Ketosis
Ketosis is a stage in metabolism occurring when the liver has been depleted of stored glycogen (see lipolysis). This occurs after approximately two days of consuming no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates. Stored body fat or incoming dietary fat then breaks down into ketones, which are released in the urine.It occurs during fasting, low carbohydrate diets and pregnancy.
Severe ketosis, with accompanying excessive blood acidity, is called ketoacidosis, and can be caused by starvation or diabetes.
There are a number of possible medical side effects associated with ketosis. Among those mentioned are heart palpitations, kidney stones, osteoporosis, calcium depletion, depleted glycogen stores, electrolyte imbalances, gout, dehydration, dizzyness, constipation, irratibility, lightheadedness, fatigue, depleted mineral stores, acidosis, coma, and death. Breath may smell sweet or be mistaken for alcohol.
Deliberately inducing Ketosis through the Ketogenic Diet is an approach to treating epilepsy.
See also: Atkins Nutritional Approach, insulin