Hi!

Just wondering about the Ketostix and levels:

The first week I started Atkins, I was at the 80 ketone level by the third day. I really started drinking water the second week and my level dropped to 40. This week, same amount of water (about 3 L a day) and still under 20 g of carbs, but the level was down to 15 last night.

Is this good, bad, indifferent? Should I be worried that my weight loss will stop if I stop seeing signs of ketones?

Any advice is welcome - thanks!

Dani

You are in ketosis and burning fat for fuel. Rejoice!!

The sticks only measure ketones that have spilled over into the urine ... yes, drinking more water will dilute the urine somewhat, and give a lower concentration, but you don't WANT the ketones to concentrate and accumulate ... it's like ash on a fire ... some is good .. too much ends up stifling the burning process. As well, if your body has used up the ketones for fuel, then there'll be very little left over to spill into the urine.

Click on Low Carb Tips on the orange menu bar at the top of the page ... read Ketosis and Ketone Test Strps ... that should answer all your questions.

Continued success to you on your low-carb journey!

Doreen

Just thought I would add my personal advice. I often dont register at all on the stix and I am sure it is because of water consumption. I do get my best reading in the evening cause I have cut back drinking water so that Im not up 10 times during the night..lol. Also every month a few days B 4 my period is due I show very few ketones so Im sure hormones play a part in it.

Thanks you guys! I appreciate the advice!