There are several ways to test and see if you’re in ketosis. You could use urine test strips, a breathalyzer, or even a blood test kit where you prick your finger on a lancet and test your blood.
However, if you do not wish to spend any money on resources for testing, you can always look out for a few signs that will be given off by your body when it’s in ketosis.
While it may not be as accurate as a blood test, if you’re following the diet principles correctly and see these signs, it’s safe to assume that you’re in ketosis and just need to carry on what you’re doing to maintain the ketogenic diet.
Bad breath
This is one of the first signs of ketosis. It’s similar to morning breath when you wake up in the morning in a fasted state. What you’ll be smelling is acetone as the body uses ketones for fuel.
You can get over this little problem by drinking water with peppermint or spearmint in it. Alternatively, you could use a sugar-free mint.
Or just brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash more frequently than your normal once or twice a day routine.
Decrease in physical performance
In the initial stages of the keto diet, you’ll feel a lack of energy and lethargy. This is one of the signs that you’re going into ketosis.
Your body is adapting to the keto diet and while some people may not experience many side effects, most people will face some issues.
If you’re exercising, you’ll notice that your performance is not up to your usual standards. Ideally, you should rest during the first 4 to 7 days on a keto diet.
Maybe do some light cardio like walking.
Give your body time to get used to the diet and make the switch from burning glucose to burning fat for fuel.
There is definitely an adjustment period for this transition.
Digestive issues
Another very common symptom of going into ketosis are digestive issues. You may experience diarrhea or constipation. The body is cleansing itself and this is normal.
Plus, because you're drinking a lot more water than you normally would, your stools may soften. This is normal.
You may wish to include some fibrous vegetables such as broccoli in your diet to aid with the process.
After a short period of time (usually a week or two), things will normalize and you'll find your digestive system actually works better than it ever has.
Increase in energy
If you suddenly feel like you are more energetic than ever before, you’re most probably keto-adapted and have successfully adopted the diet. Most people who reach ketosis report a sudden increase in energy and mental clarity.
These are two of the most significant positive “side effects” of the keto diet.
Embrace the change!
Insomnia
One of the most common problems with going on the keto diet is insomnia. It’s also a sign that the body is going into ketosis. This is normal and once you’re used to the keto diet, sleep will come easily, and you’ll feel better rested.
Keto flu
Flu-like symptoms are common when you’re going into ketosis. This is called the “keto flu.” Your body is detoxing and getting used to the change in diet. Nothing to panic about. In about 7 to 14 days, these symptoms will disappear.
Loss of hunger
The keto diet reduces your appetite. This is especially true when you’re combining it with intermittent fasting. Since your body is now burning fat for fuel (ketosis), it’s much more efficient and can always tap into its fat stores – unlike people who burn glucose for fuel and always need more carbs and food when their glycogen stores are low.
Strong sweat smell
If your perspiration and urine have a strong smell, you’re probably in ketosis, too.
That, or you haven't bathed in quite some time. Take a shower!
Seriously, though, a stronger-than-normal sweat odor is normal.
Weight loss
In the first week of the keto diet, you’ll find that you’re urinating frequently. Ketosis causes the body to lose a lot of water weight. Since you have less glucose in your body, there’s less water retention.
It’s common for people to lose 5 to 10 pounds of water weight in the first week alone. This is one of the most common signs of ketosis.
If you notice that you’re experiencing several of these signs, it’s safe to assume that you’re in ketosis.