Atkins Diet Misconceptions: Ketosis versus Ketoacidosis

[mrsmommy81]

BTW...one of the things that amazes me about you is that you don't have all the loose skin from losing 200+ pounds! I'm sure you've worked really hard working out & toning up, but I didn't realize it was possible without surgery to firm up as much as you did. That is pretty amazing!

[bowulf]

@mrsmommy81 I credit the diet rich in essential fats and proteins that helped as well. Many times when you see the sheets of loose skin, it is blamed on too fast weight loss. I think it is usually mislabeled as too little protein and fat as you were losing weight on their low Calorie diet. The body wants to repair as much as possible the damage you've done.

My stomach may never be perfect, but then again I have lots of physical blemishes. What's one more? :-D It could have been much worse.

[mrsmommy81]

@bowulf Awesome, that is great to know!!

[mrsmommy81]

Thanks so much for doing this video! This is really helpful. My ketones levels were between the two "large"...my husband said he read that there is no such thing as being "deeper" into ketosis than others...he said you're either in it or you're not & if your strip is darker than another person, it is simply due to the concentration of the urine. I wonder if this is correct.

[bowulf]

@mrsmommy81 You have a wise husband. (gotta support the guys doing the diet :-) ) What he says is correct. Essentially once you reach ketosis, your body is burning fat and geared towards consuming fat to fuel itself. While darker numbers are perhaps more positive reenforcement, even lighter numbers are ok. It's similar to pregnancy -- you test when the concentrations are highest (morning and perhaps least hydrated).

[mrsmommy81]

@bowulf LOL My hubby will love to hear that!! Thanks for verifying that:)

[1sashenka]

Thank you! That puts my mind at ease :)

[bowulf]

@1sashenka I am glad I could help.

[DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT]

It is completely incorrect that during starvation your body burns fat; in times of starvation your body will turn to muscle tissue before it burns up its fat, this is why bodybuilders eat cottage cheese before bed, the casein protein has a sustained release for about 7 hours and prevents the body from night time starvation, and subsequently fat storage and tissue loss... I am curious as to what your credentials are? Do you have any degrees in health related sciences? I hold a BS in Biochemistry

[bowulf]

@DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT First the easier answer, my credentials are I have a Masters in an unrelated research field, but I did TA a few biology classes. I have also further certifications in medical fields, but research in one field is analogous to another.

As for the cannibalizing muscle tissue first during any period of starvation, that is incorrect. What an inefficient design. Let's build a gas tank, but only use it when another tank has fuel in it.

[bowulf]

@DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT During periods of PROLONGED starvation, it will cannibalize lean body mass, but not during intermittent periods of low Calorie intake like at night. The higher presence of ketones in the morning is evidence of it. As for casein example, that is primarily what people seeking weight loss want - fat storage loss.

Ketogenic diets have also been shown to lose the least amount of lean body mass between it and low Calorie diet and low Fat diets.

[DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT]

@bowulf Obviously there will be ketone bodies in your urine the next morning, unless your pissing your pants at night, in the first few hours of sleep ketones will be formed as fat tissue is used in the rest state; however, you are completely wrong about starvation, microstarvation occurs within 4-6 hours of not eating, even while asleep; perhaps you should have payed attention in those bio classes you TAed; I've had TA's like you and its never helpful when they don't understand the subject...

[DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT]

@bowulf I think its great you've become a fervent disciple of a diet that apparently works for you and others, but it is unfortunate that you promote yourself as a guru of this discipline when your obviously just taking information from the wealth of convoluted misinformation on the net. People, this man is well intentioned, but if you are truly curious about a low-carb diet ask your physician and use medical journals for the info...

[bowulf]

@DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT Glad you have become an expert on me on the basis of watching one video if that, but it is obivous you have not done your own homework. As for promoting myself as a guru, do the research yourself. Read the studies, address their peer-reviewed articles and their conclusions, and perhaps, you might have a point.

The scientific conclusions of William Yancy, Eric Westman, Stephen Phinney, Jeff Volek, et. al have more sway than some random Internet poster.

[bowulf]

@DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT Perhaps you should have listened as opposed to spouting off rhetoric. Maybe if you actually learned something with that BS and actually read the journals, and what the current science actually says.

Go to any of my misconception series, and you can see the scientific journals I have referenced. I doubt you have actually done any of the research yourself. For example, in the long term studies, I reference over 10 long term studies.

Pubmed - use it, it'll help.

[DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT]

@bowulf I am not obligated to site my sources because I have received a formal education in biochemistry and understand it well enough not to be burdened w/ research, whereas you do have an obligation since your B.S. seems to have been in BS, read a 1090 page organic chemistry book describing ketones and then get back to me... take care

[bowulf]

@DISCIPLEofFIGHTNIGHT Sorry, a BS only means you have passed necessary courses. I am happy to acknowledge your deficiency in knowledge. Take care.

[joe84au]

Very informative, you really explain away the stupid myths. Keep it up! :)

[bowulf]

@joe84au Thanks for the support!

[flushed1977]

Some low carb diets, specifically the Harcombe diet (which I follwed for a while with great sucess), suggest sweetnerssuch Spenda etc,, act on the body in the same way as sugar (i.e. that it accelerates insulin production). As such, this diet does not allow sweetners. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.

[bowulf]

@flushed1977 I think certain ones are likely to affect some people more than others with a cephalic insulin reaction. Splenda is less likely than aspartame, but for some even that causes their brain to release insulin. For this reason, Atkins takes the safe approach:

* cautions against aspartame

* recommends only 3 servings of Splenda and other acceptable sweeteners

I also recommend if you aren't seeing the weight loss results you want artificial sweetener are one of the targets.

[themasteriswatching]

People forget that the body has mechanisms to buffer against extreme amounts of both glucose and ketones. They can both be dangerous, but merely being on a ketogenic diet isn't going to put you in a coma unless you're massively underfed. Ketosis is a normal bodily function, merely the opposite of fat storage. It won't be fatal to actually lose lipids rather than gain them, haha. At any rate, a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fiber and other macronutrients is healthier than a sugary diet.

[TRDrill]

Thank you for posting these videos! I'm sure that it is not easy being criticized by people when you are just trying to help out others. I am so sick of hearing people say, oh, you shouldn't do that it's really not healthy. My response to them is do you think that me eating crap that allowed me to put on this 100# of extra weight is healthy? Do you really think it is better for me to sit here with 100# extra pounds on my body, or to do something that is working for me? THANKS FOR THE HELP!!

[bowulf]

@TRDrill Exactly... I always ask exactly how many donuts, pizza crust, white bread must I eat each day to be healthy. What is the body requirement for these foods? If it is because the trite "they are the body's primary fuel," then my body has been running marathons on empty for 7 years. I am glad I could help and reaffirm what you already knew. Keep it up!

[ileneewenee]

All I have to say is, do a little research for your own benefit rather than believing what this guy has to say. It's actually as simple as making a call to your local hospital and asking someone there who is trained in reading lab values and interpreting causes for abnormal values.

[bowulf]

@ileneewenee I do find it amazing though you've joined Youtube for one day, and posted on my video. Move it along troll.

Some of the best minds in diabetes medicine and in nutritional medicine recommend a ketogenic diet. Hmmm - believe a nameless Internet troll or scientific studies, medical professionals, and researchers. I think I'll choose the latter.

[ileneewenee]

The gentleman in this video is sadly mistaken. One of the labs used to to determine malnutrition and starvation by hospital personnel in the emergency department tests for ketones in the urine....and these can be a significant factor in a person become acidotic. AND...You CAN INDEED go into ketoacidosis from starvation and malnutrition WITHOUT having Type I diabetes.

[bowulf]

@ileneewenee What is the test they do following this or along with it? A blood sugar test to test to see if you are diabetic.

[benyahman37]

The explanation in this video is incorrect. Without insulin the body cannot use the sugars in the blood, and so is forced to break down fats. Individuals with type 2 Diabetes do not make insulin. So if they do not take their insulin the sugar in their blood will not be able to be used by the tissues and their body will be forced to break down fats. The process of breaking down fats leaves Ketones in the blood. Ketones are very acidic. ENOUGH KETONES IN YOUR BODY WILL CAUSE KETOACIDOSIS.

[bowulf]

@benyahman37 Sorry you are incorrect. Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes can't produce insulin. Type 2 diabetics can produce insulin, but are insulin resistant. Their bodies no longer respond to the insulin their bodies produce and eventually the excess sugar damages their islet cells.

Many can successfully treat their diabetes with a low carb diet. Some of the most famous diabetes educators are low carb advocates. Educate yourself.

Show me cases of ketosis going into ketoacidosis.

[benyahman37]

@bowulf

Sorry that was a typo. You are correct it is type 1. But that's not really the point anyway. The point you are trying to make is that it is impossible to become acidotic from the Atkins diet because Ketoacidosis is only seen with Diabetes mellitus. Ketoacidosis is not caused by the sugars in your blood being high. It's caused from the breakdown of fats for fuel. Theoretically if you were to ingest absolutely no carbs you would go into Ketoacidosis eventually.

