top of page
Search

Unlocking the Keto Code: Signs You're Entering Ketosis!

Updated: Mar 2, 2024

Unlocking the Keto Code: Signs You're Entering Ketosis!



Incorporating intermittent fasting while maintaining regular eating habits and adding MCT oil to your diet can facilitate a cyclical entry into ketosis, avoiding the potential drawbacks associated with a carnivore diet. Check out my blog on the plant-based keto diet for more insights.


Embarking on a keto lifestyle involves diving into a low-carb, high-fat diet. But how do you know when your body has shifted into a fat-burning state, unlocking the health benefits of ketosis? Let's explore the top ten signs that indicate you're moving into ketosis.

1. Keto Breath or Bad Breath:

- A distinct acetone or fruity smell signals the onset of "keto breath," a result of your body producing excess ketones initially. This typically resolves as your body becomes more efficient in using ketones.


2. Weight Loss:

- Rapid weight loss, primarily water weight in the beginning due to the diuretic effect of ketosis, is a common early sign. Long-term, sustained fat loss follows as your body becomes adept at converting fat to ketones for fuel.

3. Fatigue:

- Dehydration-induced fatigue can occur as your body adjusts to lower carbohydrate intake. Staying hydrated and adding a pinch of Himalayan salt can help alleviate this initial symptom.

4. Decreased Energy for Exercise:

- Initial decreased exercise performance is common, but it's a short-term effect. As your body adapts to using ketones for energy, you'll likely experience enhanced endurance.


5. Appetite Suppression:

- Ketosis reduces hunger-related hormones, leading to increased feelings of fullness between meals. Appetite suppression and reduced cravings for sugary foods are noticeable benefits.

6. Improved Cognitive Performance:

- Beyond the initial brain fog, expect better cognitive function. Ketones have been shown to enhance mental clarity, focus, and concentration, with potential mood improvements.

7. Digestive Issues:

- Transitioning to a high-fat diet may cause temporary digestive issues. Using digestive enzymes for fat digestion or ensuring adequate fiber intake can help overcome these challenges.

8. Insomnia:

- Short-term sleep disturbances may occur, with shorter REM stages initially. These issues tend to resolve within a few weeks.

9. Muscle Cramps:

- Reduced insulin levels can lead to sodium release, causing temporary muscle cramps. Balancing electrolytes by adding salt to water can offer relief.

10. Increased Ketones in the Blood:

- The most accurate confirmation of ketosis is testing blood ketone levels. A reading of 0.5 mmol/L or higher indicates that your body is burning fat for fuel.

Keep in mind, achieving ketosis is a gradual process, and these signs signal that you're progressing in the right direction. Embrace the journey, monitor your ketones if you prefer, but even without doing so, your body will communicate when you've entered ketosis. Revel in the lasting advantages of continual fat loss, increased energy, and overall well-being throughout your ketogenic experience!


Dr Purity Carr

GP & Menopause Doctor

Harvey, Western Australia

 
 
 

Comments

Welcome to Purity Health Women’s Menopause and Wellbeing Centre™

​

At Purity Health, we believe in living life to the fullest. Dr Purity Menopause Clinic, in association with Samy Medical Group, is dedicated to providing safe, evidence based information and care in perimenopause, menopause, histamine related conditions, and metabolic health.

​

We recognise that there are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT. One commonly repeated belief is that oestrogen causes breast cancer. This is an oversimplification and does not reflect the full body of evidence.

​

Here is the truth.

At Dr Purity Carr Menopause Clinic, we are committed to providing accurate information and personalised care.

Follow us on #drpuritycarr

Extensive evidence shows that for women within 10 years of menopause or under the age of 60, the benefits of HRT generally outweigh the risks.

​

For women who start HRT during perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause, there is often no need to stop purely based on age. Ongoing use should be individualised and guided by clinical review.

Even for women who are further beyond menopause or over 60, starting HRT may still be considered under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, with careful assessment of risks and benefits.

​

A Broader Approach to Women’s Health

Dr Purity is a General Practitioner with a special interest in menopause care, taking a holistic, systems based approach to women’s health.

​

In addition to menopause, her work now includes:

Hormone health, including perimenopause and menopause
Histamine related conditions, including suspected mast cell activation patterns
Metabolic health, including weight management, insulin resistance, and inflammation
The interaction between hormones, the immune system, and the nervous system

Many women experience symptoms that do not sit neatly within one system. Hormones do not operate in isolation. There is often an overlap between hormonal changes, histamine activity, and metabolic dysfunction. This integrated approach allows for a deeper understanding of symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, brain fog, and chronic inflammation.

 

Dr Purity’s Focus on Care

Dr Purity focuses specifically on menopause, histamine balance, and metabolic health. She works to identify underlying drivers of symptoms and supports women through evidence based, personalised care.

Please note that Dr Purity does not replace your general practitioner. The experienced doctors at Samy Medical, part of the same medical system as Purity Health, are available to manage your broader healthcare needs.

bottom of page