Keto questions answered

November 6 2016 by in About membership, Ketosis, Low Carb USA

MEMBERS ONLY

Do you have questions about the ketogenic diet? Here’s quite an expert panel.

In this interesting session from the Low Carb USA conference, keto experts Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Dr. Jacob Wilson, Ryan Lowery and Dr. Angela Poff etc. answer all these questions:

  0:30 High morning blood sugar while in ketosis?
  3:13 Performance improvements in ketosis?
  4:48 Loss of muscle – metabolic syndrome
  7:30 Reversing atherosclerosis with a ketogenic diet?
  8:54 Can you improve osteporosis on keto?
13:15 Ketone supplementation and blood sugar for type 1?
18:22 Transition period into the ketogenic diet?
21:10 Protein, acidity, cancer? Help to shift people towards keto?
26:12 Ketogenic diet and cancer
28:15 Timing of exercise, fasting and keto diet
32:39 McArdle’s Disease and ketosis
36:51 Visual to help with adopting a keto diet?
39:49 Science behind exogenous ketones?
46:00 Excess skin?
48:40 Exercise and insulin resistance

Watch it

You can watch the full 53-minute session (so far rated 4.9 out of 5) on our member pages, including captions and transcript:

Guides

A Ketogenic Diet for Beginners

A Low-Carb Diet for Beginners

The next conference

The presentation is from this year’s Low Carb USA. It’s the top low-carb conference in the US. Next year’s conference will take place on August 3 – 6, 2017 in San Diego. Sign up now for an early bird discount (50% off).

46 comments

1
Jamie Lane
June 25 2017
Ok! I have been on the ketosis diet with my husband for 6 months he has lost 50 lbs. me on the other hand 12 lbs. I cook all our meals we do to eat processed food all natural, he goes into ketosis deep purple, my test strip still shows nothing. I have been faithful with this diet, but for whatever reason it does not work for me why?
2
Carla
October 12 2017
How frustrating! But there could be a number of reasons why. My first guess would be that you might be sensitive to dairy or nuts and he isn’t. Many people can not tolerate dairy and it completely stalls or slows down weight loss drastically. Don’t give up! Try the 30 Day Ketogenic Cleanse (Google it). That will help you determine if dairy is the cause. Have you tried IF? I use this to give my weight loss a boost too.
3
Tanya Cameron
December 29 2017
I have been doing the Keto diet as well since October. The scales haven’t moved and I follow it religiously!! I lost in the very first week or so and it was great!! But now I feel like I’m bloated or even have gained. So frustrating!! Help!!
4
Annette
January 14 2018
I’m really confused as to when you can eat the truly Keto desserts? Are they in place of a meal? Also if I’m hungry can I eat Keto snacks?
5
Nicole
February 13 2018
Does anyone answer these questions? I see no replies anywhere.

I’ve been on Keto diet since Jan 6. I have only lost 7 lbs but my jeans are falling off. Is this typical? When will the weight drop? Also, was in ketosis, ketostix was dark purple for past week and suddenly, without cheating, now is showing only trace! What causes this? Is this a false negative?

Reply: #6
6
Reply to comment #5 by Nicole
Peter Biörck Team Diet Doctor
February 14 2018
Hi Nicole!

If your ketostix doesn't turn purple then my recommendation is that you double check everything you are eating. Be aware if you "cheat" just one day then it can take a few days before you are in ketosis again.

You can find all our recommendation regarding losing weight here:
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight.

Good luck! :)

Does anyone answer these questions? I see no replies anywhere.
I’ve been on Keto diet since Jan 6. I have only lost 7 lbs but my jeans are falling off. Is this typical? When will the weight drop? Also, was in ketosis, ketostix was dark purple for past week and suddenly, without cheating, now is showing only trace! What causes this? Is this a false negative?
7
Sam
February 16 2018
When it says Cream Cheese to a recipe is there a particular brand and do you mean cream cheese as in spread cheese or cottage cheese. Please can you give me some ideas I can then google to see if I can find a match that I can buy.

