Ketosis question

Hi, I wonder if someone can answer a question. I have been in low level ketosis for several months, normally measuring .05 to .06 on my keton meter. The last few weeks I've noticed a big drop-off in energy. I work out in a fitness center and find that I can lift as much weight as always, but being able to cycle on a stationary bicycle, or anything that requires more sustained energy use has fallen a great deal. I can do only about 2/3 of the work I could before.
My question is, can being in low level ketosis affect my energy reserves? I eat a great deal of coconut oil and butter and other fats and recently cut back on my protein intake because my blood glucose is a bit high. From all my reading on ketosis I should have as much energy as before going low carb. If someone can help me with information about what I may be doing wrong great. Otherwise I will go back to a carb diet again to see if it will help me.
A few months ago I wrote about being diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. Had two operations and so far see no signs of the cancer returning. Crossing my fingers.
Regards, Douglas

Hi Douglas
I'm not sure I can give an authoritative answer to your question, but my general understanding of the matter is that athletes on low carb ketogenic diets tend to do better than high carb athletes. They tend not to "hit the wall" as the fat supplies carry on much longer than available carbs. I don't recall if there is a period of adjustment to ketogenic, a time when it all gets worse, before it gets much better.
It could be that something else (virus, infection??) is sapping your energy and you will just have to work it through. I am reasonably fit, but no athlete, so can't bring high level personal experience to the discussion, but do know that, at my modest level, there are periods when I feel as if I'm trying to exercise in a bowl of treacle.
I expect you have already read widely on the subject, so may be familiar with the following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WVLrQmnnAY
http://www.jissn.com/content/9/1/34/abstract
http://thepaleodiet.com/burn-fats-fuel-for-endurance-athletes/

Do let us know if you find anything out and very good luck and best wishes all round.
Sally

Hi Douglas ... so pleased to see your post here. I've often wondered how you are doing.

I'm sorry to say I cannot help you with your question, although I see Sally has given some links for you to have a look at.

I wish you all the best as you continue to recover well after your operation - it's just a thought but if you are still in recovery mode after your health scare perhaps this may have a reflection on your blood sugar readings.

Do please take care  

All the best Jan

I would try upping your salt intake to see if that helps.

0.6 and under is a normal ketone reading, ketogenic is about 1 to 3 and 5 being under nourished.
the first week
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/firstweek.htm

Hi Douglas ... hope you may have found some of the links and information helpful.

Do please let us know how things progress, because it may also help others who read the Forum.

Thank You

All the best Jan