Ketostix reading: 15mg/dL....(small)... do I need to further restrict carbs?

[GinNJuice]

my reading (taken after lunch, if that matters) was 15mg/dL which is SMALL out of a scale including:

Negative
Trace
Small
Moderate
Large


I get between 15-45 g of carbs a day.... do I need to keep that below 20g to get full effect of ketosis?

 

[GinNJuice]

Oh, and should I take the test on an empty stomach?

 

[3Vandoo]

The stix are not accurate.

Even if im in strong keto and all signs are there, bad breath, dry mouth and piss that smell weird, the reading gives me small or average. I noticed that they vary.
So I use them once a day for a general reading. I prefer the glucometer, but I hate it LOL

 

[Mr.X]

my reading (taken after lunch, if that matters) was 15mg/dL which is SMALL out of a scale including:

Negative
Trace
Small
Moderate
Large


I get between 15-45 g of carbs a day.... do I need to keep that below 20g to get full effect of ketosis?

Given the conditions you have brought up, the 'negative' readings or close to small do constitute to you being out of Ketosis. The Ketone levels in your body are being effetively used for fuel; thus, the amount of Ketones excreted via urine are almost nill, if any.

Mr.X

 

[GinNJuice]

Thanks for the replys...

BTW, I tested again last night after the gym, but before dinner and got a reading of "Trace" (5mg/dL)

..... But, I tested again first thing this morning when I got out of bed and got a reading of Moderate (40mg/dL)

I can see that they indeed vary. Does anyone know if this is caused by body conditions like full/empty stomach, pre/post workout, or time of day?

 

[3Vandoo]

I dont trust those stix no more,
I use the glucometer, it more precise.
also when you hit keto, you know it.
If you worry about the level increase fat intake, some a spoon or two of UDO's oil

 

[Atavis]

Stix aren't the best way to verify ketosis. However, if done first thing in the morning you are more likely to see the presence of ketones as you are using less energy when sleeping.

During the day, your activity levels will decrease the ketones present and you may not even show at all. Not something to be worried about unless you suspect you are not staying in ketosis.

Don't use the stix for that measurement though.

Also, stix can give a false positive too if you have recently eaten incorrectly but still have urine in your system that does contain ketones.


Nothing to stress about though. As long as you are exhibiting the normal ketotic symptoms (well whatever signs are the norm for you) then you are fine.