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Ketosis, Ketones, and How It All Works | Ruled Me 2/8/18, 10:02 AM
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Ketosis, Ketones, and How It All Works

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Ketosis is a process that the body goes through on an everyday basis, regardless of the number of carbs you eat. This is
because this process provides us with energy from ketones whenever sugar is not readily available.
In fact, you may have already experienced a very mild level of ketosis if you ever skipped a meal or two, didn’t eat many
carbs during the day or exercised for longer than an hour. By doing one of these three things, you can initiate the process
of ketosis.
Whenever the need for energy increases and carbohydrates aren’t available to meet that demand, the body starts
increasing its ketone levels. If carbs are restricted for a more significant amount of time (i.e., longer than three days), then
the body will increase ketone levels even further. These deeper levels of ketosis confer many positive effects throughout
the body — effects that are experienced in the safest and healthiest way possible by following the ketogenic diet.
However, most people are rarely in ketosis and never experience its benefits because the body prefers to use sugar as its
primary fuel source — especially if plenty of carbs and protein are provided by the diet.
What Happens When We Aren’t in Ketosis
https://www.ruled.me/ketosis-ketones-and-how-it-works/ Page 1 of 17
Your body adapts to what is put in it, processing different types of nutrients into the energy that it needs. Proteins, fats, and
carbs can all be converted into fuel using various metabolic processes.
When you eat high-carbohydrate foods or excess amounts of protein, your body will break it down into a simple sugar
called glucose. This happens because glucose provides the cells with the quickest source of ATP, which is the primary
energy molecule needed to fuel almost everything that goes on in the body.
In other words, more ATP means more cellular energy and more calories lead to more ATP. In fact, every calorie you
consume from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can be used to increase your ATP levels in some way.
If you’ve ever used our keto calculator (https://www.ruled.me/keto-calculator) to determine your caloric needs, you will
see that your body uses up quite a lot of calories. Our bodies use up much of these nutrients just to maintain itself on a
daily basis. If you eat more than enough food, however, there will be an excess of glucose that your body doesn’t need.
What does your body do with the extra sugar?
Given the fact that most of us are within driving distance of seemingly endless amount of food, our bodies should just
excrete it from the body. However, the body isn’t evolved to deal with the abundant food environment we have today.
Instead, it is constantly preparing itself for a future famine. So, rather than excreting excess calories that the body doesn’t
need now, it stores them so that the cells will, without a doubt, have energy later.
The body saves up for the future in two ways:
Glycogenesis. During this process, excess glucose is converted to glycogen (the body’s stored form of sugar)
and stored in the liver and muscles. Researchers estimate that the body stores approximately 2000 calories
in the form of muscle and liver glycogen. Depending on the person, this means that glycogen levels will be
depleted within 6-24 hours when no other calories are consumed. Luckily, we have an alternative method of
energy storage that can help sustain us when glycogen levels are low — lipogenesis.
Lipogenesis. If there’s already enough glycogen in your muscles and liver, any extra glucose will be
converted into fats and stored via a process called lipogenesis. In contrast to our limited glycogen stores,
our fat stores are virtually unlimited. They provide us with the ability to sustain ourselves for weeks to
months without adequate food.
When food carbohydrates or calories are restricted, glycogenesis and lipogenesis are no longer active. Instead,
glycogenolysis and lipolysis take their place, freeing energy from glycogen and fat stores.
However, something unexpected happens to you once your body has no more glucose or glycogen? Yes, fat is still used as
fuel, but an alternative fuel source called ketones is produced as well. As a result, ketosis happens.
Why Ketosis Happens

When your body has no access to food, like when you are sleeping, fasting, or following the ketogenic diet
(https://www.ruled.me/guide-keto-diet/), the body will convert some of its stored fat to highly efficient energy molecules
called ketones. (We can thank our body’s ability to switch metabolic pathways (https://www.ruled.me/macronutrients-
and-ketogenic-diet/) for that.) These ketones are synthesized after the body breakdowns fat into fatty acids and glycerol.
But why does this happen? Why not stick with using fat for fuel?
Although the fatty acids and glycerol can be directly turned into fuel in many cells throughout the body, they are not used
as energy by brain cells at all. This is because they are converted into energy too slowly to support the function of the brain.
This is why sugar tends to be the primary source of fuel for the brain. Surprisingly, this also helps us understand why we
produce ketones.
Without having an alternative energy source, our brain would be extremely vulnerable when we don’t consume enough
calories. Our muscle would be broken down rapidly and converted into glucose to feed our sugar-hungry brains until we
didn’t have enough strength left to find food. Without ketones, the human race would most likely be extinct.
How Ketones Are Formed

