Table of contents:
- Changes in the body when we reduce carbohydrates
- 1. Decreased appetite
- 2. Weight loss
- 3. Increased concentration and energy
- What are the side effects?
- 1. Tiring easily
- 2. Constipation
- 3. Insomnia
- 4. Bad breath
- Is ketosis safe?
- Who should avoid ketosis?
Every day, our body's metabolism produces energy needed for various body activities and functions. Usually, energy is obtained from glucose which comes from daily food. However, under certain circumstances, the metabolic processes to produce energy can also use the fat layer in the body. This is known as ketosis.
Ketosis is a temporary metabolic condition, in which the body no longer metabolizes glucose from food, but by breaking down fat in the body. This process encourages the liver to break down fatty acids to produce compounds ketone, in between beta–hydroxybutyrate and acetone which is then distributed to various tissues and body fluids.
There are several things that cause the body to burn fat to produce energy, including fasting, high-intensity physical activity, or a low-carbohydrate diet. Ketosis conditions allow the body to reduce the fat layer more, in a relatively short time.
Changes in the body when we reduce carbohydrates
Here are some changes when the body uses fat instead of glucose from dietary carbohydrates:
1. Decreased appetite
this is especially so when ketosis is triggered by the consumption of less carbohydrates. Decreasing consumption of carbohydrate food sources can lead to changes in hunger-regulating hormones, because the body consumes more protein, vegetable and fruit sources. Ketone compounds produced during ketosis also affect the brain's response to hunger.
2. Weight loss
Like the effects of low carbohydrates in general, a body that is deficient in carbohydrates will lose weight more easily because the body breaks down fat. This occurs when ketosis lasts for several weeks and can last long or short, depending on how quickly the body stops using fat as energy and stores food reserves again.
3. Increased concentration and energy
Reducing carbohydrate consumption for a long time encourages the body to adapt to using fat as an energy source. Reducing energy sources that are more easily broken down such as carbohydrates will help the body to regulate energy sources more efficiently. When there is a lack of glucose, the brain also begins to adapt to use other energy sources such as ketones to replace carbohydrates. This mechanism also helps the brain work better at concentrating and remembering.
What are the side effects?
Despite its many benefits, metabolizing fat in the body to replace glucose also has some side effects, which may be harmless but can be annoying. Among others are:
1. Tiring easily
These symptoms occur early in the body, when the body is just starting to use fat as an energy source, and it can take several days before the body fully adapts. At the beginning of adaptation, the body excretes the remaining carbohydrates and water, in addition to using fat as energy. To combat this, increase your consumption of electrolytes or mineral salts sodium, potassium, and magnesium when you eat small amounts of carbohydrates.
2. Constipation
Ketosis is also accompanied by excess fluid excretion and a smaller amount of leftovers. Therefore, it is very important to replace body fluids and eat foods with complex carbohydrates when there is a lack of consumption of simple carbohydrates such as from flour and rice.
3. Insomnia
Difficulty sleeping when the body is in ketosis is due to hunger due to the usual consumption of smaller amounts of carbohydrates. This causes individuals who experience ketosis to wake up from sleep at night when carbohydrate levels are lowest, and it is difficult to get back to sleep.
4. Bad breath
Change in bad breath is caused by an increase in compounds acetone on urine and breath. This condition can disappear when the body is no longer in a state of ketosis, or the body starts to get used to using fat as energy due to levels acetone it's back down. Of course, this can be overcome by brushing your teeth or by taking a law.
Is ketosis safe?
Basically ketosis is not dangerous to health because it is only in the form of compound production ketone excess of fat metabolism. Reducing carbohydrates to trigger ketosis conditions can be beneficial for health, especially individuals who are obese and cholesterol levels are not controlled. Ketosis also tends to be safe as long as the individual's body can adapt and does not trigger the production of compounds ketone excess to cause poisoning (ketoacidosis) such as in heavy alcohol drinkers and diabetics.
Who should avoid ketosis?
Ketosis is a condition that triggers diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in type 1 diabetics. When diabetics tend not to be able to use glucose as an energy source, ketosis conditions also increase ketones in the blood, triggering ketoacidosis or a condition where the body's pH is too acidic. Katoacidosis causes several symptoms such as excessive thirst, stomach pain, nausea, dehydration, vomiting, and can end in death.
Detecting ketosis itself tends to be difficult, but it needs to be watched out when sufferers experience ketosis side effects, experience flu symptoms, or when blood sugar levels are higher than 240mg / dL. Immediately handle ketosis conditions before becoming ketoacidosis by providing help with replacement of body fluids and electrolytes and insulin hormone injection until the blood sugar level is below 240mg / dL.