What is Ketosis?
Definition of Ketosis:
Ketosis is a condition that occurs when ketone bodies are produced from fatty acids as a result of the body metabolizing stored fat instead of carbohydrates.
Causes of Ketosis:
Ketosis is usually caused by a very low intake of carbohydrates which can occur during a diet or period of starvation. It can however also occur if a person consumes excess amounts of alcohol. Usually glycogen in the liver is broken down into glucose when energy is needed. However, if the glycogen reserves become depleted then the liver will switch to breaking down fats, usually triglycerides, resulting in the production of a low number of ketone bodies.
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Health benefits of Ketosis:
Ketosis is used as part of the ketogenic diet and has been used in helping children with epilepsy where other treatments, such as medication, have failed. Ketone bodies may influence neurotransmitters in the brain and in this way have an anticonvulsant effect. The purpose of a ketogenic diet is to force the body into ketosis by eating very few carbohydrates. Ketosis represents a shift, with energy being produced primarily from ketone bodies instead of the usual source which is glucose.