Earlier we found out that the body breaks down fat into
fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used for fuel in the
cells directly but not by the brain. To meet the needs of
your brain, the fatty acids and the glycerol enter the liver
where they are converted into sugar and ketones.
More specifically, the glycerol undergoes a process called

gluconeogenesis, which converts it into sugar, while the
fatty acids are converted into ketone bodies during a
process called ketogenesis.
As a result of ketogenesis, a ketone body called

acetoacetate is produced.
Acetoacetate is then converted into two other types of

ketone bodies:
ketone bodies:
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) – After being keto-adapted for a couple of weeks, you will begin to convert the
acetoacetate into BHB as it is a much more efficient source of fuel (it undergoes an additional chemical
reaction that provides more energy for the cell than acetoacetate). In general, studies show that the body
and brain prefer using BHB and acetoacetate for energy because the cells can use it 70% more efficiently
than glucose.
Acetone – Can sometimes be metabolized into glucose, but is mostly excreted as waste. This gives the
distinct smelly breath that most ketogenic dieters know.
Over time, your body will expel less excess ketone bodies (acetone), and if you use keto sticks
(https://www.ruled.me/measuring-ketosis-keto-sticks-keto-strips/) to track your levels of ketosis, you may think it is
slowing down.
That’s not the case, as your brain is burning the BHB as fuel, and your body is trying to give your brain as much efficient
energy as possible. This is commonly why long-time low carbohydrate consumers will not show deep levels of ketosis on
their urine tests.
In fact, long-time keto dieters will derive up to 50% of their basal energy requirements and 70% of their brain’s energy
needs from ketones, so don’t let the urine tests fool you. If you are looking for more accurate methods to track ketosis,
read through our guide on measuring ketosis (https://www.ruled.me/measuring-ketosis-keto-sticks-keto-strips/).
Ketosis Can’t Fuel The Body By Itself: The Importance of Gluconeogenesis

No matter how keto-adapted you become, many of your cells will still need glucose to survive. To meet the energy needs of
the brain and body that cannot be met by ketones, the liver uses a process called gluconeogenesis
(https://www.ruled.me/what-is-gluconeogenesis/).
Remeber how we mentioned earlier that glycerol (a component of fat) is converted into glucose via gluconeogenesis? Well,
amino acids from proteins and lactate from the muscles can be converted into sugar as well.
By converting amino acids, glycerol, and lactate into sugar, the liver is able to meet the glucose needs of the body and brain
during times of fasting and carbohydrate restriction. This is why there is no essential requirement for carbohydrates in the
diet. Your liver will, in most cases, make sure you have enough glucose in the bloodstream for your cells to survive.
How You Can Get in the Way of Ketosis

