The association between protein-rich diets and ketosis is misleading because it isn't the presence of protein that produces ketones. It is the absence of or reduced intake of another nutrient that leads to ketosis. Although ketosis may result from high-protein diets, the process is a result of your body's primary fuel source shifting from carbohydrates to fat, which can occur even in low-protein diets.
Understanding Ketosis
Low-carbohydrate diets force your body to rely on fat rather than glucose for its primary fuel source, triggering the production of ketone bodies. Ketones consist of fatty acids and pyruvic acid, and are normally present in the liver. When carbohydrate intake is restricted, high levels of ketones are produced and metabolized as an energy source. This response is the same natural defense mechanism your body is geared to revert to during fasting. As more ketone bodies are produced and accumulated, your body goes into a state of ketosis.
Protein and Ketosis
High-protein diets such as the Atkins Diet may lead to ketosis because of the considerable restriction on carbohydrate intake. Although protein makes up roughly 35 percent of the calories in the Atkins Diet, for example, the restricted carbohydrate intake in the first phase -- which accounts for only 10 percent of total calories -- is the culprit if ketosis occurs. Any low-carb diet can lead to ketosis, including diets that are low in protein and high in fat.
Ketosis Signs
Ketosis symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, irritability, dehydration, mental fatigue, bad breath and weakness. Ketosis may also contribute to a decrease in appetite. Low-carbohydrate diets in general can help you feel full longer because fat and protein takes longer to process than carbs. Excessive ketone bodies in diabetics can lead to ketoacidosis, which results when insulin levels are too low. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion, loss of appetite and frequent urination.
Considerations
Diets that are high in protein are often low-carb diets. Although increasing protein consumption may lead to ketosis in such circumstances, there is not a set amount of protein that triggers ketosis. Ketosis is a natural response to low glucose levels. Consult with your doctor about your nutritional and calorie needs before adopting a weight loss plan or changing your eating habits, particularly if you have a diet-related condition.
References
- Vanderbilt University; The Key Into Ketogenic Diets; Anna Temlock
- "Experimental and Clinical Cardiology"; Long-Term Effects of a Ketogenic Diet in Obese Patients; Hussein M. Dashti, et. al.; 2004
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Carb Diet; May 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Atkins Diet: What's Behind the Claims?; July 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; May 2010
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: The Dangers of High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diets for People With Diabetes
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