[bowulf]

@benyahman37 @benyahman37 I have known 1000s of Atkins followers over the years and not single one has ever reported being in ketoacidosis. Sorry, you are simply incorrect. When ketoacidosis presents, it presents in the case of diabetic patient who have extremely high blood glucose levels.

From webmd- Ketoacidosis occurs when hyperglycemia is not treated promptly. It usually develops slowly over several hours. By treating the early symptoms of hyperglycemia, you can avoid it.

[benyahman37]

@bowulf

Web MD says this because if someone with diabetes takes their insulin they will no longer need to break down fats for fuel. They will be able to use the massive amounts of carbohydrates swimming through their blood that gives them the hyperglycemia. You may need to read up on Ketoacidosis a little more in depth than WebMD.

[bowulf]

@benyahman37 Well it is apparent you won't listen to science, and as such what is the point of the argument. I have asked for medical science and you toss out diseases that have no relation. Why? I have no idea except suspicions. So good luck to you, but you apparently need more research to do.

[bowulf]

@benyahman37 Notice hyperglycemia NOT hypoglycemia... How is the Atkins follower following ketogenic going to have blood glucose levels in the 3,4,500's like the Type 1 diabetic? The difference in ketone levels between the two ketosis and ketoacidosis is dramatic difference in millimoles.

I'll repeat again there is zero danger of a normal functioning individual on Atkins to get ketoacidosis. If you disagree, where are the medical journals pointing to actual cases?

[benyahman37]

@bowulf

That being said most individuals have a working pancreas and the fact of the matter is that 10% of the fats you eat become carbohydrates anyway. So you do end up processing some carbs for fuel regardless if you eat 100% fats or not. I haven't researched to see if there are any cases to say people on the Atkins diet have or haven't gone into ketoacidosis. But I think it's foolish to assume it's not possible just because it hasn't happened to you.

[bowulf]

@benyahman37 I think it's foolish to make up diseases to be scared about when the actual evidence is to the contrary. If after 7 years for me, and thousands of man-years for thousands of other followers (many of whom have been on the diet for decades), with no reported cases, the danger is miniscule.

[bowulf]

@benyahman37 After 7 years of ketosis and a ketogenic lifestyle, my blood ph is 7 (neutral) as it has been at each annual physical.

[Imogen1885]

When I said I was on Atkins I was told by one friend,"That is really dangerous." I don't feel like I am in danger.LOL

[bowulf]

@Imogen1885 I know... I feel the best I ever have in my life.

[AppleSouffle]

Thank you Kent! That is the best explanation of ketosis I've ever heard or read!

Ketones are byproducts that the body can not burn for energy. I just learned that from you. Sort of like the exhaust on a car.

[bowulf]

@AppleSouffle I am glad I could help explain it. The whole sugar, cholesterol paradigm simply has been ignored for too long. It is amazing that something so promoted or flaunted by the medical industry is so misunderstood by most of them.

[akbar2k7]

Hello sir Im from Uk Im 16 and Im a male. I started (In September) of at 112kg and a waist of 46 inches yes pretty obese but now im 96kg and 41 inches still obese but much less so. I want to lose fat and gain muscle. I have done this quite successfully but the progress has been getting slower and I have heard that a ketogenic diet is the answer. It seems ketosis is the only way you can do this. Is it possible to do keto using protein powders fish and olive oils, I wana keep away from red meat

[bowulf]

@akbar2k7 There is no specific need for red meat in doing a ketogenic diet. There's nothing wrong with them, but nothing wrong with not eating them either. All that really is important is ensuring your fats dominate your meals followed by proteins and then by carbs.

[akbar2k7]

@bowulf Thanks Ill also add natural peanut butter which contains large amounts of fats and coconut oil thank you sir. I know this shall work. The only reason I dont like red meat is the detrimental effects it has on cardiovascular fitness in large amounts. But i have seen that their are many decent alternatives.

[AppleSouffle]

Akbar2k7, it's a complete myth that animal fats and cholesterol are bad for you.

That comes from Ancel Keys. He could have blamed fats or sugar for heart disease. He picked fats.

The oldest stone tools are 3.4 million years old. Our ancestors ate meat long before that and thrived. When they started eating grains, then they were 5-6 inches shorter and had bad teeth.

Heart disease has skyrocketed in the last 100 years. All of a sudden meat is unhealthy. That's impossible.

[AppleSouffle]

I read that if you just plain don't eat, you'll go into ketosis and burn muscle mass as well as fat.

But on a low carb diet, when you go into ketosis, you'll burn the protein that you eat, not your muscle mass. And you'll burn body fat. It's the low carbs that tells the body - Okay, burn off this fat.

Now that is good to know!