Although gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis work together when carbohydrates are limited, this doesn’t mean that ketones
Although gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis work together when carbohydrates are limited, this doesn’t mean that ketones
will steadily increase. Certain factors like eating too much protein can get in the way of ketosis and increase the need for
gluconeogenesis.
This is due to the fact insulin levels and ketone production are intimately linked, and the protein sources that are commonly
consumed on keto raise insulin levels. In response to an increase in insulin levels, ketogenesis is downregulated, which
increases the need for gluconeogenesis to produce more sugar.
This is why eating too much protein can impair your ability to get into ketosis. However, this does not mean that you
should restrict your protein consumption either. By limiting protein intake, your muscle tissues will be used to make the
glucose that your body and brain need for fuel.
The best approach is to use our keto calculator (https://www.ruled.me/keto-calculator/) to find out how much protein
and fat you should eat every day. By eating in this way, you will not eat so much protein that it keeps you from ketosis or so
little protein that you lose precious muscle mass.
Instead, you’ll be eating the ideal amount of protein that your body needs to maintain muscle mass and meet your sugar
needs while you are on the path to ketosis.
Understanding The Path to Ketosis
Most of our knowledge about ketosis comes from studies on people who are fasting from all foods, not from ketogenic
dieters. However, we can make many inferences about the ketogenic diet from what the
researchers found in the studies on fasting.
First, let’s look at the stages that the body goes through during fasting:
Stage 1 — The glycogen depletion phase — 6 to 24 hours of fasting
During this phase, most energy is provided by glycogen. At this point, hormone levels are shifting, causing increases in
gluconeogenesis and fat burning, but ketone production is not active yet.
Stage 2 — The gluconeogenic phase — 2 to 10 days of fasting
During this phase, glycogen is fully depleted, and gluconeogenesis takes over to provide the body with energy. Ketones are
starting to be produced, but at lower levels. You may notice that you have keto breath and are urinating more often
because of increased acetone levels in your blood. The window of time for this phase is so broad (two to ten days) because
it depends on who is fasting. For example, healthy males and obese individuals tend to stay in the gluconeogenic phase for
more extended periods of time than healthy women.
Stage 3 — The ketogenic phase — after 2 days of fasting or more
This phase is characterized by a decrease in protein breakdown for energy and an increase in fat and ketone use. At this
point, you will definitely be in ketosis. Each person will enter this stage at different rates depending on genetic and lifestyle
factors, their activity levels, and how many times they fasted/restricted carbs before.
There you have it — the three stages that everyone goes through on the path to ketosis. Whether you are fasting from
carbohydrates (the ketogenic diet) or fasting from all food, you will go through these stages. However, this doesn’t mean
that you’ll get the same benefits from fasting as you do from following the ketogenic diet.
The Difference Between Ketogenic Diet Ketosis and Starvation Ketosis
The ketosis that you experience on the ketogenic diet is much safer and healthier than the ketosis you get into as a result of
fasting. While you are fasting, your body has no food sources, so it starts converting the protein in your muscles to glucose.
This causes rapid muscle loss.
Yes, you lose weight in starvation; your body will still convert the fat from your fat cells into energy to survive. But this is not
Yes, you lose weight in starvation; your body will still convert the fat from your fat cells into energy to survive. But this is not
healthy. Do you want to look like a ragdoll of skin and bones? Didn’t think so.
The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, provides us with the safest and healthiest way to experience the benefits of ketosis.
Why? Because restricting carbohydrates while maintaining adequate caloric intake from fat and protein allows the
ketogenic process to preserve muscle tissue by using ketosis and the ketone bodies we create for fuel (without needing to
use precious muscle mass).
However, muscle mass preservation isn’t the only unique benefit that the ketogenic diet and ketosis provide our bodies.
Many research studies have found that ketones have a plethora of beneficial effects throughout the body as well.
Five Health Benefits of Ketosis

1. Ketones Stimulate Mitochondrial Production
New mitochondria are formed in cells that burn ketones for fuel. This occurs especially in the brain cells of ketogenic
dieters.
Why does this matter? Because the extra mitochondria help improve the energy production and health of the cells.
2. Ketosis Protects and Regenerates The Nervous System
Ketones help preserve the function of aging nerve cells and aid in the regeneration of damaged and malfunctioning
nervous system cells. For example, many studies have found that ketones help acute brain injuries improve significantly.
3. Ketones Act Like an Antioxidant
Earlier we found out that ketones are a more efficient fuel source than sugar. One of the reasons why is this the case is that
ketones produce less reactive oxygen species and free radicals than sugar when they are used. By burning ketones for fuel,
the body is able to protect itself from the damage and disease that reactive oxygen species and free radicals can cause.
4. Ketones Help Prevent The Growth of Some Cancers
Research shows that ketones can help fight various types of cancer. This is because most cancer cells cannot use ketones
as fuel. Without fuel, the cancer cells have no energy for growth, and the immune system can finally eliminate them from
the body.
5. Ketones Improve Brain Function Tremendously
There are many research studies on how burning ketones for fuel can help people with autism, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s
disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In many cases, the ketogenic diet and ketones are more effective than conventional
treatments.
These promising research results can mostly be explained by two factors:
1. Brain cells function more efficiently when they use ketones for fuel rather than sugar.
2. Ketones can have an inhibitory effect on nerve cells.
What happens when you make a hyper-excitable nervous system more efficient and less active? Less autism-like behavior,
fewer seizures, and better brain function.
This list of benefits (and our article on the benefits of the ketogenic diet (https://www.ruled.me/benefits-ketogenic-
diet/)) is not even close to being complete. Scientists are just beginning to understand the effects that ketones have on the
body, so we will be keeping our eyes open for new discoveries regarding ketones, ketosis, and the ketogenic diet.
Now, you may be thinking that ketosis sounds great, but is there any downside? Other than the mild dehydration that may
occur in the first few days of carbohydrate restriction called “the keto flu” (https://www.ruled.me/keto-flu-remedy/), there
are no downsides to using the ketogenic diet to get into ketosis. The only time ketosis can be dangerous is when insulin is
either unavailable or not functioning properly. When this happens, ketoacidosis may occur.
Ketoacidosis: The Bad Side of Ketosis

