Very low carb diet can cause ketosis? WebMD

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

I don't eat very low carb and don't know about ketosis, but because the subject came up in BP in the last day or so, I'm posting in case this is news. I'm not vouching for accuracy. WebMD.com is the source.

A very low carb diet was identified as a cause of stinky breath. Further, "If you eat too few carbs, your body may have to burn fat for energy, and that creates acidic chemicals called ketones. These can make your breath smell fruity or like nail-polish remover. This is called ketosis, and it can become dangerous if too many ketones build up in your body."

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Many people seek ketosis out as a good thing as it seems to cause faster weight loss. That's one reason many surgeons prescribe a very low carb diet both pre-op and post-op.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Most people are seeking ketosis. I know I try to stay in it, and that breathe thing doesn't last.

[Djmohr 6,965]

It is the same as the first several weeks on the Atkins diet where you literally wipe out all carbs. Good and bad and yes your breath is horrible but your body begins to lose fat rapidly.

I lost 80lbs on that diet in 1997. I even used the pee sticks to make sure I was in Ketosis. That is where you wanted to be.

The problem I experienced as well as many of my coworkers that went on that diet at the same time is, as soon as you go off and begin eating carbs at all your body almost craves straight carbs all the time. I put on the 80 I lost and then an additional 30 on top of it.

That was when I decided I was done dieting because everytime I did, I would gain it all back and more. From that day forward I simply ate what I wanted, continued to gain weight until I ended up at my heaviest at 315lbs.

Then my mom became terminally ill and I lost weight simply from all the stress with trying to take care of her, my stepdad and work 60 hours a week. I dropped 50 and after she passed away gained that back and stayed there until I had surgery.

This is simply my opinion. The best thing to do for our bodies and the health of our metabolism is to eat a well balanced diet. Quality Protein, good carbs via vegetables and fruits and whole grains.

I try to follow that plan 98% of the time and so far it is working. I have almost 2 1/2 years on that program and I am hoping it sticks with me the rest of my life because I never want to go back there.

[ocgirl15 667]

Ketosis is a safe method of weightloss that I personally have been very successful at. I think you are confusing ketosis with ketoacidosis- this happens to diabetics and is dangerous. Ketosis is approved by my surgeon, NUT and PCP.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

can become dangerous if too many ketones build up in your body."

What's the likelihood of a build-up to a "dangerous" level and what is the danger?

@@ocgirl15, not I. WedMD is the source.

Personally, I'm uninterestd in a very low carb diet. A variety of tastes, textures and colors works in my favor for not going wild with bad choices. I also need to feel like a normal person eating normal food as normal people do...normal shnormal. We each find our way.

Edited July 14, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[NeedaBreak4Me 1,755]

Ketosis is exactly what they are trying to achieve during your pre op diet to shrink your liver....

[Clementine Sky 708]

It is the same as the first several weeks on the Atkins diet where you literally wipe out all carbs. Good and bad and yes your breath is horrible but your body begins to lose fat rapidly.

I lost 80lbs on that diet in 1997. I even used the pee sticks to make sure I was in Ketosis. That is where you wanted to be.

The problem I experienced as well as many of my coworkers that went on that diet at the same time is, as soon as you go off and begin eating carbs at all your body almost craves straight carbs all the time. I put on the 80 I lost and then an additional 30 on top of it.

That was when I decided I was done dieting because everytime I did, I would gain it all back and more. From that day forward I simply ate what I wanted, continued to gain weight until I ended up at my heaviest at 315lbs.

Then my mom became terminally ill and I lost weight simply from all the stress with trying to take care of her, my stepdad and work 60 hours a week. I dropped 50 and after she passed away gained that back and stayed there until I had surgery.

This is simply my opinion. The best thing to do for our bodies and the health of our metabolism is to eat a well balanced diet. Quality Protein, good carbs via vegetables and fruits and whole grains.

I try to follow that plan 98% of the time and so far it is working. I have almost 2 1/2 years on that program and I am hoping it sticks with me the rest of my life because I never want to go back there.

I also yo-yoed on ketosis-inducing diets. I was always delighted by how rapidly I'd lose weight, and then crushed at how much more I'd eventually gain back. During the diet my mind would frequently orbit around thoughts about food, and I'd crave carbs constantly. If you're wanting to lose weight quickly before a surgery or for a major event it might be beneficial, but long-term it isn't for most. The Registered Dietitian I consulted with said it's not sustainable for the majority of people.

I also had unpleasant breath during ketosis. Worse than that was the impact it had on my mood and the way it dulled me mentally. That being said, I follow someone on Instagram who says she feels amazing, with more clarity and energy, while on ketosis, so she obviously reacts to it much differently than I did.

I now eat a relatively low carb diet but not so low that I'm in ketosis. My weight has been coming off slowly, but beyond the typical 1-3 pound fluctuation I haven't gained any. I find that having healthy carbs in my diet makes me crave the unhealthy ones much less.

[theantichick 2,204]

Ketosis is the goal of a low carb diet, I agree with ocgirl15 that it is often confused with ketoacidosis which is on the way to a coma in a diabetic.

I know lots of people who have had great success with a ketogenic diet. I had a horrible experience with it, my blood sugar dropped to danger levels (low 40's) and I felt like I was going to pass out. Stuck with it for a couple of days because everyone said it was just the "carb flu" but it was something more for me.

So I've already discussed this with my surgeon and NUT, and we won't be shooting for ketogenesis with me. 50g of carbs a day seems to be the general line for most people between ketosis and not, so my eating program will be aiming for around 100g a day, and focusing on complex carbs instead of refined ones.

Works great for a lot of people, so I don't slam it, but it's not for me.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

I agree with ocgirl15 that it is often confused with ketoacidosis which is on the way to a coma in a diabetic.

Works great for a lot of people, so I don't slam it, but it's not for me.

Thanks, I was hoping for some info. Not a happy prospect.

I appreciate both of you referring to the ketosis/ketoacidosis confusion. It's annoying that WebMD seems to be a culprit.

[ocgirl15 667]

Let's read the source webmd. http://www.m.webmd.com/diabetes/type-1-diabetes-guide/what-is-ketosis

I am not disagreeing that for some ketosis might not be appropriate. If you are otherwise healthy low carb diet will not cause ketoacidosis. It can actually be very healthy for many conditions. It cured my PCOS. Also I got into ketosis by following my pre and post op diets given by my surgical team to the letter. 90% of post op Bariatric diets cause ketosis and that is by design. I assume a patient at risk ketoacidosis would be given a safe alternative. So everyone should follow their plan given by their doctor.