When there isn’t enough glucose in the body, the liver naturally generates ketones, a well-known molecule. When ketone levels are too high, your immune system can be at threat and its overall functioning can be compromised.
In either of these cases, you’d need to test to determine whether your ketone levels are at a healthy level. But when exactly is the best time to check ketones in urine?
But should you even test for ketone levels at all?
Before getting into the best time to test for ketones in urine, it’s worth checking whether it’s worth testing your ketone levels. There’s a number of reasons why you might have ketones in your body. There are many people who follow a ketogenic diet to lose weight, which often results in the production of ketones to make up for the lack of glucose in the body. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are also at higher risk of producing ketones in their bodies in a short period, which can result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an undesirable buildup of ketones in the blood and urine.
In either of these situations, it’s worth checking your ketone levels on a regular basis. In fact, it’s widely recommended that your ketone levels should be tested as often as two times a day to ensure that you monitor your levels to avoid them from going too high.
It’s also worth checking your ketone levels anytime you experience one of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Flushed skin
- Fruity breath
- Feelings of confusion or lightheadedness
- Excessive thirst or a dry mouth
- Vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain
- Glucose levels in the blood that are greater than 240mg/dl
So when is the best time to check ketones?
Now if you’re looking to track your ketone levels on a regular basis, it’s important to test around the same time of day every time you test to best monitor your development. If you’re on a ketogenic diet, then the best time to test should be the best time for you. Try picking a time of day that works for you to get the best outcome. If you stick to the same time of day every time you test, you’ll be able to better compare your results with previous tests you took.
Now, let’s learn more about ketone strips!
Once you’ve determined the best time to test your ketones in urine, the next step would be to purchase ketone strips. You can easily find them online or at many retailers and pharmacies. Regardless of which brand you choose to purchase, it’s important to take the test step by step according to the instructions included with the product.
And now, let’s see the results!
If you’re using a regular ketone test strip, then you’ll need to read your test results using a urine color chart that comes with the product you purchase. Try to match your strip to its corresponding color on the color chart. If these results tell you that you have higher levels of ketones in your urine, then you should consult your health provider.
Since interpreting your ketone levels using standard ketone strips can be hard, why not try Vivoo? Vivoo assesses your ketone levels using state-of-the-art image processing technology in just 90 seconds. You can get real-time data on your body’s wellness based on 9 wellness parameters, including your ketones, proteins, calcium, magnesium, and more!
But that’s not all. Vivoo also gives you personalized nutritional and lifestyle advice based on your results to help you improve your wellness! Plus - you don't need to set up a reminder to remind yourself to get self-tested! Vivoo does this for you by sending you a reminder to test weekly. Start your wellness journey now to track your ketone levels right away!
Do you have any experience with testing your ketone levels through your urine? Did you find this article helpful? We would love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your experiences in the comment section below.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Ketones
