@Msspriss (Jennifer Alden) posted a new topic, subject "Shades of Purple". It read:

   Ok so can anyone tell me for sure what the levels of keytones mean on the Keto Stix? I understand that its minimal to strong keytones are present in the pee but I've read conflicting info on the levels such as the dark purple is dangerous, so if I see my stick turn dark purple, I've ran to the kitchen and had a bite or 2 of a banana and drink a ton of water. Does light pink mean that it's barely burning fat? And is there a target range? I have no trouble getting into ketosis and it turns dark purple most of the time. But is this good or is it too much? I've been on keto for 3 weeks. I'd prob like to.lose 20 more pounds

So @anon54735292 replied

    Unless you have a non-functioning pancreas then you don't need to worry.

To which @CarlKeller (Carl Keller) replied

    Msspriss:
    
    > But is this good or is it too much?
    
    The pee strips will answer the question “Am I in ketosis?” but will not provide an accurate measure of blood ketones. What the pee strips measure is the excess ketones that your body is disposing of. It's basically as good as a urine pregnancy test. They will tell you, yes or no, you are or aren't pregnant, but they cannot accurately tell you how pregnant you are…
    
    The dark color might be something to worry you if you have type 1 diabetes or have severe issues with insulin resistance. Mine typically showed purplish to dark purple when I was [spoiler]pissing[/spoiler] my money away while testing with pee strips and I'm still here, 4.5 months later and feeling great. 
    
    There are blood ketone meters (most accurate) and breath ketone meters (more accurate than pee strips) but all of that isn't real necessary for non-therapeutic keto.
    
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371551

So @juice (Running from stupidity) replied

    CarlKeller:
    
    > but all of that isn't real necessary for ~~casual~~ non-therapeutic keto.
    
    FTFY

@CarlKeller (Carl Keller) replied

    juice:
    
    > FTFY
    
    I will miss the alliteration but your advice is solid.

@juice (Running from stupidity) replied

    CarlKeller:
    
    > I will miss the alliteration but your advice is solid.
    
    I know, it's super annoying when that happens, but always remember that “keto flu” is a catchy phrase

Then @CarlKeller (Carl Keller) said

    juice:
    
    > always remember that “keto flu” is a catchy phrase
    
    Well played!

Then @ava_ad0re (Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) said

    Msspriss:
    
    > so if I see my stick turn dark purple, I've ran to the kitchen and had a bite or 2 of a banana
    
    Sabotage at it's finest by not understanding the products you are using to test your level of ketosis.  
    Unless you are a Type 1 Diabetic, that purple colour is not relevant to you, other than yes you are peeing a lot of ketones, or you are severely dehydrated.
    
    Throw them out and buy a blood meter.

Then @juice (Running from stupidity) said

    ava_ad0re:
    
    > Throw them out ~~and buy a blood meter~~.
    
    FTFY
    
    (Unless you're going to sell her your blood meter, of course.)

To which @ava_ad0re (Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) replied

    juice:
    
    > FTFY
    
    So kind   
    Haha, do you want to buy it? 
    
    And nah, I will not deprive them of their science experiments

Then @PaulL (May the blessing of bacon be always with you) said

    Msspriss:
    
    > the dark purple is dangerous,
    
    This is a warning for Type I diabetics whose insulin intake is not well-regulated. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be damaging, even fatal, so if ketone levels get too high, and you haven't been taking your insulin properly, you might be in trouble.
    
    On the other hand, if your pancreas makes any insulin at all, the likelihood of your being able to slip into ketoacidosis is extremely small, and possible only under certain very rare circumstances. Don't worry about it.

So @Msspriss (Jennifer Alden) replied

    Ok perfect thank you! I was worried that I slipped out of ketosis while on a mini vaca and to my surprise the stick turned bright purple. But I was really good sticking to keto. I did not cheat. Resisted the urge for dessert even though everyone e was saying “come on Jen, its vacation!”

@PaulL (May the blessing of bacon be always with you) replied

    They might not have tasted all that great, anyway. I have found that my taste for sweets isn't as strong, anymore. (Cravings are another story, but that's just because I'm a sugar addict.)


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