Ketoacidosis (https://www.ruled.me/ketoacidosis-
comprehensive-guide/) is a potentially lethal state that
occurs when excess ketones accumulate in the blood.
Some doctors may advise against raising your ketone
levels using the ketogenic diet because they fear you may
go into ketoacidosis.
These fears, however, are misguided. The process of

ketosis is closely regulated by the liver, and the body rarely
produces more ketones then it needs for fuel. This is why
the ketogenic diet is so safe and effective.
Ketoacidosis, on the other hand, will most likely occur in

type 1 and type 2 diabetics that don’t have their blood
sugar levels under control.
The combination of insulin deficiency and high blood sugar levels that are commonly found in people with diabetes create
a vicious cycle that causes ketones to build up excessively in the blood.
By restricting carbs, however, healthy individuals and people with diabetes can keep their blood sugar levels under control
and experience the benefits of using ketones for fuel.
Putting It All Together

When you restrict carbohydrates, your liver uses two processes to fuel your cells — ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis.
Ketogenesis takes fatty acids from stored fat and dietary fat and converts them into ketones. The ketones are then released
into the blood to fuel cells like our brain and muscle cells. The process by which the body burns ketones for fuel is called
ketosis.
However, This does not mean that every cell in the body can survive on ketones. Some cells always need to use sugar for
energy. To meet the energy demands that can’t be met by ketones, your liver uses a process called gluconeogenesis.
Gluconeogenesis is like a magic trick that the liver uses to convert non-sugar substrates like glycerol from fatty acids, amino
acids from protein, and lactate from muscles into sugar.
Together, ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis create the ketones and sugar that meet all of the body’s energy needs when
food isn’t available or when carbohydrates are restricted.
Although ketones are most well-known for being an alternative fuel source, they provide us with many unique benefits as
well. The most effective and safest way to get all of the benefits of ketosis is by following the ketogenic diet. By doing so,
you won’t run the risk of losing precious muscle mass or entering the potentially lethally state of ketoacidosis.
However, the ketogenic diet (https://www.ruled.me/guide-keto-diet/) is a bit more nuanced than many people think. It’s
not only about restricting carbohydrates — ensuring adequate protein, fat, and calorie consumption are essential to your
success as well.
Below, we have a simplified graphic on what ketosis is and how it works:
P.S. Have a look at the Keto Academy (https://www.ketoacademy.com), our foolproof 30-day keto meal plan. It has all the
tools, information, and recipes needed for you to succeed.
+ The food has been tested and optimized so you can lose weight and start feeling great!
(https://www.ketoacademy.com)
Sources
What Are Ketones? Everything You Need to Know (https://www.ruled.me/ketones-everything-need-