Reply: #8
8
Reply to comment #7 by Sam
Gentiann
February 17 2018
I believe it's the American style cream cheese (as Philadelphia cream cheese). Any spreadable fresh cheese should be fine. In France, I use a store brand spreadable fresh cheese cheaper than Philadelphia brand and get good result.
1 comment removed
10
Chris
May 5 2018
I have a question just starting Keto about 6 days ago. My family has never eaten healthy, heavy fruits, occasional veggies non organic, lots of sugar, candy, lots of starch, always adding lots of salt and seasonings, no grass fed animals, and lots of supplements of vitamins and extras. So my question is, the family went cold turkey into keto on a less than 30g net carb per day. well myself, my wife, my oldest daughter (11) ate the right stuff and are doing good so far. My youngest (7) was an EXTREME picky eater BEFORE the diet and didn't eat much that had any essential vitamins and nutrients, well on the diet, she eats even less and is even more picky. Well we have not been supplementing with multivitamins anymore, and 4 days on the change she caught a cough from school, well just a cold no biggie. Well within 16 hrs of getting the cold she had extreme tightness of chest and wheezing and very rapid breathing. To the ER we went. They immediately started her on albuterol. She had not really eaten much at home except some egg white (refuses to eat the yolk), and meat she will eat meat, chicken soup. And at school she would not eat the lunches we sent with her. She would eat the schools lunch. Well when in the ER I informed all of the doctors and nurses of the diet and that she didn't eat healthy before the diet change, and they all told me that being deficient in nutrients would have nothing to do with what was happening. I asked them to run a vitamin blood test to be sure and they refused. she was on and off albuterol and other steroids from about 945am till 7pm when I brought a keto pizza and a full dose of multivitamin for her. when i fed her the pizza she was so lethargic that she could barely lift her arm to eat the pizza. she ate all of what i brought for her including the multivitamins. at 7pm can barely move or eat or talk, to 8 pm she was up, mobile talking playing, she was her old self. Doctors came in and celebrated that the albuterol was finally working!! well my wife says that I am completely inaccurate because the doctors basically said essential nutrients don't play a part in the function of our systems. and that there is no way that this could have been related. I am sorry this was very long but I would like to know if I am that stupid and that there was no way her not eating could have weakened her system enough for a common cold to do this? Also the doctors said it was a virus (used every test they had for virus, was not viral), then they said just normal respiratory dysfunction and was really common (asked what that was and they couldn't explain it other than restricted airway), her final diagnosis leaving was asthma. She has never been to the hospital for any health related concern aside from a physical type injury.
11
theresa
May 13 2018
Hi this will likely seem a silly question but when it states 1 gram of protein per kilogram of weight is that the total weight of the protein or the amount of protein for the weight. Ie an egg weighs 46 grams and has a value of 5.8grams of protein. I've just started this journey and want to start off in the right direction and not get discouraged starting bad habits. thanks in advance for your reply.

Reply: #12
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Reply to comment #11 by theresa
Peter Biörck Team Diet Doctor
May 13 2018
Hi Theresa!

You count the protein ... as in your example 5,8 gram.

Hi this will likely seem a silly question but when it states 1 gram of protein per kilogram of weight is that the total weight of the protein or the amount of protein for the weight. Ie an egg weighs 46 grams and has a value of 5.8grams of protein. I've just started this journey and want to start off in the right direction and not get discouraged starting bad habits. thanks in advance for your reply.
13
Joan Mercantini
May 27 2018
I have been reading that ketones can relieve arthritic pain. Any proven results.
14
nancy cardenas
August 16 2018
PLEASE I NEED HELP... I WILL HAVE BEEN ON KETO A MONTH THE 20TH..THE SCALE HAS NOT MOVED..MY STICKS ARE DEEP PURPLE.. I AM 75 AND AM IN MENOPAUSE BROUGHT ON BY STRESS...CLOTHES FIT THE SAME..I LOVE THE WAY KETO MAKES ME FEEL AND HAVE NOT CHEATED ONCE... I ONLY NEED TO LOSE ABOUT 7-10LBS...

Reply: #31
15
James
September 8 2018
Okay so I've been doing keto for about a month and I've lost close to 15 lbs, but I party with friends regularly and when I drink (more specifically 100 proof tvarscki) my ketone strips show I'm negative, same with the next day, but when I stop for a couple days it shows I'm back into ketosis heavily (I am extremely anal about this diet I stay under 20 grams of carbs normally some days I go over but never over 50) does the vodka affect to measurements of the strips and give me a false negative? Everything I've read shows it should read higher but mine read nothing at all when I'm drunk
16
Mouafak
October 24 2018
Can i use Vitamin B12 during my KETO diet ?

Reply: #17
17
Reply to comment #16 by Mouafak
Peter Biörck Team Diet Doctor
October 24 2018
Hi Mouafak!

