Keto Guide - Testing Ketones. (AT HOME)

Hello my fat adapted family! Here's MY guide to ketosis.
Today's topic is testing ketones at home.
I just want to clarify that these are MY opinions (and research!) as someone who has been in ketosis for quite a few years now. You may not agree with my guides and that's okay. This may not be the guide for you. At the end of the day, it's your keto journey/diet/lifestyle, I'm just putting my 2 cents in here to try and help some people with the information I promote.
SUMMARY:
Levels of ketosis:
0.5-1.5 mmol/L (Nutritional aka you're in keto)
1.5-3.0 mmol/L (Optimal aka Deep keto)
3.0-6.0 mmol/L (Therapeutic keto)
6.0-14 mmol/L (Starvation keto)
IF YOUR KETONES ARE ABOVE 10 mmol/L AND YOU'RE NOT FASTING OR HAVE A HISTORY OF DIABETES GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR TO CHECK YOUR PANCREAS IS WORKING AND YOU DON'T HAVE KETOACIDOSIS.
There are 3 ways to test your ketones at home:
Urine Strips (4:26)
Semi-Conductive Breathalyzer (6:26)
Ketone Blood Monitor (9:41)
Watch the video to see me show you each way, how they measure ketones and I test them all (and give opinions on each!)
- THE BREATHALYZER WAS ONLY 0.13 OUT, NOT 1.3!
Also, for any confusion with the breathalyzer...
I have it on the setting that measures %BAC (Blood alcohol content), this is measured by how much ethanol is in 100ml of blood.
What this basically means is that it's working very close to mmol/L like my blood monitor does - meaning, when you chose a unit to measure your breath in, make sure it is %BAC (or g/100ml) to make it consistent with other measurements.
If you have ANY questions or keto queries leave them below.
Keep calm, keto on!
| The Keto Kitchen |
MUSIC CREDIT:
Zazie Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
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[@RedGaming23]

Thought this video looked too long but actually explained everything very clearly and the time passed quickly 👍🏻

[@Justrelaxx101]

I thought the same thing. He did a great job and went by fast. I’m new to keto and I thought I had to get all the way to 14 or 16 to be in ketosis. Lolol.

[@mendozamaritza737]

@@Justrelaxx101 if it wasn’t for this video you were going to be very disappointed

[@times461]

I just play it in faster speed

[@mohamedeldemerdash9583]

Same !! Thanks bro!

[@dianechaussee2746]

Go to settings and set to 1.25 Speed learning 😆

[@andrewf4623]

Great vid mate. When I loaded it up I was like ugh, 20 mins is far too long.... but I was engaged right from the start. One of the best keto explanations I have heard

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Cheers bro 💪🏻

[@Ladycarlyjan]

He’s a great public speaker 💯

[@2Divin3Lov3]

You were the best explanation I have came across!!! Thank you!

[@kamkowa6439]

Finally the video I was looking for. Explaining everything I wanted to find and hear. Great video. All others I’ve seen just talk about diabetes and I’m interested how to read it when you’re doing IF. Thanks a lot for this great job 👏🏼 👌

[@rosiethurman7900]

I started keto diet last Sunday and today is Sunday so a week and I bought some strips and I appreciate your feed back. Thank you.

[@issa250981]

Thanks a lot for the way you explained everything much appreciate 👊🏼

[@rab3926]

I just found your chanel and am so glad! Honest review and information thats helped me make an informed decision thank you!

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Welcome! Thank you for your kind words

[@kristinam7928]

BEST video on keto testing!!

[@spiritofMongan]

delivered information in a clear and understandable manner. Good Job.

[@tolonie]

This was awesome - great detailed info! Thank you!

[@texasnewt]

Fully agree, very clearly presented discussions of each test method and useful analyses!🙂👍

[@daisygudino441]

Very well explained and I loved how u used several items and explained each one very thoughtful of you 👍🏼🫂

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@clairedrake460]

This was so informative and helpful. Thank you very much

[@azeba1335]

Really well explained, thank you.

[@clintperry5406]

Best explanation and demonstration of tests seen yet 👏

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Wow, thanks!

[@Love_Nancy]

*Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@Daniel-ff8nk]

Here is my comment for the algorythm, very good job! Helped me alot. And entertaining aswell ;)

[@mfconstructor]

Thanks for the video Harry

[@Pampers876]

Amazing..thank you for all the information 👍👍👍👍 very very helpfull for me 😊 xx

[@debboo69]

Just started Keto (day 14) and I’m using these strips. They’re super useful. Really enjoying this channel and content. Great stuff.

