ketones, an energy substrate derived from fat molecules.
The profound weight loss benefits and general health boosting effects of this have more than enough evidence to back them up. Ketosis vs ketoacidosis Some of us here at LIFE RENU are first-hand examples of what keto can truly do for you.
Ketosis is amazing, but there is a form of ketogenesis that isn't that great, we could even say, it's dangerous.
Before we get into that, be sure to check out our blog as well as our store for more great health tips and products.
Now, let's break things down a bit. “A bad form of keto you say?”. Yes! We’re talking about a condition known as ketoacidosis.
Ketosis and Ketoacidosis, What’s the Difference?
Ketosis
Ketosis, as we’ve already stated, is a purpose-driven dietary realignment of metabolic function.
Nutritional ketosis, as it's often referred to, is achieved by limiting carb intake to a bare minimum, forcing your body to adapt to the use of ketone bodies, organic molecules converted from fat.
These ketone bodies drive the same metabolic processes that typically rely on glucose such as the ATP cycle.
Ketosis vs ketoacidosis there are 3 main ketone groups found and used by the body during ketosis. These are BHB, AcAc and Acetone.
These ketone bodies drive the metabolic process and can even cross the blood/brain barrier, thus providing an alternate energy source for the brain, which typically prefers glucose.
Keto has obvious benefits in reducing body fat but has also been shown to help with diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Research around how this occurs is still ongoing, especially when it comes to epilepsy. But the proof is in the pudding!
Ketoacidosis
ketosis vs ketoacidosis we get it, it's really confusing! Ketosis and ketoacidosis sound way too similar. Just remember that acid is bad, and you’ll know which is which.
Now, when it comes to ketoacidosis, you’ll wanna avoid it at all costs. It is a symptom of diabetes or prediabetes, especially common with type 1 diabetics.
Ketoacidosis is caused when the body’s insulin production is shut down, or when resistance is so high that it is rendered ineffective.
Because of this, your body is unable to effectively metabolize the energy in your bloodstream gained from nutrition.
This leads your body to assume that you are in fact starving.
This causes a desperate need for energy, leading to a large scale conversion of fat into ketone bodies.
The same thing occurs during ketosis, but with ketoacidosis, the quantity is so high it turns your blood acidic!
Added to this is the fact that glucose is steadily accumulating in the blood because there is no effective insulin response to manage it.
Someone suffering from ketoacidosis will typically exhibit the following symptoms:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness and fainting
- Excessive urinary ketone level
- Fruity, acetone breath
- Mental impairment
- Nausea
- Red, dry skin
- The excess in blood glucose level
What to do about Ketoacidosis?
We can agree that ketoacidosis does sound like the raw end of the deal.
This is especially true if you are already managing some form of diabetes.
Having an extra health concern isn’t something you need on your to-do list.
Although quite dire, ketoacidosis can be treated. It is definitely a medical emergency, so if any of the symptoms mentioned come up, seek immediate medical attention.
Your blood ketone levels will be monitored while a treatment of insulin therapy is administered in order to get you back to a functional state.
With all that said, one thing is certain, the best cure is prevention! So how exactly do you prevent ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis: How to Stop it Before it Starts!
Ketosis vs ketoacidosis – Ketoacidosis is preventable. If you're currently managing a form of diabetes, following your general management protocol usually takes into account the staving off of any ketoacidosis risk factors. A few prevention tips to remember include:
Strictly following your diabetes treatment and management plan
Eating adequate amounts of a healthy, balanced diet with no vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Measuring ketone levels along with blood glucose levels
Exercise mindfully and after consulting a health care professional.
Final Words
So when it comes to all things keto, there is most definitely a dark side and its called ketoacidosis.
If you are diabetic or prediabetic, the risk shoots up, so be mindful, and practice healthy habits that lead to an improved quality of life (you can check out some of our articles on natural diabetes treatment here)
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