Best Blood Ketone Meter For Testing & Measuring Ketone Levels

Are you stuck in the everlasting struggle to get into the best shape of your life and lose weight with no visible results?

Or you just simply want to burn fat, feel good, and stay healthy?

You feel that goal is right there but still seems to be slipping away.

The Keys to the kingdom might just be in your hands. Take a ketogenic diet, combine it with the right measurement tool such as ketone meters and we are almost there.

Well, maybe...

There are some tools that you should not EVER buy, such as this model HERE (inaccurate measurements + few other issues). Only a few selected models worth considering that I included in this review.

Below are best measurement tools that I've tested and some more information on how to use them right below.

Best Blood Ketone Meters to Test Ketone Levels

With a lancet device that you press onto your fingertip, you extract a drop of blood which you apply to a test strip. Here we’ve gathered tree best meters that measure your ketones through a blood test.

#1 Precision Xtra Ketone Meter

#2 KETO-MOJO

#3 Nova Max Plus

Some other devices not reviewed here are: Ketonix ketone meter

What are Ketones?

Ketones or ketone bodies are acids that appear when your body breaks down for energy, which happens for several reasons:

• If you have low glucose levels, which is a primary source of fuel for your bodies
• as a result of an intense exercise or after a long period of fasting
• if you’re on a ketogenic diet with little or no carbohydrate intake, so ketones become a primary source of body fuel

Types

There are three types of ketones:

• Acetoacetate (AcAc): when it comes to ketogenesis, this ketone is the first one created
• Acetone: the simplest ketone, apparent in your breath
• Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB): while it plays an important role in the process of ketosis, BHB isn’t technically a ketone due to its molecular structure.

How can you tell when you are in ketosis?
The process of ketone formation, or ketosis, is a normal metabolic process when the body breaks down fat. It takes your body about 2 to 7 days to enter a state of ketosis and if you properly follow the keto diet you stay in it as well.

The fastest way to get in ketosis fast is to limit your carb intake, exercise on an empty stomach, and not forget to drink water. The following symptoms may help you understand whether you’re in ketosis or not:

• Weight loss
• Minimum or no appetite
• Short but tiring fatigue
• Clear and elevated focus and energy
• Bad yet fruity breath
• Increased ketones in the blood, urine, or breath
• Unbalanced digestion

Testing Ketone Levels

Many people who follow the keto diet, regularly test for ketone in the urine (ketone test strips), blood testing (blood sample), and breath ketones. Their levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

There are normal, healthy, and ideal levels, but the results may vary from person to person.

What’s more, they may also depend on the time when you measure the ketones, on hormonal changes, on your workout, etc.

• A normal ketone lvl would be considered below 0.6 mmol/L
• Healthy levels of ketones range between 0.6 to 1.5 mmol/L
• An ideal ketone level range for ketosis should be between 1.5 to 3.0 mmol/L, which is also the recommended optimal level for weight loss
• Ketones above 3.0 mmol/L are unnecessary and already dangerous for people with diabetes because of the condition called ketoacidosis (see below)

How Do You Check Your Ketone Levels?

When testing for ketones, you can definitely do the tests in a lab. But why waste your time and money, when there are easier and more affordable ways to do that from the comfort of your home.

Three ways to test your ketones:

Ketosis and Diabetes

Ketosis might not happen only because you reduced calorie intake. In people with diabetes, ketosis may occur due to the lack of insulin that processes the glucose.

People with diabetes are at times encouraged to follow a ketogenic diet or low-carb diet because in their case, too much carb intake results in high blood sugar levels and blood glucose, which they cannot process.

At the same time, diabetics should follow a strict ketone monitoring system. If they fail to keep track of their ketone with test strips, a complication may occur, leading to the dangerous condition of ketoacidosis.

What is Ketoacidosis?

A serious, life-threatening condition that normally affects people with type 1 diabetes, but it can appear in individuals with type 2 diabetes as well. Ketoacidosis means the unusually high levels of ketones in the body.

Some symptoms include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, weakness, and confusion. This condition can develop quite quickly and requires proper medical treatment.

Are Breath Ketone Meters Accurate?

The Breath Ketone meter is very different from the common blood alcohol meter. Breath ketone meters measure the number of ketones in your breath. The test is non-invasive, quick, painless, and can be performed in a matter of seconds. Breath ketone tests have become an important tool for people who suffer from diseases such as alcoholism. Since they are produced in the liver as a response to severe physical or mental stress, breath ketone tests may prove helpful for those with alcohol addictions, as they can track alcohol usage over time. How Much Is A Breath Ketone Test Cost?

The Breath Ketone meter is $99 plus shipping. Pre-ordering is recommended, as the sample kits with a tester cannot be shipped to customers until orders are filled. This is simply a preventative measure to avoid the loss of any money due to the overflow of orders, as it is always best to purchase these meters before you need them. The Breath Ketone Meter Labels. Another recent addition to your ketone testing meter is the new Breath Ketone lab label from ChromaScan. You can purchase the compact lab label for just $6.99. All that is required is to affix the label to the back of the Breath Ketone meter.

Do Ketones Go Down After Eating?

We previously discussed how ketosis burns fat and builds muscle, but as it turns out, it might not be the best thing for your stomach. Dr. Van Rhee, a Columbia University neurosurgeon, has come out with a study showing that the lower-carb diets commonly used in the gym often result in the loss of a large percentage of your beneficial gut bacteria. While some research has linked this to low-carb diets to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, the new study could mean that those diet practices are simply disrupting your good bacteria.

