
What is Keto
Nutritional ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body predominantly utilizes fat and ketones as its primary energy source, rather than glucose (sugar). Achieving nutritional ketosis is a direct result of adopting a specific dietary approach, and it cannot be induced through the use of exogenous ketone supplements such as powders or pills. It must be achieved through food intake.
Under normal circumstances, glucose is stored in the liver and released as needed to fuel the body. However, after one to two days of extremely low carbohydrate intake, these glucose stores become depleted. While the liver can generate some glucose from amino acids in the protein you consume via a process called gluconeogenesis, this amount is insufficient to meet the brain’s constant energy needs.
Fortunately, ketones provide an alternative fuel source.
In ketosis, the liver accelerates its production of ketones—molecules derived from both dietary fat and body fat. Even when following a higher-carbohydrate diet, the liver produces small amounts of ketones, typically during sleep. However, when carbohydrate intake is restricted, and glucose and insulin levels decrease, the liver increases ketone production to supply the brain with the necessary energy.
Once blood ketone levels reach a certain threshold, you are considered to be in nutritional ketosis.
While both fasting and a ketogenic diet can induce ketosis, a ketogenic diet is the only method that is sustainable over the long term. In fact, it appears to be a healthy and viable eating pattern that can be maintained indefinitely.