When I bought my Ketone Strips recently, I was provided with a leaflet explaining about Ketosis and the different colours. I thought I would share as I know there has been some confusion...

Ketone Strips are used for Urinalysis of Ketones (Acetoacetic Acid). Ketostix provides a fast, convenient way of testing urine for the presence and concentration of Ketones.

1) A colour change means you are excreting ketones, burning fat and are in Ketosis but it is wise to remember that it is possible to be in Ketosis and NOT lose or even to gain weight. While a positive test means you are burning fat as your promary fuel it does not necessarily mean you are losing weight..

2) The degree of colour chage is NOT important with respect to identifying ketosis - you are either in ketosis or not, the sticks do not accurately measure degree in all people. Different people get different colours and this is completely unrelated to either their degree of weightloss or their adherance to the plan.

3) No colour change does not necessarily mean you are not in ketosis. Some people never see a change. No change just means that the sticks are detecting none of the specific ketones for which it checks in the Urine.

4) A dark colour many indicate that you are dehydrated however, a dark colour may just be normal for you. If you are drinking enough water and it is still dark, do not overload on water as it is probably your normal colour and too much water can be harmful. 

So in Summary:

You are either in Ketosis or not - it does not matter what the colours say..

Dark colours are not dangerous but could indicate you are dehydrated, but if you know ure taking enough water...do not overload.

As long as the stick is showing any colour of pink, you are in Ketosis.

Also, it is worth remembering that not eveyone has side effects when getting into ketosis..many people enter ketosis after day 1 and are unaware!