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Ketosis and diets
By Robert | June 7, 2008
Ketosis seems to be the in word in diets, especially low carbohydrate diets. Everyone seem to be talking about “ketosis”.
It really came to prominence in a big way when Dr. Atkins introduced it in his book “Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution”. In his book he explains how his diet works and explains about “ketosis”. Ketosis in dietary terms is a shortened reference to “ketosis/liptolysis”. This is the technical term for the way our bodies set about dissolving fat. The natural method for our bodies is to break down body fat into glycerol and free fatty acids, which is in turn broken down into “ketone” bodies which are then used as fuel. At this point our bodies are said to be in “ketosis” which means our bodies are using stored fat to convert into energy.
The “ketones” are used by our bodies as energy sources for our muscles, our heart, and our other organs. It can put a strain on our kidneys and liver, which is why there is a time limit on this heightened state. It also explains the requirement to drink lots of water and why it is advisded that we get a medical check up to make sure we do not have any health unknown issues, for example having liver or kidney problems while trying to follow this diet might not be a good idea.
Following Dr. Atkins’s references to “ketosis”, many people now seem to recognise it as a state during which weight loss is maximised. Much is made of the experience of some that there can be a chemical reaction causing “bad breath” when the body is in this “state”. One thing everyone seems to agree is that it is the bodies natural way of using up stored fat and a desired result of dieting.
Topics: Low carbohydrates and Ketosis | No Comments »
