Ketosis

Ketosis is potentially a very serious condition that occurs when there are raised levels of chemicals, called ketones, in the blood.

Ketosis is often caused by a diet that is very low in carbohydrate. Carbohydrate is the main food group that is required by the body for producing energy, and it plays a key part in a healthy, balanced diet.

Fat metabolism

Carbohydrates are normally broken down into glucose which is then converted into energy and transported to the body’s muscles and organs.

However, if there is a lack of glucose, or if it is not possible for glucose to be broken down - for example, if your body does not produce enough insulin - the body will have to break down stored fat in order to convert it into energy. This is known as fat metabolism.

Fat metabolism causes a build up of ketones in the blood, resulting in ketosis. Circumstances where ketosis can occur include:

• starvation,
• diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes), and
• alcoholism.

Ketones

As your body starts to break down fat, rather than glucose, the levels of ketone in your blood will begin to rise. Ketones are toxic (poisonous), acidic chemicals such as:

• acetone,
• acetoacetate, and
• beta-hydroxybutyrate.

If left to build up, ketones can increase the acidity levels of your blood, which can affect your urine, and may eventually cause serious damage to your liver and kidneys.

Your body may try to get rid of the excess amount of acetone through your lungs, which can give your breath a sweet, fruity smell that is sometimes mistaken for alcohol.

Glossary

Glucose

Glucose (or dextrose) is a type of sugar that is used by the body to produce energy.

Blood

Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.

Liver

The liver is the largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to secrete bile (to help digestion), detoxify the blood and change food into energy.

Kidneys

Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen. They remove waste and extra fluid from the blood and pass them out of the body as urine.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas that helps the body to control blood sugar levels.