[bowulf]

@AppleSouffle Yep, the body will if forced burn muscle tissues, but it is the least preferred source of fuel. In the presence of fatty acids ready to be metabolized into energy, the Atkins diet should actually be preservative of muscle mass and protect against the cannibalism of lean tissues. Like you said, the body becomes a fat burning machine and becomes quite efficient at doing it.

[SirGodLordKing]

How long does ketosis/Atkins diet take to 'initiate'. As in see results, does it take a few hours, days?

[bowulf]

@SirGodLordKing Within 3-5 days, most people have entered ketosis and are seeing the effects of appetite suppression. As for loss on the scale, some see it immediately and some might wait a few days.

[SirGodLordKing]

@bowulf Thanks:)

[nalgovich]

im a nutritionist and whoever thinks ketosis is a bad thing or that u can give a critic just because, u r wrong it a basic concept for people who wanna lose fat and its a normal state that a regular body can handle as long a u have a good amount of protein and u give ur body a little rest with veggie carbs nothing bad is going to happend, read marks sisson primal blueprint, or read whatever u want but if u dot know what u r talking about omit ur comments because health is a serius thing fellas

[mlong1958]

The Atkins diet is basically the Ketogenic diet that has just been commercialized.

The Ketogenic diet is a medical diet given to epileptics.

Carbohydrate consumption is not physiologically necessary. The human body adapts to a no carb "starvation" state in just a few days. As long as there is protein and fat consumed in a below maintenance calorie level, the body will run just fine and any necessary glucose needed is created through glucogenisis. Read The Ketogenic Diet by Lyle McDonald.

[bowulf]

@mlong1958 I completely agree and keepp educating others so that people like e9expo might eventually learn.

[mlong1958]

@bowulf Yeah, in the Ketogenic Diet, it the feedback mechanisms that make it impossible for a non-diabetic, non-alcoholic to go into ketoacidosis. For this who think the brain can ONLY run on glucose, not true, it can derive about 75% of its energy from keytones after only 3 days in ketosis. The body will adapt in about 3 weeks to burning fatty acids to conserver glucose and keytones for the brain and a few other tissues. Glucogenisis provides necessary glucose and blood glucose normalizes.

[AppleSouffle]

Mlong1958, now that's a post! I love to see notes like this one, that actually have information and science. Instead of the usual rants or opinions.

A well deserved thumbs up to you.

[E9EXPO]

My apologies for not having an over inflated ego and thinking that having youtube videos makes me credible. Its obvious that your whole life is about instant gratification which is why you got fat in the first place. Grow some balls and lose weight the healthy way instead of leading others to believe that putting your body in a diseased state is natural..

[bowulf]

@E9EXPO It's alright. You obviously have enough ego to criticize and make claims about something you have no clue.

"Grow some balls and lose weight the healthy way"

You mean like the way that has led me to run marathons, have 6 years of fantastic annual physicals and blood analysis, get my doctor's glowing recommendations to others, and dramatically eliminate all heart risk and diabetes factors. I am sure you meant to start a diet like that, and Atkins did that.

Good luck, but leave troll.

[E9EXPO]

You sir are just another lazy ASS that that is trying to justify the atdkins diet as being a healthy diet. First, I am aware that it sheds pounds, second I am aware that you've lost 200lbs+. Conclusion, You look like shit, your stuttering and pausing all over the place so i bet you as sharp as the handle of a knife. I'm assuming that it takes you hours to research all this bullshit bias information. Just cause "hunters were in a ketogenic state" means its healthy?! You are an idiot...

[bowulf]

@E9EXPO Let's take a look at this "lazy ass" meme.

How many years in the military have you been? (me? 10 -1 after Atkins) How years as a firefighter (me 3) How many marathons (26.2 miles) have you ran? (me 3) How many half marathons (13.1) have you ran? (me 10 ) How many 10+ mile training runs have you done? (me 100+) How many times have you raced to the top of a skyscraper in full bunker gear? (me 3) How many times have you finished in the upper 25% of a race of any length? (me 15)

[bowulf]

@E9EXPO Make your videos before starting to criticize over your imagined, ignorant views.

PS - Your mom called and wished you'd move out already...

[beads2yarn]

Great info. thanks. it's nice to have something that's not easily understood, explained very simply.

Thanks for the good info.

Pam

[bowulf]

@beads2yarn You are very welcome. It is apparent with some like SophieDoll that as simply as I tried I wasn't entirely successful, but I am glad you liked the video.

