Ketosis facts for kids

Ketosis is a natural process that happens in your body. It's when your body starts using fat for energy instead of its usual fuel, which is a type of sugar called glucose. This happens when your body doesn't have enough glucose available, often because you haven't eaten foods with carbohydrates for a while, or you're doing a lot of exercise. When your body breaks down fat, it creates special molecules called ketone bodies. These ketone bodies can then be used by your brain and other parts of your body for energy.

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis means that your body has higher levels of ketone bodies in your blood or urine. Think of it like this: normally, your body runs on glucose, which comes from the carbohydrates you eat. Glucose is stored in your liver and muscles as something called glycogen. When these glycogen stores get low, your body needs another way to get energy.

How Your Body Uses Fat for Energy

When your body runs out of glucose, it switches to burning fat. This fat comes from the food you eat or from the fat stored in your body. When fat is broken down, it creates fatty acids. These fatty acids are then turned into ketone bodies in your liver. These ketone bodies are a great source of energy, especially for your brain, which normally uses a lot of glucose.

Ketone Bodies: Your Body's Backup Fuel

Ketone bodies are small molecules that your body makes from fat. The main types are acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. They are like a backup fuel source. When your body is in ketosis, it means it's efficiently using these ketone bodies for energy. This process is completely natural and happens to everyone during times of fasting or when eating very few carbohydrates.

When Does Ketosis Happen?

Ketosis can happen for several reasons. It's a normal part of how your body manages its energy.

Fasting or Skipping Meals

If you go for a long time without eating, especially foods with carbohydrates, your body will naturally enter ketosis. This is because your glucose and glycogen stores get used up. Your body then starts breaking down fat to make ketone bodies for energy.

Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Some people choose to eat a diet that is very low in carbohydrates. This type of diet is sometimes called a ketogenic diet. By eating very few carbs, your body is encouraged to use fat as its main fuel source, leading to a state of ketosis. This can be done for various health reasons, but it's important to do it safely and often with guidance from an adult or a doctor.

Exercise and Physical Activity

When you exercise intensely or for a long time, your body uses up its stored glucose. After a while, it will start to burn fat and produce ketone bodies to keep you going. This is a normal way your body adapts to energy demands.

Images for kids

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  Test for ketonuria using Bayer Ketostix reagent strips