Keto Means
Photo by Karol D Pexels Logo Photo: Karol D

Will a 25 hour fast put me in ketosis?

Fasting for short periods Intermittent fasting (IF) can help a person reach a state of ketosis. In some controlled cases, a doctor may recommend fasting periods of 24–48 hours , but most people do not need to fast this long to reach ketosis.

Can you survive on zero carbs?
Can you survive on zero carbs?

While some organs can learn to live without carbohydrates, others can't. This means that it is a good idea to include carbohydrates in your diet as...

Read More »
Why is my sweat so smelly?
Why is my sweat so smelly?

Smelly armpits occur when bacteria break down the otherwise odorless sweat on your skin. Some people sweat more than others and have a condition...

Read More »

Reaching ketosis can be challenging. Below, we explore seven ways to speed up this process. We also look at the risks involved and who may not benefit. Some people enter ketosis because they wish to lose body fat. In ketosis, the body breaks down its fat stores instead of relying on carbohydrates such as glucose for energy. As a 2021 review points out, ketosis may also have this effect because it suppresses appetite. The presence of ketones in the blood and urine indicates that a person has entered ketosis . The body typically uses glucose, or sugar as energy. When there is a lack of glucose, the body burnsfat for this purpose instead. In this case, acids called ketones may begin to build up in the blood. The body can also use ketones for energy, but they may leave the body via urine. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state in which the body primarily burns stored fat, instead of glucose, for fuel.

Strategies for encouraging the body to enter ketosis include:

1. Significantly reducing the carbohydrate intake

Ketosis occurs when a lack of carbohydrates forces the body to use fat, not glucose, as its primary energy source. A person looking to reach ketosis should reduce their carb consumption to 50 grams or less per day . However, the exact carb limit can vary from person to person.

2. Increasing physical activity

The more energy a person uses during the day, the more fuel they need. Exercise helps reduce the body’s stores of a form of glucose called glycogen. Usually , eating carbs restores glycogen levels. But a person on a low-carb diet is not sufficiently replenishing their glycogen stores. This encourages the body to turn to fat as a source of fuel instead. The adjustment can take some time, and during this period, a person may experience fatigue.

3. Fasting for short periods

Intermittent fasting (IF) can help a person reach a state of ketosis.

In some controlled cases, a doctor may recommend fasting periods of 24–48 hours , but most people do not need to fast this long to reach ketosis.

How do you make brown sugar taste without brown sugar?
How do you make brown sugar taste without brown sugar?

Try maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey, and follow the same ratio as above. This natural sugar has a similar sweetness to brown sugar. It's made...

Read More »
What is my body missing if I crave bread?
What is my body missing if I crave bread?

Craving bread may indicate nitrogen deficiency, so make sure you eat more fish, meat, and beans. Those who are craving fatty foods might not be...

Read More »

IF may also help manage obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and it may also protect against certain cancers and neurological disorders. However, confirming these benefits and IF’s long-term safety and efficacy requires more research. Anyone interested in trying IF should speak with a doctor first, as it is not advisable for everyone.

4. Increasing healthful fat intake

Most people aiming for ketosis replace lost carbohydrates with an increase in healthy fats. Some sources include:

olive oil

avocados and avocado oil

flaxseed oil

nuts and seeds

fatty fish, such as salmon

While some people on the ketogenic diet add any fats to a meal, it is typically advisable to limit saturated and trans fats, such as those from fried foods.

5. Testing ketone levels

A test can check ketone levels in the:

urine

breath

blood

Testing can help a person track their progress and make tactical adjustments to their diet. They may further limit foods that cause a spike in glucose levels, for example. Simple ketone tests, such as strips and monitors, are available to purchase online.

6. Checking protein intake

A person following the keto diet typically eats more dietary fat than protein. While recommended amounts of protein vary, one standard recommendation is consuming about 1 gram (g) of protein for every pound (lb) of body weight each day. People who exercise heavily might need 1.5 g/lb. Some believe that a lower protein intake is necessary, although the evidence on this point is mixed.

7. Consuming more MCT oil

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which a person can purchase as oil, can aid in ketosis. Specifically, MCT oil may help a person reach ketosis even when they eat less fat and more protein and carbs than a keto diet typically contains.

What food burns the most belly fat?
What food burns the most belly fat?

7 Foods that Burn Belly Fat Beans. “Becoming a bean lover can help you lose weight and whittle your middle,” registered dietitian Cynthia Sass told...

Read More »
Is onion anti-inflammatory?
Is onion anti-inflammatory?

Onions, shallots, leeks, and scallions contain quercetin, an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that limits the effects of inflammatory chemicals within...

Read More »
What veggies are not allowed on keto?
What veggies are not allowed on keto?

These veggies should be avoided at all costs: Potatoes (As they contain a lot of starch and carbs, equally harmful for diabetics) Sweet Potatoes...

Read More »
What do you crave when you lack magnesium?
What do you crave when you lack magnesium?

For instance, chocolate cravings are often blamed on low magnesium levels, whereas cravings for meat or cheese are often seen as a sign of low iron...

Read More »