[SophieDollNYC]

UMMM.. did you read the other part of stuttering and confusion and weakness? Atkins is the worst diet. period. BAD BREATH IS A TERRIBLE THING TO HAVE... that in itself is worst than being over weight... bad beath = a life of lonliness which= depression. diabetes and heart disease?? all that cheese is not gonna make that better! Are you kidding? NO ONE STAYS ON IT FOR LIFE AND THEY GAIN BACK THE WEIGHT 3X WHEN THE COME OFF.... There are so many better diets out there...

[bowulf]

@SophieDollNYC Wow bad breath is as bad as obesity and death.

I am sorry I can't make you smarter. I have offered you view my misconception series loaded with scientific studies where diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension were all improved. You have chosen to remain in your ignorance. Fine be that way...

"NO ONE STAYS ON IT FOR LIFE"

Really, 6 years for me, 20 years later for friends seem pretty determinant for me.

As for confusion, the only one confused is you.

[bowulf]

@SophieDollNYC However it is apparent you refuse to learn or engage intelligently, so as such, welcome to my block file. Find some one else to annoy. I've had my fill. "period."

My life has been immeasurably improved since starting Atkins. My health is undeniably better, my athletic performance is better (never ran more than 3 miles before now running marathons), my mental clarity is fine.

So lead your life of loneliness and low carb angst. But do it elsewhere.

[SophieDollNYC]

So what's your excuse for all the stuttering and confusion? It's the truth.. it's known fact! Check your facts... you're brain does not fuction well when you're in deep ketosis... I've done it before. I know over 20 people who have been through the same with Atkins diet... It's a horrible diet and when you come off you gain 2x the weight. Ketosis also makes your breath smell really badly.

[bowulf]

@SophieDollNYC What's your excuse for the delusions and hallucinations you seem to be suffering about supposed confusion and stuttering?

I work in two different fields both of which demand high levels of mental functioning and have past at the highest level the certifications in both fields. Why you and your acquaintances failed at the diet? Perhaps you didn't read the book? Perhaps you never progressed to OWL? What rung did you reach?

6 years later, I am still over 200 pounds lost.

[bowulf]

@SophieDollNYC As for the temporary bad breath complaint, seriously? Are you going to compare a life on diabetes and heart disease to the imposition of having to brush your teeth a couple times a day? Is that really the complaint you are most concerned about?

The shallowness of your complaints is beyond reason.

[SophieDollNYC]

When your in ketosis you stutter a lot.... are you in ketosis?

[bowulf]

@SophieDollNYC WTF? "When your in ketosis you stutter a lot"

Actually when you are in ketosis your brain functions better and not subject to blood glucose swings.

[anakaday]

On Atkins i am more than 16+ and the rest is off the measure and I drink plenty so Im not dehydrated.

I feel normal- just producing alot of them.

It's not typical necessarily to have 1-3 on Atkins.

It could be any level.

[emaz64]

Hmm, vomiting is also a natural function of the body. Of course, that's what the bulimic would say and proceed to vomit after every meal. I find it difficult to stretch what is a normal response to extreme conditions, to it being totally fine to do all of the time. I don't necessarily disagree with the atkins diet, but it's not as if carbs is the cause of obesity. You are simply exploiting a normal function of the body, using it in an abnormal way. It just doesn't kill people.

[bowulf]

@emaz64 So aboriginal people who live in a state ketosis every day for their whole lives are unnatural? Or is the current diet of unrestrained amount of refined carbs (sugars, flours, and starches) the more unnatural diet? Ketosis is normal process for the body, and an unharmful way to live. There is no necessity to burn carbs for fuel. That is obvious if one sees how the body responds.

The same cannot be said for the bulimic way of eating.

[bowulf]

@emaz64 As for carbs not being the cause of obesity, no one educated advocate ever said that. That's too simplistic an answer.  Carbs in the presence of insulin resistant body causes blood glucose spikes, over-eating, excessive insulin release, metabolic syndrome, and excess storage of fat.

PS - there is nothing abnormal to returning to a simpler, more original way of eating. White flour and abundance of refined sugars are recent inventions in human history.

[YOW1965]

How do you control the ketosis breath? It's pretty gross! Help!

[bowulf]

@YOW1965 The good news it is very temporary. I only ever had it one or two days, and it disappeared quickly. I brushed my teeth, and that was about it. Gum works, but count it against your daily sweetener count.

[ShannonLouiseShow]

I am a type 1 diabetic. I have always had high blood sugar levels and sometimes I was in Ketoacidosis. So, I stopped eating. Now I am in Ketosis and my mom and my school nurse are freaking out. My blood sugars are in a low to normal (for someone without type 1) and I generally feel ok. Any idea how I can get my adult peers to stop freaking out?