Yes

Can i use Vitamin B12 during my KETO diet ?
18
Meredith
December 19 2018
My husband and I have been trying to convince our third child for three months now, with one, possibly two chemical pregnancies. Our first two children were conceived on the first try. I have been following a ketogenic diet for 11 month and am in the best shape if my life! From what I've heard, ketosis is supposed to help with fertility issues (particularly pcos and other complications from obesity). Is there any connection to our troubles conceiving and my ketogenic diet? Or is it likely no connection and we just need to be patient and keep trying? Thank you!

Reply: #19
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Reply to comment #18 by Meredith
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
December 22 2018
I am so sorry for the trouble you are having. Keto, in general, stabilizes hormones and SHOULD make conceiving easier, not more difficult. If you are concerned, you may wish to see your medical provider for specific lab work.
20
E-train
December 23 2018
So I'm not overweight or anything just trying to stick to a healthy diet and do one meal a day. I'm 34, 167lbs, and 6'1. Problem is It takes me 2-3 hours to eat my meal and i'm full and that one meal a day seems like plenty for me. So I do a bulletproof coffee in the morning then for dinner 2-5 i eat 3 leaves of kale with 5 oz of raw tenderloin with 2tbs onions, cilantro, mint, fish sauce, 1 garlic clove, 1 oz of mushrooms, 1 egg, 1 avocado, 16 almonds, some 1tsp himalayan sea salt, juice of 1 lime. I figure I can eat this pretty much daily. Is it a problem If i'm only getting 60g of fat and 53g of protein? 25 carbs? Do i need to add anything to my diet or will this be fine for keto? Thanks so much for your time
21
Carrie Priest
January 13 2019
I have lost 60 lbs + on strict Keto diet. Normally cookbooks on Keto go back on the shelf for too many carbs. I was in Target found Keto Cooking with your Instant Pot (which I have and is quick and convenient) by Dr. Karen S. Lee for 20% off. Frankly, I am impressed because I am so limited on Keto and this gives tasty options. I stay away from sugar but a cheat day every 3-4 months the desserts rule here for that is going to be less carbs that in I binge in the grocery store and possibly tastier. Page 176 Chai Tea- this is my concern. I love Chai tea but it says 25 carbs which is insanely out of my reach and I'd have never bought the book if this was the norm. I'd opt for NO sweetner but still how many carbs are we talking about. The ingredients seem harmless I don't know why any would be high carb. It sounds so delicious but I can't do it without help. Something is not quite right about the Carbs for this am I right?

Reply: #22
22
Reply to comment #21 by Carrie Priest
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
January 14 2019
The carb count may come from heavy cream, if that's called for in the recipe. You may wish to contact the cookbook author for more specific information.
23
Brandi
February 5 2019
Im going to be starting a keto lifestyle change right away here. I work 14 hour shifts on a 4 on and 4 off work schedule. I'm gone from home for 14 hours a day and usually do meal prep on my last day off for my 4 days of work because I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at work. So my question is: for those 4 days of work can I eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still achieve weight loss and the benefits of keto? It will be very difficult to make different meals as I'm not home and on top of a mountain without the ability to cook or even heat food.

Reply: #24
24
Reply to comment #23 by Brandi
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
February 6 2019
Yes, as long as your meals are very low carb, moderate protein and high fat, there is no harm in eating the same thing for all 3 meals.
25
Katie
February 15 2019
I have been following a keto diet for about two weeks and check my blood ketone levels regularly. I haven't really changed my diet, however, when I started I got reading of 1.0-3.0 easily and now I am usually in the 3.2-3.8 range. Is there a reason for this? Is there something I should be doing differently to get back in optimal ketosis range? I have lost several pounds just in two weeks, so I know I'm doing something right!

Reply: #26
26
Reply to comment #25 by Katie
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
February 16 2019

I have been following a keto diet for about two weeks and check my blood ketone levels regularly. I haven't really changed my diet, however, when I started I got reading of 1.0-3.0 easily and now I am usually in the 3.2-3.8 range. Is there a reason for this? Is there something I should be doing differently to get back in optimal ketosis range? I have lost several pounds just in two weeks, so I know I'm doing something right!