But how does this impact your body? You have to admit: When you stick to a ketogenic diet, you definitely won’t be sticking to any junk food. According to Dr. Rhee, “The key point is this: your gut bacteria is essential to energy production in your body, and without them, you will go into ketosis and lose your beneficial bacteria.” When you drop carbohydrates from your diet, you tend to stick to higher-fat foods like cheese, cream, and butter, as well as fruits and vegetables. The small number of lean proteins you consume will most likely come from protein shakes, supplements, or over-the-counter meats like beef.

How Can I Check My Blood Ketones at Home?

In an instant, blood ketones provide a complete blood profile for your individual physiological needs. You can get blood ketones, but they don't give you a full picture. There are three ways to get a sample that will allow you to take blood ketones. If you don't have access to a convenient lab where you can run a blood ketone kit (as many of us do not), then you may try the first option and at the very least, get some idea of your blood ketone profile.

Blood ketone levels are divided into categories of less than 8 mmol/l and 8-18 mmol/l. As the name suggests, a "normal" blood ketone level is over 8 mmol/l. One of the most straightforward ways to get some idea of your blood ketone level is with a portable breathalyzer. These products tend to use a less accurate breathalyzer, but, depending on how you breathe, they may provide a range of possible readings.

The Ketogenic Diet

Known also as the low carb or keto diet, this is a high-fat diet with no or minimal carbohydrates. You’re supposed to avoid whole or processed grains, fruits, beans, legumes, and candy. The keto diet can help you lose weight and boost fat burning at the same time, by eliminating carbs, and increasing protein and fat intake.

What can you eat when on this diet? Think protein, healthy fats and oils, nuts, leafy greens, and water. You need water to stay hydrated. Jimmy Moore, a blogger who has devoted his life to this diet, published a low carb meal plan on his blog, to help new keto devotees get started.

Also, you may need good protein powder for your keto diet to get enough protein to some form of fiber supplement for keto to get enough fiber.

The Aggravating Keto Flu

After you begin with the keto diet plan, you may start to experience some flu-like symptoms that include tiredness, hunger, nausea, and dizziness, but they do not affect everyone in the same way.

There’s a chance you will never get the keto flu, or you might want to figure out how to cure it as soon as possible. How long does it take to get over the keto flu?

The symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a week or two. Here’s how to soothe the situation:

• Regular exercise
• Consume more fats and stack up on the calorie intake
• Increase electrolyte intake with drinks or salted water

Should I Get a Blood Ketone Meter?

The success of your diet and exercise plan can depend on whether your blood glucose is controlled at the desired levels. And the way to know whether or not you are close to achieving your goal is to test your glucose levels after meals and inject a mixture of sugar and insulin to make your blood glucose go back down to normal levels.

If you are suffering from hypoglycemia, and haven't been testing your levels, you'll probably only have just enough insulin to cover the calories you ate, which means your model will be too low. A proper diagnosis, by a doctor, is the first step toward developing a successful treatment plan. If you're consistently failing to get your glucose levels low, and when you are in ketosis you consistently exceed your expected body fat percentage, you may want to consider testing your glucose levels periodically using a blood ketone meter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FDA Approved Ketone Blood Meter?

the FDA has approved several ketone blood meters for use in measuring blood ketone levels. These devices are designed to assist individuals in monitoring their ketosis status, particularly those following a ketogenic diet or managing certain medical conditions like diabetes.

One of the FDA-approved ketone blood meters is the Precision Xtra and Ketone Monitoring System by Abbott. This device measures both blood glucose and blood ketone levels using separate test strips for each parameter.

The Precision Xtra meter employs a process called "electrochemical testing" to measure the concentration of ketones in the blood through a small sample obtained from a fingerstick. The meter then displays the ketone level in units of mmol/L (millimoles per liter) or mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), depending on the user's preference.

It is important to note that medical technology is continually advancing, and new devices may have received FDA approval since my last update. Therefore, it is recommended to check the FDA's official website or consult with a healthcare professional for the most current information on FDA-approved ketone blood meters.

What Ketones Does Joe Rogan Use?

Joe Rogan likes to mix Kegenix PRIME with Onnit Alpha BRAIN Instant, another popular supplement known for its cognitive-enhancing properties.

It is important to note that individual experiences and preferences with supplements can vary, and new products may have been introduced since my last update. As with any dietary supplement, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

For the most current information about specific products and endorsements, it is recommended to refer to official statements or updates from Dominic D'Agostino, Joe Rogan, or the respective manufacturers.

Are Ketone Meters Worth It?

Ketone meters can be valuable tools for individuals following a ketogenic diet or managing certain medical conditions like diabetes. These meters measure the level of ketones in the blood, helping users monitor their state of ketosis or assess their diabetes management.

For those on a ketogenic diet, ketone meters provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of their dietary choices and help optimize their macronutrient intake to maintain ketosis. They offer a more accurate and reliable measurement of ketone levels compared to urine strips, which only measure excreted ketones.

Similarly, for individuals with diabetes, ketone meters play a crucial role in detecting diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication characterized by elevated ketone levels. Regular monitoring of ketones can aid in early detection and prompt medical intervention.

However, ketone meters might not be necessary for everyone. Individuals without specific health conditions and who do not follow a ketogenic diet may not find regular use of ketone meters essential. Additionally, these meters can be relatively expensive, and the cost of test strips can add up over time.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a ketone meter depends on individual needs and health goals. If you are considering using a ketone meter, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine its relevance to your specific health circumstances.

A Few Last Words…

Whether you’re new to the keto diet or not, it’s important to be aware of your health and find a blood measure device that will help you with your testing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Measuring ketones is important and only by finding accurate urine, blood, or breath ketone meters that you’re comfortable using can improve the quality of your lifestyle and safe health monitoring. Hope you will be able to find the best ketone meter that you love!

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