[@janslehmann05]

Hey Debboo I’ve been on keto for two weeks and only lost 2 kilos. Seems everyone else looses loads after getting into ketosis like after two days. The Lee sticks are totally confusing because I don’t know if I’m supposed to get a lighter color or darker one to mark I’m in ketosis. What’s your experience?

[@satepestage3599]

Brilliant video

[@Bayoubebe]

Great video!! Thanks

[@TRTandHormoneOptimization]

Yo yo yo! Nice upload, loved it and Like 👍1

[@DetroitVTV]

Awesome video

[@Sashafierce88]

ty ! so helpful !!

[@CheckitOutYaw]

"No free healthcare like Americans..." you cracked me up 🤣. Bro this is very good info. Thank you so much!

[@tomatlanta2665]

Great vid Thank you! Breathalyzer link please

[@ChrisTheYouTubeCritic]

Thx

[@NT312]

You’re sticking yourself wrong. You don’t use the Lancet directly on the pad of your finger. You use it towards the side of your finger on the pad. I would recommend you doing it mostly on your ring finger also. It always seems to be the best finger to prick when it comes to getting enough blood for the sample. I hope this makes sense. It won’t be as uncomfortable if you do it properly. Thanks for the video, mate. I really enjoyed it. Well done.

[@SephtisSizent]

Hah, wow, I'm a type one diabetic and it always freaks me out when I have ketones, it's incredible how balanced you must be when T1 to have ketosis vs ketoACIDosis!

[@MrRagweed]

Thanks dude

[@BrettReneau]

Thank you for everything that you do .... it is all appreciated... on a side note, you are so gorgeous too 🥰

[@JohnSmith86132]

Wow, you're very charismatic

[@dookindasie1]

👍👍thanks for explaining in English Ketones 101

[@TheKetoKitchen]

My pleasure 😊

[@1019caveman]

Nice job.

[@TransfictionTV]

I have been eating keto for about 2 weeks and last night I ate some carbs and today my ketonestix read around 1.5-4. Is that possible or am I reading it wrong?

[@bmtechautomotive8812]

Great

[@let_your_weird_light_shine_2.0]

Im on day 4 of the carnivore diet and am in between the 1.5 and 4. I eat only animal products but am weaning the sugar out of my morning coffee, so I am getting that little bit of sugar in the morning. First 2 days I felt like I had the flu and was super thirsty,so I had to take electrolytes. Im better today, but keep getting a headache and have no appetite.

[@heatherscowby6739]

Please can you add a link to the breathalyzer?

[@Love_Nancy]

*Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@ellebelleke1]

Hi, can you give me a link of a breathtester?? Just ordered one and it was shit!

[@Anthony-hq8zg]

My blood Keytone was 2.6 and my urine was like between 40 and 80 which freaked me out so I started eating carbs again because it was a dark purple

[@viktoriakelemenic9593]

The colour is somewhere between 1.5 and 4 but closer to the 4 for me

[@TheFortFive]

same so idk what it is! lol

[@luneriskarma2392]

You remind me massivley of Daniel Radcliffe I'm sure you've heard this before 😂

[@TheKetoKitchen]

No I haven’t! Is it the accent? I usually get Rami Malek- almost every day someone tells me I look like him 😂

[@luneriskarma2392]

@@TheKetoKitchen it's the voice AND looks, it's insane 😂 I love it!

[@jaeda88]

I just did a urine test strip. I'm at 1.5 mmol/l I was disheartened at first, I have been eating strictly keto food for approx one month, no fasting. So 1.5 seem like I'm in Optimal state!?!

[@Ladycarlyjan]

Hey love quick question. I'm starting out on keto soon so to prepare myself I'm doing some intermittent fasting, lowering carbs upping good fats and taking MCT oil. I bought a semi conductive breathalizer and after 4 days I'm still not even getting 0.01 result.... Does it just take longer for ketones to be present? THANK YOU!!

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Hm, how interesting! Ketones showing (when not a blood test) can really vary from person to person as well as how good/valid your monitor is. With IF, high fats, and MCT oils you should be in a state of ketosis after 4 days, even if it's a minor state based on your genetics, age, sex etc. If you do not want to test via bloods, it may be worth getting some urine sticks to see if they indicate a level of ketones. Whilst it may not be the most accurate measurement, it will put you at ease that you're producing acetone (by-product of ketone production) and therefore, ketones. It could also be evidence of your semi-conductive monitor either not working or being not powerful enough to pick up a lower level of ketones. Hope this helps.

