WHAT IS KETOSIS?
Ketosis is natural and normal, though arguably not optimal.
Our bodies run well on glucose (carbs)–they give us the necessary energy we need to function on a daily basis.
When our body doesn’t get enough glucose (either because we’re cutting carbs too low, OR we haven’t eaten in too long), our body kind of freaks out and looks for other forms of energy to satisfy that role. That’s where the fat comes in.
Without carbs, our insulin levels drop and fat is released from our cells.
The fat overwhelms the liver which turns it into ketones, our body’s second choice to carbs for energy.
So, to confirm. Yes, your brain CAN function without carbs, but carbs are still your brains favourite good and some brain cells can only use glucose for fuel.
KETOACIDOSIS IN DIABETES
It’s important we distinguish between the process of ketoacidosis seen in type 1 diabetes and this ketosis that so many people on the keto diet are striving for.
If someone with diabetes lacks enough insulin and/or does not eat enough carbohydrates, they risk entering a state known as ketoacidosis.
For those with uncontrolled diabetes, this can increase the levels of ketones in the blood, increasing the acidity of the blood, and potentially leading to a coma or even death.
In ketosis for a healthy individual, the level of ketones in the blood never reaches these crazy high levels so it’s generally safe for the average healthy individual.
Bottom line: Ketosis is not ketoacidosis and is generally safe for most healthy people.
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