Ketones have never been more popular. As millions of Americans seek alternative lifestyles to improve their energy, aid in weight loss, and feel better in their skin, more people are turning to ketones as a potential solution.
Want to start producing ketones to explore this powerful fuel for yourself? Then read on, because we’re breaking down the five most important things about this super-efficient fuel source.
1. What are Ketones?
Ketones are an energy source produced in your liver when there is little-to-no glucose in your system. Since glucose is only produced by eating carbs, people with low or no-carb diets can harness ketones for physical and cognitive energy.
Endogenous ketones are created in the body by breaking down energy-rich body fat into glycerol and fatty acids. These fatty acids then continue to break down into ketone bodies, which are then burned as a clean, long-lasting energy source for the body.
The ketogenic diet aims to push your body into ketogenesis (the state of producing ketones) so you can use ketone bodies as fuel. Those who are able to access ketones through ketogenesis often experience enhanced mental and physical energy, weight loss, and healthy weight management. When it comes to ketone production, there are three types of ketones produced in ketogenesis:
- Acetoacetate
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
- Acetone
To learn more about the types of ketones and how they function in the body, you can check out our Ultimate Guide to Ketones!
2. Healthy People Have Low Levels of Ketones
You may not know it, but you likely have ketones circulating through your body at this very moment.
In fact, you’re almost certainly using ketone bodies as fuel for your brain, heart and eyes! That’s because ketones are naturally produced in everyone, not just keto and low-carb dieters.
The typical person may experience elevated ketone levels:
- After sleeping through the night
- During and after early morning workouts
- After completing intense or vigorous exercise
- After intermittent fasting
Unfortunately, the number of ketones or ketone bodies produced through these means only promotes normal –– minimal –– blood ketone levels. These typically fall short of the minimum amount required to unlock the energy-boosting benefits gained when using ketones as your primary fuel source.
3. When Do You Enter Ketosis?
The time it takes to start producing ketones to enter ketosis varies between individuals but typically takes two to four days with strict dieting.
Some individuals may need up to a week of dieting and exercising to complete the metabolic switch, while others may be able to beat this timeframe and enter nutritional ketosis after a single overnight fast.
For more information on how to quickly increase ketone levels to get into ketosis fast, check out our guide to getting into ketosis in just 24 hours!
You officially reach ketosis when ketone levels hit 0.5 mmol/L. The range of nutritional ketosis, or ketones’ normal range, falls between the base level of 0.5 mmol/L and roughly 3.0 mmol/L.
Blood ketone levels exceeding 3.0 mmol/L are considered “therapeutic” and have been used to treat conditions like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and even epilepsy.
It’s important to note that ketosis and fat-adaption, or using ketones as energy, do not occur simultaneously. This metabolic switch of using fat for energy can take anywhere from two weeks to a month after entering ketosis.
4. Ketones Have Many Benefits
High levels of ketones provide a host of benefits to the mind and body. The benefits of ketones were first discovered in the mid-1900s and quickly gained popularity as a potential remedy to a range of illnesses.
After further study, researchers found that ketones are involved in everything from fueling the body to affecting excitability, regulating gene expression, and even playing a role in cell signaling.
Ketones are a more efficient source of energy than glucose, which allows individuals with high levels of ketones to exert more energy for longer during exercise and day-to-day activity. Ketones also provide a serious boost to mental clarity and cognitive function, making it easier to optimize your performance in the workplace or gym.
Other benefits ketones provide include:
- Reduced inflammation in the muscles and joints
- Potential fat loss and weight management
- Craving control and satiated appetite
- Stronger performance in endurance sports and cardiovascular exercises
- Improved cognitive function during exercise
5. Raise Ketone Levels with Exogenous Ketones
As we touched on above, low ketone levels just don’t cut it when it comes to unlocking the full benefits of ketones. So what can you do if your blood ketone levels aren’t quite there?
More and more people are ditching overly-restrictive dieting and intense exercise in favor of healthy, delicious exogenous ketones. Exogenous –– or “external” –– ketones are the same ketones (Acetoacetate, Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and Acetone) produced naturally in the body.
Exogenous ketone products like Kenetik’s powerful ketone drink, provide the complete gamut of high-ketone benefits in a healthy, convenient, and tasty form that makes raising your ketone levels a breeze. Best of all, exogenous ketones can help you access the benefits of ketones without ever having to commit to a keto diet or fast. However, they can also be used to support a keto lifestyle, or in combination with intermittent fasting.
Kenetik uses a bioidentical, plant-based formula that edges out traditional ketone supplements when it comes to taste and environmental impact. Kenetik’s ketone drink uses a pure, powerful blend of ketones that has been proven to be as effective as ketone esters and gained approval from the American Brain Council.
Key Takeaways
If you’re considering the keto lifestyle for the many mental and physical benefits ketones bring, it’s important to educate yourself as much as possible on topics like:
- What normal blood ketone levels look like
- The metabolic switch that occurs when entering ketosis
- The benefits of using ketone bodies as fuel
- Ketones vs. glucose for energy
- How to use exogenous ketones to boost blood levels
- How to quickly and easily raise your blood ketone levels
To learn more about ketone production and how exogenous ketones can help you reach (and maintain) your goals, visit our learning center.
And if you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more energetic lifestyle, check out our caffeine-free, sugar-free ketone drinks to help ease your transition into nutritional ketosis and support you on your new journey.