[@Ladycarlyjan]

@@TheKetoKitchen thank you yes it helps!

[@reenotchi]

Hey. So I am on week 2 of starting my keto diet. My first question is: how often should I take the urine strip test? So I started my diet on Feb 1st. After the first 7 days, I took the test and it read negative.. what does that mean for me? I know people get results within the first 2 days, so I wasn’t sure why mine was reading negative. Today on Feb 12, I took the test again (I’m on my 2nd week now), and my results read negative again it seems like. It’s hard for me to get a pink color .. am I just not in ketosis ??? can you explain

[@TheKetoKitchen]

The urine strips can be used as often as you like. Though I wouldn't get obsessed and check every time you wee - especially with their unreliability. - It could be that you're not in keto and it's worth checking your macros/how much fat and carbs you're eating. Usually you will see a quick change in the strips because acetone starts to leave your body very quickly (about 18-28 hours after starting keto) - acetone is a ketone that the urine strips pick up. - It is possible that you've come from a healthy diet or a diet similar to keto that means you have a well functioning liver that uses that acetone rather than dumping it as a by-product. Of course the best way to check your true ketone level is by blood monitors or a blood test at the DRs but I understand this is expensive in many countries and is maybe not viable right now with COVID. So my suggestions are: - Track your macros for a few days, keeping your ketones under 30g a day. - Do your urine strips first thing in the morning because you've fasted whilst asleep as well as in the evening because this is when your ketones tend to be highest. - If after a few days you are still not getting any ketone results with the strips, you may have to move up to a semi-automatic breathalyzer or a ketone blood monitor. Hope that helps!

[@robertvanzant2653]

I fasted for 48 hours water only , I hit over 8 mmol/l but I had the shakes and couldn’t sleep , so I ate , am new to this , I wanted to try a fast as I’m unhealthy and eat badly , wanted a reset kinda thing .

[@jomailamunsayac1735]

Great info, although off topic , you give me Dan Radcliffe vibe

[@evelins6563]

Hi I’ve been doing keto for 8 days exactly and I used the urine strips today and got the darker purple. I got scared because of what you said about diabetes. Is it dangerous to get the purple color? I’ve been doing intermittent fasting too. When you were talking about being too high on ketones were you referring to the blood testing?

[@TheKetoKitchen]

No it's absolutely fine to have a purple reading when you've just started keto! Expect that to get lighter as your body gets used to using the ketones called acetone :) I was talking about blood readings

[@evelins6563]

The Keto Kitchen thank you for clarifying!!

[@aliciafougere6047]

Come to ask the exact same question but for 6 days got the darkest purple.

[@roxanelafrance1981]

@@evelins6563 I was gonna ask the same thing.. 9 days into keto diet though, tested dark purple

[@chrtyhwrd]

I have the same question, thank you for asking it. That is how I found this video looking for the answer lol

[@kbl4758]

Tip for finger pricking …. Squeeze more blood towards the fingertip first… prick on the side of the finger tip, not the pad.

[@fayjackson2220]

You can cut your steps in half and have 100 instead of 50 which is nice read that somewhere I thought it was a great idea

[@lorx5299]

Been doing the Keto egg fast for 5 days and I'm at 6.7 mmol/l, would you say this is normal? I feel like I have went into deep ketosis very quickly.

[@Anthony-hq8zg]

I was just saying the same thing it freaked me out so I ate some carbs today but I went and worked out again so I bet it didnt do shit My blood was 2.1 to 2.6 and my glucose level was 78 but we’re really freaked me out is how my urine is dark according to the keto test I’m guessing it’s cause I just need to drink a lot of water and I wasted Time on carbs but I work out every day at least one or two hours and I lose 2 pounds every day

[@Neerepha]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been on intermittent fasting for 2.5years and on keto for 4 months, and I got my strips only today. I know I was on keto based on many signals, but I wanted to know how deep my state was. This morning I freaked out when I saw I was barely into it (0.5 right after waking up, 1.5-4 6 hours after my only meal), so I was very very confused... I didn't even drink anything until dinner, so I wasn't diluting my urine in any way. I guess my results are ok the way they are? I have POCS and insulin resistance, so I might spike insulin too much compared to other people despite being on keto. I'm trying to lose my last 12kg, having lost 40 in two years, but it's getting more and more difficult and it's stressing me out. If anyone could confirm that my values are fine I'd be very grateful!