(By the way: I loved this video. Full of information!) =]

[bowulf]

@ShannonLouiseShow The best way would be get your doc on board with your decision, and then simply send all the doubters his / her way. You could also have the list doctors who support the lifestyle, like Richard Bernstein a Type 1 Diabetic himself and most notable diabetic educator on the planet.

You can carry his book around with you, and if they still badger you, the book might also help smack some sense into them. :-D

[indigal83]

wow thanks!!! You are the best youtuber ... I have never had anyone respond so fast to questions and stuff. I am through most of your videos and all the info is very encouraging..I had heard a lot of bad things about atkins too and its a relief to have someone who has gone through the process to talk about it so positively! :)

Today is my day four...my cravings are gone!! Dont feel hungry !! Its just going great!!! :)

[indigal83]

Hi ...any idea where I can get the ketosticks? And this will sound kinda gross....but does a more yellow pee color show that one is burning/in or out of ketosis? (sorry for the question..didnt know how to ask....)

I am ur biggest fan!!!! Thanks for the quick response to my questions!

[bowulf]

@indigal83 Wal-mart sells them, as do most pharmacies. They are typically in the diabetic aisle. Online - netrition and amazon sell them as well.

The yellow-ness is due to hydration level. Even in deep ketosis, your urine can be near clear. One of the effects of the body in ketosis is diuretic as it resets your osmotic balance and burns the glycogen, you need therefore more water than usual on the diet.

[xnova5]

you sound just like a sales man you only pick at certain points and i dont think that you are an MD much less understand the human body. besides what ever happened to good old fashioned dieting?

[bowulf]

@xnova5 "what ever happened to good old fashioned dieting"

Exactly how many years of failing diets do I need to experience before switching to a diet or lifestyle that works? I tried and failed for many years either strict low calorie diets, additional exercise, low fat diets with zero success (10 pounds in 6 months does not equal success at 429 pounds).

This is a specific topic video. Watch the rest of mine if you want to hear me discuss other topics. It would seem you need to brush up.

[mittina]

you wont have ketoacidicis if you are taking medical insulin right?

[bowulf]

If you are taking medical insulin, you should be at least be informing your doctor of your plans. You can drive yourself into hypoinsulinemia with excess insulin. I would suggest talking to a physician like Mary Ross Vernon before changing anything.

[mittina]

@bowulf hey thanks for the quick reply. i am not actually diabetic. i was just curious. I have another question question, i am eating a normal carb diet and i am not having any ketosis and i am exercising regularly, does that mean that i am not actually burning any fat, just using the carbs i eat during the day to exercise?

[ytcrittical]

@bowulf i dont understand why healthy grains like quinoa rice potatoes should not be eaten according to atkins

[bowulf]

@ytcrittical It is to control or regulate one's blood glucose levels and re-sensitize the body to insulin. Too many people have so overloaded with their body with refined starches (potatoes, rice, etc.) that easily convert to glucose that their body no longer responds appropriately to them.

[AndyBearman]

Well cleared up! Just for reference, mmol = millimole :)

[ohiomartialarts]

Thanks for clearing that up; I've heard that myth several times myself -in various anti-low carb articles. Information was very good!

BTW: Just anecdotal but every time I see someone promoting a low carb life style they always look really healthy!!!

[bowulf]

Thank you for the last comment. I'll attribute it to the bountiful energy that being fueled by fat provides.

[tickyul]

Some of things I have observed while following a high fat/low carb diet: The higher the ketosis (within reason, I am non diabetic so dka is not a problem)=the better I feel, less hunger, better sense of well being, more energy, less cravings, to name a few. I have heard people say that if they are in ketosis, the level does not matter, that is definitely NOT the case for me. The ketogenic diet for me is hard at first, it takes me about 3 weeks just to feel normal. I also limit water & protein.

[reidradionc]

Great video...Explains a lot!

[bowulf]

I am glad I could help.

[coxgirl67]

hello, I hope you answer this question....it is a contant argument between me and my man who is a body bulider.....when i use my keto strips I can get them to turn very dark.....my b.f says its because he more dyhdrated and that is why iam getting such a dark purple result I dont eat sugar or carbs at all . he has too because he has to. so,f u could answer this question.

[bowulf]

Sorry, I am more agreeing with your bodybuilder. The color after medium is more a state of hydration than of ketosis levels. If you are dehydrated the levels of ketones will be more concentrated. If during the day after drinking water, you are still in a dark purple then you might have a point.

[luxcretia2]

i need to know what the difference btw the ketogenic diet and the atkins diet?sorry if is sound stupid, but try to answer, please.

i`m on the ketogenic diet hoping it may reduce my epileptic seizures

[bowulf]

A ketogenic diet is basically any diet less than 50g per day, and the Atkins Diet takes that framework and perhaps formalizes it. Just like it matters where you get your Calories from on low Calories diet; Atkins believed it matter from where you get your carbs.

