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Metabolism

Ketosis

DEKetose

Ketosis is a fuel-switch in your body. When glucose runs low, your liver turns fat into ketone bodies. There are three: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone. These act as backup fuel for your brain, heart, and muscle. You reach ketosis through fasting, long exercise, or very-low-carb diets. In nutritional ketosis, your blood BHB rises above 0.5 mmol/L. That threshold comes from the work of Volek and Phinney. But BHB is more than fuel. It also works as a signal. It blocks certain gene-silencing enzymes (class I HDACs) and calms inflammation.

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This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer

Sources

  1. Newman JC, Verdin E. (2014). Ketone Bodies as Signaling Metabolites. *Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism*doi:10.1016/j.tem.2013.09.002
  2. Puchalska P, Crawford PA. (2017). Multi-Dimensional Roles of Ketone Bodies in Fuel Metabolism, Signaling, and Therapeutics. *Cell Metabolism*doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.12.022