Higher values can sometimes indicate that you are not getting enough food. You can read more about keto and optimal ketosis here - https://www.dietdoctor.com/lose-weight-by-achieving-optimal-ketosis
27
June Kerr
March 19 2019
can u use almond meal to replace almond flour

Reply: #28
28
Reply to comment #27 by June Kerr
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
March 20 2019

can u use almond meal to replace almond flour

Fine ground almond flour is a better option as it keeps recipes from being too gritty.
29
Greg
March 23 2019
Can I use my Herbalife shakes that have sugar in them and still get good results doing the Keto diet

Reply: #30
30
Reply to comment #29 by Greg
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
March 23 2019

Can I use my Herbalife shakes that have sugar in them and still get good results doing the Keto diet

With keto, there is no need for shakes or pills of any kind.
31
Reply to comment #14 by nancy cardenas
Joe
March 27 2019
Did anyone answer this question_ having the same issue- 2 months scale hasn't moved down, only up... gym 5 days a week haven't had a starchy carb or sugar at all. My test strips always read that I'm in optimal ketosis. I'm confused, my body seems to be changing shape, midsection —no loss... eating a lot of fat, protein may be a little high— but still reads optimal ketosis

Reply: #32
32
Reply to comment #31 by Joe
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
March 28 2019

Did anyone answer this question_ having the same issue- 2 months scale hasn't moved down, only up... gym 5 days a week haven't had a starchy carb or sugar at all. My test strips always read that I'm in optimal ketosis. I'm confused, my body seems to be changing shape, midsection —no loss... eating a lot of fat, protein may be a little high— but still reads optimal ketosis

You can read our top weight loss tips in this article.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
33
Joann Ross
October 17 2019
I suffer with high cholesterol and is on medicine to lower it. Will keto diet raise my cholesterol levels?
I weigh 282 pounds. How much water should I drink a day?

Reply: #34
34
Reply to comment #33 by Joann Ross
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
October 17 2019

I suffer with high cholesterol and is on medicine to lower it. Will keto diet raise my cholesterol levels?
I weigh 282 pounds. How much water should I drink a day?

You can find our guide to cholesterol at the link below. As for water, we recommend drinking to thirst. Hydration needs can vary based on conditions like physical activity, weather and more.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/cholesterol-basics
35
Tess
February 7 2020
If you eat over your carb limit, so 20g is the limit but I’ve eaten 40g, when tracking the major carb, protein, and fat % of calories eaten is it still keto because relatively my percentages are 7%, 18%, 75%
36
Victoria
May 8 2020
Hi! I started keto about 3.5 months ago and slowly have lost about 17 lb. For the last several weeks, I've been losing a ton of hair. I'm 34 years old, 165 lb, no health issues or history of baldness in my family. Was told this may be due to several reasons, including vitamin deficiency, lowered protein intake, etc. So I've really started making sure I take a better multi-vitamin, collagen, protein powder, bone broth, etc. My question is... how long should the hair loss last? It's been about a month now and I dont want to freak out but it doesnt seem to be subsiding. Thanks in advance!

Reply: #37
37
Reply to comment #36 by Victoria
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
May 8 2020

Hi! I started keto about 3.5 months ago and slowly have lost about 17 lb. For the last several weeks, I've been losing a ton of hair. I'm 34 years old, 165 lb, no health issues or history of baldness in my family. Was told this may be due to several reasons, including vitamin deficiency, lowered protein intake, etc. So I've really started making sure I take a better multi-vitamin, collagen, protein powder, bone broth, etc. My question is... how long should the hair loss last? It's been about a month now and I dont want to freak out but it doesnt seem to be subsiding. Thanks in advance!

Check out our article on How to Avoid Low-Carb & Keto Side Effects. I've linked it directly to the section on hair loss. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/side-effects#hair-loss
38
brookeaburbach
August 18 2020
I have luckily found Dr. Fung after my doctor scared me into believing I have full blown type 2 diabetes. I took metformin for 2 months and had such horrible side effects that I stopped on my own, after trying to reach my doctor, who would not return my calls. After testing my blood sugar while on the medication. My blood sugar was higher on metformin. I have documented all of these results. Now I am only doing IF with a keto diet. My numbers are perfect now, taking it twice daily. I have also lost body fat , not much weight 5 lbs. but it has only been 2 3/4 weeks, but the lost weight you can see is fat. That's all the good part of my journey back to real health. Now the keto flue, I have really struggled to stay the course because of insomnia, headaches, exhaustion and I have developed a morning cough that I never had before. Is this my body detoxing? The benefits outweigh the side effects finally, but this morning cough is worrisome.
39
Jake
September 24 2020
I faithfully have been sticking to the Keto Diet for over 2 months. My Macros are: 1700 cals, 140g Fat, 89g Protein, and 20g or less of Carbs. I try to make sure I fulfill these macros as much as possible. However, sometimes I just eat less (due to fasting). I have been losing weight pretty rapidly by still sticking to my macros (even when I eat less) being 70-80% fat, 15-25% protein, and 5% or less of carbs. But I feel like I have hit a plateau because I've been at the same weight for about a week - without changing anything about my diet plan.