A generic ketogenic diet might allow for bananas day 1, but no other fruits and vegetables to stay in ketosis. The Atkins diet emphasizes instead leafy, non-starchy vegetables for the source of carbs and restricts things like cheese.

[bowulf]

It also allows for more carbs in later stages to no longer necessarily have to be ketogenic. Other people on maintenance may be able to eat up to 100-150g per day and still maintain their weight, so while Atkins Diet is definitely a ketogenic diet on Induction, it may not need to be in latter stages.

It is perhaps also more restricted or more regulated than just a generic ketogenic diet whose only rules is eat less than Xg of carbs per day.

[silverblade21]

Thank you very much you've cleared my doubt about ketogenic diets : )

[Nudelsalatbomber]

well, people should just ask them self: How did we eat before industrialism startet?what did we eat then and for what period of time did we had access to carbs through fruits?then they will probably understand that in the past and if we didn´t live in the tropical climate, we would only have fruits for like 10 weeks a years and then it was all over.

i like the pictures in the end - very impressiv results, bowulf!

[bowulf]

I agree. I have said it in my videos, I strive to purchase groceries that for the most part my grandma would recognize as well and actually make my food from them. I doubt she would recognize most of the ingredients in processed foods or glycerin as a food product.

People's access to fruit was greatly limited to what was in season and what was canned or turned into jelly to preserve them. It certainly wasn't an every day a year thing, and HFCS was never thought about by them.

[silverblade21]

I have a question, I was discussing this with my biology tutor, and because ketosis creates a lot of H+ ions, this makes the blood pH drop which is dangerous for your kidneys and you're likely to develop kidney stones. I would appriciate if you could shine some light on this because this is my only concern. I had a long hard think, and the only way around it I could think was to eat foods that will make your blood pH more alkiline? thanks, Andy

[bowulf]

Well after 5 years on the diet at ketogenic carb levels, my pH levels are either 6.9 or 7.0 each of my last 5 annual physicals, so the thought that ketogenic necessitates into highly acidic body chemistry has never been the case. The body is capable in regulated the pH levels to optimum levels. The amount of ketones in ketosis is much less than in KA and easily regulated by norm kidneys.

As for the kidney stones or strain on kidneys, check out my kidney stone video. There is no proven linkage.

[Msbookie]

This is altering my life for the better! Thank you. Hydrogen Peroxide therapy, 3 Lac, MMS, & DMSO,

Atkins/candida diet - I still miss the very erotic love affair of chocolate chip cookies & warm milk

[hightrump]

While I'm at it, diabetic ketoacidosis is not a disease of type one diabetics alone. Type two diabetics experience it as well, only more rarely.

[bowulf]

In the history of the EMT service in my town of which I am a member, we have never seen ketoacidosis in any Type 2. I am sure it is possible, so my "only" may have been too strong. I just never have seen it in any diabetic emergency call I have been on.

[hightrump]

Ok, this is the second video of yours I have seen. You clearly do not know what you are talking about. Ketosis is not lipolysis. Lipolysis is the conversion of a trigliceride or long chain fatty acid into acetyl-CoA. Generally this then enters the Kreb's cylce and the energy is used to make further products. This Kreb's cycle requires a trivial amount of sugar as a catalyst. When that is not available, as in atkins, Acetyl-CoA is turned into ketones. Ketosis.

[bowulf]

Ketosis is definitely a form of lipolysis as defined by fat burning or the metabolism of fatty acids. In Ketosis, they are further broken down in ketosis. Where is the discconect?

[hightrump]

Lipolysis has a very specific definition. A trigliceride (the storage form of fats in humans) contains three fatty acid chains connected to a glycerol molecule. To be liberated from our fat cells this fatty acid is broken down, the glycerol removed leaving 3 free fatty acids. This process is called lipolysis.

What the body does with those fatty acids is not lipolysis. Beta oxidation happens next, turning those fatty acids into Acetyl-CoA.

[hightrump]

Finally the Acetyl-CoA can be sent to the TCA (Kreb's) cycle to yield all of its chemical energy or they can, in the absence of sugar, be converted primarily into ketones. The entire advantage of Atkin's is that gram for gram, burning Acetyl-CoA via ketosis yields far less energy than via the TCA cycle. This means when you eat a fatty food you don't truly get the usual 9 cal per gram from the fats inside.

[bowulf]

Then I would suggest you start correcting most dictionaries in the world, which refer to its definition similarly to how I described it.

[hightrump]

Wikipedia is not a dictionary.

