Question

What substance may build up in your body when you follow the Atkins diet? What does this substance do to

you?

Answer 1

When following the Atkins diet, a substance that may build up in the body is acetone, a byproduct of fat burning and a marker of ketosis. The Atkins diet induces a state of gluconeogenesis and can help control type 2 diabetes but should be pursued with professional guidance due to potential side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When following the Atkins diet, which is an ultra-low carb diet, the substance that may build up in the body is acetone. This diet puts the body into a state of gluconeogenesis, where glucocorticoid hormones trick the body into producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources since carbs are restricted. The liver produces enough glucose for critical organs like the brain and heart, but the rest of the body cells transition to burning fats. This leads to weight loss, which is a primary goal of the Atkins diet.

As the body burns fat, byproducts called ketones are produced, which includes acetone. High levels of ketones can lead to a distinct breath odor, often referred to as "acetone breath." This is a characteristic marker of the body being in a state of ketosis. Additionally, the Atkins diet can aid in controlling type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with medications such as metformin, which inhibits further gluconeogenesis and aids in glucose uptake by cells.

Answer 2

The Atkins diet can cause ketones to build up in your body. It occurs when your body doesn’t have enough sugar/glucose for energy , so it breaks down stored fat, which cause ketones to build in your body.