ttps://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.ruled.me/ketosis-ketones-and-how-it-
know/) — Ruled.me (https://www.ruled.me/ketones-everything-need-know/)
works/)
What is Gluconeogenesis? (https://www.ruled.me/what-is-gluconeogenesis/) — Ruled.me
(https://www.ruled.me/what-is-gluconeogenesis/)
Glycogen Supercompensation Enhances Athletic Performance
()
(http://members.tripod.com/jpe_sportscience/Supercompensation.htm) — The Journal of Performance
Enhancement (http://members.tripod.com/jpe_sportscience/Supercompensation.htm)
Energy metabolism, fuel selection
() and body weight regulation
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897177/) — NCBI
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897177/)
Why does brain metabolism not favor burning of fatty acids to provide energy? – Reflections on
disadvantages of the use of free fatty acids as fuel for brain
Desperately seeking sugar: glial cells as hypoglycemia sensors
[Nitrogen balance during modified fasting (author’s transl)].
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7351177) — NCBI
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7351177)
Protein Controversies in Diabetes (http://journal.diabetes.org/diabetesspectrum/00v13n3/pg132.htm) —
Diabetes Spectrum (http://journal.diabetes.org/diabetesspectrum/00v13n3/pg132.htm)
Hormonal regulation of ketone-body metabolism in man.
Ketone bodies, potential therapeutic uses. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11569918) — NCBI
The neuroprotective properties of calorie restriction, the ketogenic diet, and ketone bodies.
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LCC • 4 years ago

Great breakdown of ketosis. I liked the point about not detecting urine ketones after awhile of being in ketosis. Any data on blood
ketones dropping after awhile? Many of us use blood meters now, which detect blood ketones (and is a lot more accurate).
3△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
Craig > LCC • 4 years ago

Thanks a lot!
Your blood ketones don't usually drop too much unless you're starting to bring up your other macros like protein and carbs.
Although, after a while, your body will be using your ketones more effectively than when it isn't deeply keto-adapted. Hope that
answers your question - I try to keep it relatively simple for people just starting out.
Dave Gunderson • 3 months ago

is there anyone using this diet currently..
Hell_Is_Like_Newark > Dave Gunderson • 2 months ago

Yes, Since July of last year. Down 40 lbs of fat. Except for the initial six weeks it took me to get adapted, the diet has been
painless. As an added bonus, I stopped getting migraine headaches (which I have had for 30+ years). Turns out being in
ketosis for some is a cure for migraines.
Laura@Ruled.Me Mod > Dave Gunderson • 2 months ago
Yes! :)
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
Dave Gunderson > Laura@Ruled.Me • 2 months ago

hows it working for you..and what foods did you you eat such as snack foods..
craig@ruled.me Mod > Dave Gunderson • 2 months ago
Hey Dave, stealing an answer away from Laura. I've been on keto for over 8 years now and it's worked very well.
At first, it reduced my weight, and now it's kept my bloodwork under control. If you're starting out for weight
At first, it reduced my weight, and now it's kept my bloodwork under control. If you're starting out for weight
loss, I recommend not snacking. You want to keep insulin spikes at a minimum during the day and snacking will
spike your insulin. If you're doing it for maintenance, then you can snack during the day when you're hungry as
long as it fits within your goals.
Tamiko • 2 months ago

What are your thoughts on a plant based/vegan version of the Keto diet?
Laura@Ruled.Me Mod > Tamiko • 2 months ago
It can be done!
https://www.ruled.me/compre...
JPS • 3 months ago

Should cholesterol lowering medication be stopped when following this diet? Will it still do it's job if taking Lipitor?
Laura@Ruled.Me Mod > JPS • 3 months ago
Hi JPS, I think that's something you should bring up with your doctor. They will likely want to have you do blood tests and
make sure that everything is going smoothly before changing your medication.
JPS > Laura@Ruled.Me • 3 months ago

I think the question I should have asked is will my body still go into Ketosis while I’m taking Lipitor
craig@ruled.me Mod > JPS • 2 months ago

Yes, it should. Make sure that you are informing your doctor so they can monitor your medication needs.
Teuksora • a year ago

hi craig, if on a keto diet our bodies burn fat reserves first, then what about the high fat we're putting in on a daily basis? when do they
get burned off? isnt this counterproductive? or is there something i dont understand? thanks!
craig@ruled.me Mod > Teuksora • a year ago
That's why you put yourself into a caloric deficit. While it's still not true to argue "calories in calories out" it does hold some
truth and that's what I generally recommend going off of. Your body can't live off of nothing - so the food on your plate helps
supplement the body fat that you're using for energy :)
kate • 2 years ago