Has anyone else gone through this? Am I doing something wrong? Should I change anything up? Help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. :)

Reply: #40
40
Reply to comment #39 by Jake
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
September 24 2020

I faithfully have been sticking to the Keto Diet for over 2 months. My Macros are: 1700 cals, 140g Fat, 89g Protein, and 20g or less of Carbs. I try to make sure I fulfill these macros as much as possible. However, sometimes I just eat less (due to fasting). I have been losing weight pretty rapidly by still sticking to my macros (even when I eat less) being 70-80% fat, 15-25% protein, and 5% or less of carbs. But I feel like I have hit a plateau because I've been at the same weight for about a week - without changing anything about my diet plan.
Has anyone else gone through this? Am I doing something wrong? Should I change anything up? Help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. :)

Take a look at our top weight loss tips and see what you think. https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
41
Mary
October 26 2020
I am type 2 diabetic and want to know if eating 2.5 TB of Chia Seeds with water counts as 13 carbs or do I subtract the fiber , 10 grams, and the net carbs would be 3. Don't want to give that up...unless it will keep me from ketosis.

Reply: #42
42
Reply to comment #41 by Mary
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
October 26 2020
I am type 2 diabetic and want to know if eating 2.5 TB of Chia Seeds with water counts as 13 carbs or do I subtract the fiber , 10 grams, and the net carbs would be 3. Don't want to give that up...unless it will keep me from ketosis.
Most people can deduct the fiber without any problem. The best way to know for sure if it's safe for you is to monitor your blood sugar.
43
Dana
February 4 2021
I have a question, i’ve been on a strict keto diet for 6 weeks , since I started i ate only 2 meals a day, breakfast (egg and cheese) , and lunch.
I also do fasting for approximately 14 hours every day.
My carb/calories intake is low.

The issue is i have been in a plateau for 2 weeks. Please advise what can i do to break it

Reply: #44
44
Reply to comment #43 by Dana
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
February 4 2021

I have a question, i’ve been on a strict keto diet for 6 weeks , since I started i ate only 2 meals a day, breakfast (egg and cheese) , and lunch.
I also do fasting for approximately 14 hours every day.
My carb/calories intake is low.
The issue is i have been in a plateau for 2 weeks. Please advise what can i do to break it

Here is our top weight loss guide. Keto is not a diet of caloric deprivation. You may not be eating enought.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight
45
Finn
December 31 2021
Anyone have an idea what to do about very low energy levels on keto? When using net carbs, I had a lot more energy but now that I have started counting total carbs (max 20g - Dr Eric Westman's approach) my energy level is very very low.
I have increased my electrolytes and water but I have not seen a difference in energy.

Reply: #46
46
Reply to comment #45 by Finn
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
December 31 2021

Anyone have an idea what to do about very low energy levels on keto? When using net carbs, I had a lot more energy but now that I have started counting total carbs (max 20g - Dr Eric Westman's approach) my energy level is very very low.
I have increased my electrolytes and water but I have not seen a difference in energy.

If your the electrolytes are not helping, you may want to make sure you're eating enough protein and taking in enough calories. If you find this doesn't resolve, it may be worth trying raising carb intake back up a little again or checking in with your doctor.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/protein

Reply: #47
47
Reply to comment #46 by Kristin Parker
Finn
January 12

Anyone have an idea what to do about very low energy levels on keto? When using net carbs, I had a lot more energy but now that I have started counting total carbs (max 20g - Dr Eric Westman's approach) my energy level is very very low.
I have increased my electrolytes and water but I have not seen a difference in energy.

If your the electrolytes are not helping, you may want to make sure you're eating enough protein and taking in enough calories. If you find this doesn't resolve, it may be worth trying raising carb intake back up a little again or checking in with your doctor.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/protein

I upped my calorie intake (protein mostly and about 5g carbs) and energy improved somewhat.
As an afterthought, I added vit c supplements and now my energy has more noticeably increased. Thanks Kristin!