For the last few years, the ketogenic diet has gone trending. The proponents of this plan claim it is the faster way to lose fat, improve weight loss, and boost well-being. But although many people have been getting into it since it became popular, they need to be made aware when they reach ketosis, indicating that the diet is working.
Ketosis is the metabolic process when the body burns more fat for energy because it lacks carbohydrates to burn instead. The high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet raises blood ketone levels, particularly beta-Hydroxybutyrate, which provides energy for the body and brain. Switching the cells to a new fuel source helps reduce insulin levels while increasing fat breakdown.
Ketosis comes with several symptoms, positive and negative. Understanding them is very important because they help determine if the efforts are worth it, the diet is working, and the body is responding well. Like other diet plans, not everyone is recommended to adopt a ketogenic diet because it may present several issues for people with certain health concerns. Those who experience side effects or adverse symptoms greater than the positive results might need to acknowledge it as a sign that it’s not for them.
Bad Breath
One of the most common complaints of people on a ketogenic diet is bad breath. The side effect is due to the rise of ketones, particularly acetone, which exits the breath and urine. As a result, the odor coming from the mouth, which may sometimes be fruity and sweet, becomes noticeable not just among the people on ketosis but also among those around them.
But while the bad breath may wreak havoc on their social life, it could mean good news for their weight loss journey. If it is not caused by other things than switching to a keto diet, bad breath indicates increased ketone levels. It also means the body is arriving at ketosis. Unfortunately, there is no way to reduce the symptom, although there are ways to manage them. Experts advise people on a keto diet to brush their teeth frequently. They can also use sugar-free gum to keep their breath smelling as fresh as possible, countering the ketosis side effect and keeping their confidence unharmed with the diet change.
