Keto Detector: A Guide To Using The Device Effectively

There are several ways to test for ketosis, including blood, breath, and urine tests. Urine tests are the cheapest and easiest way to test for ketosis. They are typically in the form of strips that are immersed in urine and change colour depending on the concentration of ketones. Breath tests are non-invasive and cheaper than blood tests, but they are not always a pure reflection of blood ketone levels as they can be affected by factors such as alcohol consumption and water intake. Blood tests are the most accurate way to measure ketosis but they are also the most invasive and expensive.

Using a blood ketone meter

• Purchase a Blood Ketone Meter Kit: Look for a kit that includes a ketone meter, lancing device, lancets, and ketone test strips. You can find these kits online or at medical supply stores.
• Prepare the Meter: Remove the blood ketone meter from its packaging and insert the required batteries. Allow it to turn on and perform any necessary calibration as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Sanitize Your Hands: Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol wipe to sanitize the area where you will be pricking your finger, such as your fingertip. This helps ensure a sterile environment for the test.
• Prepare the Lancing Device: Load a lancet into the lancing device by following the instructions provided with your specific device. Adjust the depth setting if available to ensure a comfortable prick.
• Prick Your Finger: Use the lancing device to prick your fingertip. A small drop of blood is usually sufficient for the test. You may gently squeeze your finger to obtain the required amount of blood.
• Apply Blood to the Test Strip: Take a ketone test strip and carefully touch the end of the strip to the drop of blood on your finger. The strip will absorb the blood.
• Insert the Test Strip into the Meter: Follow the instructions for your specific meter to insert the test strip into the designated slot. Different meters may have different insertion methods, so refer to the manual for guidance.
• Wait for the Results: Depending on the model of your blood ketone meter, it may take a few seconds for the results to appear on the display. The meter will provide a measurement of ketone levels in your blood, typically in mmol/L or mml/L.
• Dispose of the Used Supplies: Carefully dispose of the used lancet and test strip in a sharps container or as advised by the manufacturer.
• Clean Your Hands: Wash your hands with soap and water after the test to remove any residual blood.

It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your blood ketone meter for optimal accuracy and safety. Additionally, ensure that you purchase test strips compatible with your meter, as different meters may require specific types of strips.

Testing ketones in breath

Testing ketones in your breath is a non-invasive and cheaper alternative to blood testing. Breath tests measure acetone levels, one of the three types of ketone bodies, which is released through the breath.

There are several devices on the market that test for breath ketones, including the Ketonix, Keto Stat, and LEVL. These devices vary widely in design and price. The Ketonix, for example, requires some setup before use, including charging for about 12 hours and downloading an app onto your smartphone to pair with the device. Once set up, simply exhale into the device to get a measurement.

It's important to note that breath ketone measurements can be affected by several factors, including alcohol consumption and water intake. Additionally, the sensors in breath testing devices may struggle to distinguish alcohol from acetone, leading to skewed results. Therefore, it is recommended to wait until alcohol is completely out of your system before testing.

Breath testing for ketones is a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to monitor your ketone levels. However, it's important to consider the limitations and potential interfering factors to ensure accurate results.

Testing ketones in urine

To use a urine test strip, pass the test end of the strip through your urine stream, or collect urine in a clean, dry container and dip the strip into it. Shake off any excess liquid, then wait 15 seconds. Compare the colour of the strip to the guide on the bottle to determine your level of ketosis.

It is important to note that ketone levels in the urine do not necessarily match ketone levels in the blood. Dehydration may result in a false positive, and drinking lots of water may result in a false negative. Therefore, it is recommended to test at the same time of day to control for outside influences that might affect urine ketone readings.

Testing blood glucose levels

If you already have the Precision Xtra meter, you can use it to test your blood glucose levels, with strips that cost about $1 each. For this method, it is recommended to use the Keto Mojo, which is a newer company with very competitive rates for ketone strips (99 cents per strip) and blood glucose strips (30 cents per strip).

When on a ketogenic diet, the blood sugar level of a person can be under 80 mg/dl, and they can still feel good. They will have lots of energy, mental clarity, and stamina, a healthy mood, and behaviour, and be able to sleep well. This is a sign that their body has adapted to using ketones and is not reliant on sugar as its primary fuel source.

Checking for physical signs

There are several physical signs that can indicate you are in ketosis, which we will outline below. However, it is important to note that the only way to truly know if you are in ketosis is to measure your ketone levels through blood, breath, or urine tests.

Weight Loss

One of the most obvious signs of ketosis is weight loss, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Initially, when you switch to a low-carb diet, your muscles start losing water, as carbohydrates bind water to your muscles. This leads to a rapid drop in water weight, which is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue, collectively known as "keto flu".

After this initial phase, you should start to see steady fat loss as your body adapts to burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This transition can take a few days to a few weeks, and it is important to stay hydrated and increase your water intake during this time.

Appetite Suppression

People on a keto diet often experience a decrease in appetite. This is due to alterations in hunger hormones and an increased intake of proteins, as well as the potential impact of ketones on the brain, which may help reduce appetite.

Clear Mental Focus and Energy

Keto dieters often report improved mental focus and increased energy levels. This is because, when in ketosis, a large part of the brain starts burning ketones instead of glucose, providing an efficient and potent fuel source. It can take a few days or weeks for this transition to occur, and during this time, you may experience "low-carb flu" symptoms such as brain fog, tiredness, and feeling sick.

Bad Breath (Fruit Loop Breath)

Increased ketones in the blood can lead to bad breath, often described as fruity or sweet-smelling. This is caused by the presence of acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath. While this side effect may be unpleasant, it is a positive sign that your keto diet is working. Brushing your teeth more frequently, using sugar-free gum, and staying hydrated can help mitigate this issue.

Increased Thirst and Dry Mouth

When following a ketogenic diet, you may experience increased thirst and a dry mouth. This is due to the body expelling excess glycogen, leading to increased urination. Additionally, as insulin levels decrease, the body starts expelling excess sodium and water, which can further contribute to dehydration. To counteract this, it is recommended to increase sodium intake by 2-4 grams per day when on a low-carb plan.

Digestive Issues

Changes in diet, especially a significant shift like the keto diet, can lead to digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. These issues are often temporary and should subside as your body adapts to the new diet. However, it is important to ensure you are consuming enough fiber and staying hydrated to support healthy digestion.

In summary, while these physical signs can indicate that you are in ketosis, it is important to remember that everyone's experience with the keto diet may vary. The best way to confirm ketosis is by measuring ketone levels through blood, breath, or urine tests.

Frequently asked questions