Hi I recently started 21 day Bone broth diet without any dairy, grain, soy, gluten and sugar. It wasn't easy and I stuck to it but had cake
on the 7th day (friend's bday party..). I feel so bad now and the book that I followed said my body will get thrown out of ketosis and i
have to start again. Is that true? Will it undo a whole week's effort?
craig@ruled.me Mod > kate • 2 years ago
That's true, but a half truth. You will get knocked out of ketosis, but your body will be more efficient at getting back into it. 1
week isn't that much, but after months on the ketogenic diet, the body gets back into a ketotic state within 1-2 days max.
John Galt • 2 years ago

My gall bladder has been removed. How will that affect going into ketosis. I'm having all the signs but not registering on my Ketonix.
craig@ruled.me Mod > John Galt • 2 years ago
There's many people that start keto with no gallbladder. Usually they will start with smaller amounts of fat and build their way
up as their body gets used to it. I'd suggest the same, starting with about 1/2 the amount of fat you need to the full amount
around 3-4 weeks later.
Deepak K Neelakantan • 2 years ago

Craig, you are saying that 56% of excess protein is converted to glucose. What happens to 44% of the remaining excess. Thx
craig@ruled.me Mod > Deepak K Neelakantan • 2 years ago
Sorry about the late reply, I wasn't getting notifications of the comments (I usually get e-mailed). That's generally correct, yes.
Some of the amino acids are able to be turned into ketones while most of the remaining aminos are turned into glucose.
realphysique • 2 years ago

Craig, can you provide the reference for the point "56% of excess protein is turned into glucose"? Im clear that excess protien can
inhibit adaption, but im looking to substantiate the idea that excess protein is turned into glucose and can kick one out of being
adapted.
craig@ruled.me Mod > realphysique • 2 years ago
I just personally wouldn't go over 1.3g protein per pound of lean body mass if you're lifting competitively. Otherwise, you
shouldn't need to worry. From the studies I've read on protein and glucose, it can vary greatly based on what you're doing and
what you're LBM is.
realphysique > craig@ruled.me • 2 years ago

Thanks, but .. If one is in keto, will excess protien consumption be turned into glucose and take one out of keto or
reduce the level of ketosis. Im looking for references. Hope you can help.
craig@ruled.me Mod > realphysique • 2 years ago
Yes, but you have to eating quite a lot of excess protein (in excess of probably 1.5g protein per lean lb of body
mass - to give an extremely general response). This was varying on person, activity, and a lot of different factors
so the numbers were all over the place. This was based on a meta analysis of a few different studies. I'll see if I
can dig them up at a later time to give to you.
Lisa lee • 3 years ago

Hi! I've recently increased proteins from 60 to 75-90 due to more workouts and wanting to gain muscle. However, since then I keep
getting dropped from ketosis. My LBM is 95. What's going on? I certainly don't want to decrease proteins while I'm working out as I
am- lifting 3 days a week,running 1-2 and HIIT 2 x week for 30 min. Any ideas?? I'm using blood meter.
craig@ruled.me Mod > Lisa lee • 3 years ago
Make sure that your fats are balancing out with the proteins. That will most likely help. There's also a glucose response when
you do more exercise, so that could be part of the issue if you're measuring post workouts.
Lisa lee > craig@ruled.me • 3 years ago

So what should my fats be? I'm still confused on ratios. Do I need higher protein due to workouts?? Where should fats
be in relation to protein? Thank you so much for responding!!
14 △ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
Anne kins • 3 years ago

Hi I am new to this ketosis. I already have high cholesterol, if I start consuming high fat, would it harm me?
Ann
craig@ruled.me Mod > Anne kins • 3 years ago
Anne, as long as you're consuming healthy fats and are strict, then you should be fine. Actually, you should see a reduction in
your LDL and an increase in HDL. Generally, your cholesterol numbers will go up across the board in the beginning - so give it
about 3 months before getting bloodwork done.
Nikolas • 3 years ago

Out of curiosity - what effect would stevia, erythritol, xylitol or other non-caloric sweeteners have on insulin and blood sugar? Are
there any studies on this? Thanks in advance!
I would anticipate the sweet taste to activate the part of our brain that is connected to our GI tract, hence stimulating a little insulin
surge... making one a little hypoglycemic afterwards. I ponder however if the magnitude of an insulin surge of this nature would
demand a change in epinephrine or cortisol levels for gluconeogenesis or glycogenolysis... food for thought...
Great article and info graphic!
Cheers,
Nik
Craig > Nikolas • 3 years ago