Find a scientific source, nothing meant for causal lay people. As I said in another comment, I have a degree in biochemistry. I am not making this up.

[bowulf]

What about Merriam Webster?

If you want a strict biochemistry accurate, YT is not your source. My usage was in line with the intended audience. If you want to argue like I said, go argue with Merriam Webster. My definition and usage is accurate with popular understanding and where my viewers are, and I would suggest that if I bring in the Kreb's Cycle I will turn off more viewers than educate them.

[abrooks54]

Can someone who needs to loose a lot of weight stay on the induction pasrt for longer then 14 days to loose more weight?

Thanks, Shawna

[bowulf]

Yes you can. It's not so much to lose more weight, but to maintain eating under control. Watch my video called how long should I stay on Induction where I answer this question more fully.

[Nicsaprincess]

Does my KA Have a Flat Top:-)

You 80's Maniac!)

Great Video....We all secretly love Peeing on a Stick for kicks and giggles!)

[bowulf]

Hey the '80s are the new '10s...

[baltimoregurlie]

i was wondering Did you stop eating at nite?

[bowulf]

I didn't make rules that specifically revolved around the clock. If I was legitimately hungry (because I missed dinner time or didn't eat enough, etc.), I would eat after 7 or 9. I did however make sure I was eating because I was hungry and not just grazing or because I was bored. I was looking for long term success (which one meal after 9 or 10pm would not matter) not the short term success of a perhaps better weight in the morning.

That's where living for the scale starts to get dangerous.

[dudeman777us]

How do you just the test strips to check if you;re in Ketosis?

[bowulf]

You urinate on the strips normally first thing in the morning when they are most concentrated.

[baltimoregurlie]

Hi I just wanted to say congatulations and Your commitment is impressive...for every one else I was in ketosis for 11mo I lost 99lbs my energy was the best it ever was when I was in ketosis..It wont hurt you 11mo is a loooong time i felt great..good luck to every one

[bowulf]

Congrats on your success -- ketosis absolutely is healthy, and like you probably, I scoff at those that say you can't possible exercise on ketosis or that you are lethargic. I am farthest thing from that.  Thanks for giving others your experience as well.

[Rachele77]

Kent, How I remember being in Ketosis... nothing more humbling than peeing on a stick to ensure your dieting correctly! Good video, good information! Peace, R

[bowulf]

Hey, I finally got in on the fun. For years when we were having kids my wife got to have all the fun, now I get to have a similar experience. :-)

[sidecrank]

Do you think that all this scaremongering was 'put about' by the big corporate carbo pushers? I have been on Atkins for five years,mainly on induction.Never been fitter,saved my life.

[bowulf]

I think it comes from two or three sources primarily -- certainly parts of the food industry who want to keep producing cheap food like they have been see it as a challenge, doctors and trainers see it as a departure from they were taught and therefore bad or different, and finally the scientists, PETA, environmentalists who want to limit human actions and see it as a way to promote guilt over meat eating. 

I am with you. I have never been fitter than on Atkins. Congrats on your success.

[browserLC]

congatulations on your continued success. you look even thinner than a few months ago. so many flaky people post their stuff on how they are starting and then poof they disappear. I guess Atkins has as high a dropout rate as any diet but you've outdone everyone here, maybe all your postings keeps you motivated. I don't do atkins myself but am continuing my weight loss with 60 pounds gone. I hope I can have your perseverance. You look good.

[bowulf]

Thanks, and I'll take the compliment of looking better. I keep pushing my goals and being fitter and in better shape even though the scale might not read differently now around goal. It's the one thing I can control (how many times I workout, how many miles I run, etc.)

Atkins faces the same challenges that other diets do. People who don't read the book, people who don't care enough to investigate carb counts, people who give up hope, etc. I am just glad I can provide hope that it can be done.

[Elizabeth01010101]

this is good info

[bowulf]

Thanks for watching, Elizabeth.

[kim36tv]

Thanks so much for this information. I wonder why people think this the atkins low carb way of life is bad . I have also had some people come to me and say stuff like " You better not stay on it long at all or you will become very very ill "and stuff like that .. but oh well......

[bowulf]

You are very welcome. That's one of the reasons I take my role so seriously to combat the loads of misinformation out there. Nearly 5 years and counting for me and like sidecrank never been fitter, so for my money ketones do a body good. :-)

[creaturex]

I'm glad you explained this. It seems like every self proclaimed health expert seems to think you're going to die on a low carb diet, it just makes me laugh.

[bowulf]

You'd be surprised on how many people still get this wrong. People treat ketones as if they are the harbinger of death, but really if you ever want to get to rid of the fat, you will have to have ketones in your blood to do it.