[@TheKetoKitchen]

I can't guarantee but I would say your results are likely fine if you have symptoms and have been doing it for 4 months - when you've been on keto that long it's less about the dilution of your urine and more about how well your body can use "waste" ketones aka acetone - the ketone we breathe and wee out - that's why the strips are less reliable and you no longer have keto breath! The last bit of weight is very hard to shift for any kind of diet as our bodies get to a weight they like and you have to push harder to get it to go down again - I had a 2 year plateau and broke it by not changing my diet at all but lifting weights (not a heavy amount, just enough to start gaining a bit of muscle to eat the fat) do you lift weights?

[@Neerepha]

@@TheKetoKitchen I do, or rather, I did from almost one year - until July, but then I stopped because I found out I was overtraining (HIIT 5 times a week, one day yoga), and the keto worked sooo... I guess I'm a bit lazy and since I don't really need muscles (I'm a girl) I just haven't continued working out. I'm also worried that adding more caloric deficit would bring me to overeat. Anyway, thank you very much for your reply! I suppose I have little chance now and must try to work out again, just less frequently. Love your channel, subscribed in a blink of an eye ❤️

[@lednugenna]

you might just be burning off those ketones so they never make it to your urine.

[@bethhorkan6517]

Hi just subscribed just a quick question my husband is type one diabetes so I test my blood with his machine can you please tell me the difference between 5.0 and Ketones this all confuses me so can you please help thank you

[@TheKetoKitchen]

did you test your ketone blood measurement or your blood sugar measurement?

[@bethhorkan6517]

My blood meter as I don’t have a keto meter as yet thank you for your reply

[@TheKetoKitchen]

@@bethhorkan6517 no worries! was it mmol/l measurement? (it should say on the machine) If so, that is a very normal blood sugar level and you've got nothing to worry about :)

[@kadedah2077]

Dude, you need links to the products so we can buy them. Could be affiliate commissions in it for you too.

[@unicorntears2752]

I'm at 40mg is that optimal range?

[@adsa3449]

Just bought the same breathalyser from eBay . I’ve been on keto for a week now and it’s showing 0.00 . Maybe because I’m on the larger side it’s gonna take a while longer for my body to get into keto ? I’ll have a few beers tonight and test the device to make sure it’s not faulty .

[@mattc2320]

What's the breathalyser called please bud?

[@jeffstephens4163]

Hit the side of your finger, not the tip. It doesn't hurt as bad. Great video for a new keto follower.

[@ceciliacosta8148]

Finally got My test sticks after 5 days on Keto and I’m i. The small Ketosis range is that normal?

[@Love_Nancy]

*Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@sjrlas]

So really if you're doing IF and drinking copious amounts of water then the optimal time to use the urine test strips should be morning. Otherwise your urine will be diluted. You said after lunch? Is that only if you're not fasting or drinking large amounts of liquid but still eating keto?

[@Love_Nancy]

*Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@lbabytutorials4852]

I just started keto I bought the pee strips there were 6 shades I looked to be the 4th color or in between the 3rd and 4th. Wich says 1.5-4.0 this bottle was called kejo moto

[@Love_Nancy]

*Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@tylermanuel1623]

I started keto after a 3 days fast and I’m on day 2 and my strip is dark red, suggests it’s between 8.0 and 16.0 the colour looks to be closer to 16.0? Hmm hope I’m good lol 🤔

[@SalttheEarth]

Still in Keto after one year? I have the same dark colour

[@tylermanuel1623]

Lol I pretty quit immediately after that post

[@SalttheEarth]

@@tylermanuel1623 thank you. I started 2 weeks ago. I will give it another chance for another 2 weeks. Let's see

[@Love_Nancy]

*Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@thaliahsangria4671]

So I am on day 3 of keto and my urine strip is reading 4.0 mmol/L. Is this good?

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Having that level on urine strips at the beginning of your ketogenic journey is a good sign that your body is making ketones (and weeing out a byproduct of making them - acetone - which is what the strip reads!)

[@darkartsgaming1664]

OMG. I started Keto diet a week ago. I used a urine test and it said I had 80 mg/dl. I used a conversion calculator and it said I had a mmol/L of 7.89. WTF. I havent been starving though. Everyday I eat one egg, drink three diet cokes(per day), turkey bacon strips with melted chedder cheese on them (3 strips morning, mid day and night) and one can of tuna fish. I have been losing about 1/4th of an inch a day off my waist size. 40 inch to 38 inch so far. I havent weighed my self though, but I know I was 205 lbs when I started. I'm trying to get down to 165 lbs. I havent started exercising yet. If you can, would you be able to tell me if it would be a good idea to start exercising? I was going to fill a bag with water until I have 25 lbs and use them to curl, dip, squat and all that good stuff plus walk 2 miles a day. Right now I have been just at home.