Nik,
It depends totally on the sweeteners. The glycemic index will be what determines the raise (or non-raising qualities) that the
sweetener has. Erythritol and stevia are 2 sweeteners that have a glycemic index of 0 and don't raise blood sugars:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...
However, xylitol, sucralose, and most of the other sweeteners out there will. Of course, these studies are done on healthy
individuals in most cases, so there may be a SLIGHT raise in insulin levels with regular sweet sensations for the folks who are
overweight and have hormone issues (as I've also seen studies on images of food raising insulin levels in regular folks). But, I
think it's a lot better than having a huge spike in insulin (or an insulin surge, as you put it). I haven't really seen many studies on
the use of sweeteners in overweight/out of whack hormone individuals, though.
Ryan • 4 years ago

So I take it glucose produced via gluconeogenesis doesn't generate an insulin response?
Craig > Ryan • 4 years ago

Ryan, it does create an insulin response but not a large one. The glucose that is formed during gluconeogenesis is normally
used to keep our glucose at a necessary baseline. If you're overconsuming on protein, the excess glucose can cause an
increased insulin response, though.
Reggie • 3 years ago
Reggie • 3 years ago

"Yes, you lose weight in starvation; your body also converts the fat in your stores to glucose in order to survive. But this is not healthy.
Do you want to look like a ragdoll of skin and bones? Didn’t think so." Way to bastardize science. It's called a caloric deficit. Ketosis
or not, if you are in a caloric deficit,(i.e. losing fat) you will burn the fat in your stores, which is the ONLY way to lose fat. No need to
screw over science or ben alarmist in order to make Ketosis sound special or superior. Which it is not.
craig@ruled.me Mod > Reggie • 3 years ago
Yep - I put that in as more of a warning to open people's eyes. I often come across many people trying to go into a super
restrictive caloric deficit to lose weight - and it usually doesn't go well for them. Not trying to bastardize the science. I am also
fully aware that many of the studies done on keto vs. normal dieting shows no difference in weight loss results at the end - and
I mention this in many of the articles on the site.
no_corporatists > craig@ruled.me • a year ago

"This is important, because if you are not eating enough protein, your muscle tissues will be burned to make the
glucose that your body needs."
But.....wouldn't this happen only after all of one's fat reserves were metabolized for fuel? I had read that the body burns
fat before muscle.
craig@ruled.me Mod > no_corporatists • a year ago
It amplifies it, but muscle loss will happen before total body fat is gone.
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Ketosis, Ketones, and How It All Works | Ruled Me 2/8/18, 10:02 AM

RECOMMENDED THE BOOKS

Ketosis, Ketones, and How It All Works

What Happens When We Aren’t in Ketosis

The body saves up for the future in two ways:

Why Ketosis Happens

How Ketones Are Formed

More speciﬁcally, the glycerol undergoes a process called

As a result of ketogenesis, a ketone body called

Acetoacetate is then converted into two other types of

Ketosis Can’t Fuel The Body By Itself: The Importance of Gluconeogenesis

How You Can Get in the Way of Ketosis

Understanding The Path to Ketosis

researchers found in the studies on fasting.

Stage 1 — The glycogen depletion phase — 6 to 24 hours of fasting

Stage 2 — The gluconeogenic phase — 2 to 10 days of fasting

Stage 3 — The ketogenic phase — after 2 days of fasting or more

The Diﬀerence Between Ketogenic Diet Ketosis and Starvation Ketosis

Five Health Beneﬁts of Ketosis

2. Ketosis Protects and Regenerates The Nervous System

3. Ketones Act Like an Antioxidant

4. Ketones Help Prevent The Growth of Some Cancers

5. Ketones Improve Brain Function Tremendously

These promising research results can mostly be explained by two factors:

2. Ketones can have an inhibitory eﬀect on nerve cells.

Ketoacidosis: The Bad Side of Ketosis

These fears, however, are misguided. The process of

Ketoacidosis, on the other hand, will most likely occur in

Putting It All Together

Below, we have a simpliﬁed graphic on what ketosis is and how it works:

What Are Ketones? Everything You Need to Know (https://www.ruled.me/ketones-everything-need-

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