What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body uses ketone bodies as a significant energy source instead of glucose. Ketosis occurs when carbohydrate intake is very low and fat intake is high.
The body switches energy source
Normally the body uses glucose from carbohydrates as its main fuel. In ketosis, the body has switched to using ketone bodies, which the liver produces from fat. This typically happens after a few days of very low carbohydrate intake.
Therapeutic ketosis vs. "keto"
With a medical ketogenic diet, the goal is a stable, therapeutic ketosis that is maintained over a long time. This requires the ratio and macros to be correct every single day. Random carbohydrate intake can break ketosis and affect the treatment effect.
Measuring ketosis
Ketosis can be monitored by measuring ketones in blood, urine or exhaled air. How often and with which method this is done is agreed with the treating healthcare professional.