[@lakshayjohri8846]

Share your results now

[@darkartsgaming1664]

@@lakshayjohri8846 I weigh 298 lbs now🐷 Lol jk, i got down to 170 then went up to 185, more muscle though. Leaner, good diet, but I get sick more often. Try staying away from sick people if you can.

[@TheDiolulaLife]

I bought the breathalyzer and got 0.0 I took a blood test and it read 1.1 mmol is it because the keystones are too low to read?

[@carolineo9532]

Where did you get the breathalyzer?

[@TheDiolulaLife]

Amazon

[@carolineo9532]

@@TheDiolulaLife thanks!

[@scpatl4now]

I'm going to give you a tip for testing blood. If you don't do it too often, try pricking your earlobe. It is much less painful. You have tons of nerves at the end of your finger, so it hurts more. Not so on your earlobe (just look in the mirror while you do it so you can see to get the sample).

[@TheKetoKitchen]

That is a brilliant idea! Thank you!

[@scpatl4now]

@@TheKetoKitchen I dont know why people prick their fingers. A nurse told me this a long time ago and it made perfect sense, and you barely feel it.

[@psrpippy]

I’ve never got above .8 and am usually around .5. It’s so disheartening because I stick to bellow 20gms of carbs a day.

[@TheKetoKitchen]

.5 is pretty normal! Just keep going, it'll fluctuate but as long as it's .5+ - you're in keto!

[@wirip2229]

Mine was moderate 3 times in a row, is that too high?

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Providing your blood sugars aren't high at the same time and you're trying to achieve keto - that's absolutely fine!

[@cherylhurley2573]

Gud job.

[@cloud9photography126]

why does my urine keto strip read dark purple 4.0+ but then one min later my blood ketones are only 0.9.....im confused

[@TheKetoKitchen]

A urine strip will measure a ketone called acetone which is considered a "by-product" until you are fat adapted (then your body will utilise them better) - this is one of the reasons a urine strip is quite inaccurate because not only does it depend on all the things like how much liquid you've drunk etc, it also depends on how much acetone your body wants to just get rid of rather than use. When you measure blood ketones, you are measuring mainly a ketone called BHB - which is considered the main ketone we use for energy. Because this is not a by-product ketone, it is a far more accurate result of your level of ketosis because this is not your bodies "waste" Hope that helps!

[@cloud9photography126]

@@TheKetoKitchen it does help thanks! i was scared when i saw that almost black level of purple reading because it was in the ketoacidosis range so i thought i was in trouble but your saying that since my blood ketone was NOT in the ketoacidosis range ( 0.9) that all it is on the urine strip is waste right?

[@berighteous]

why the hell are you lancing your fingertip!!??? Lance the side of your finger near the top and it doesn't hurt at all. I test my blood sugar like 10 times a day and it isn't a trouble at all.

[@cameronmonahan8790]

Okay, so I started Keto a week ago and just tried the test strips and it said I was above 16. Extremely dark purple. Should I be worried? Lolol

[@cameronmonahan8790]

Update: did another one and it was in between 1.5 and 4.0

[@cathleenhogue]

Can you post a link for your breathalyzer

[@TheDiolulaLife]

cathleenhogue its called LAMJAD it’s on Amazon for $15

[@RhiandAmanda]

Why would it be cheaper to go to the doctors and get blood tests every so often and spend $150 in a one off purchase? That bit just confused me.

[@TheKetoKitchen]

That comment really depends on where you live and I commented from the stance of a Brit. Here in the UK it is only $10 maximum - usually free if you have a concern.

[@lastlime3792]

Fasted for a day, during that fast in the morning 9am drank single 12oz coconut water and ate a pickle and also regular water .... next day ate at noon for first meal. Tested at 4-5 hours later and test said 15 deep purple..... No history of any levels of diabetes. Urine test just high because of the fasting?? Also been doing carnivore diet.

[@TheKetoKitchen]

Yep! Fasting will put you in a deep state of keto pretty quickly

[@Love_Nancy]

@@TheKetoKitchen *Does AnyBody (InTeLLigent OnLy, PLease) use Keto Stiks?* *Sod O Mites KeepMurdering My Postings!!! My Anger to this->* *Has Caused this LifeLong DemoCrat to Vote Every RePub. on My* *Next BaLLot, which I wiLL have, in the Next 4-days! Oct.16, 2022.*

[@ashleypulverenti540]

Your very cute just had to say it