Please Note: This post has been updated. Please view the new device for testing here
In this post, I’ll be showing you how to Measure Breath Ketones using the cheap breathalyzer shown below instead of a ketonix (or blood ketone meter).
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through a make a purchase.
BREATHALYSER – https://amzn.to/2Q4DFVe (Amazon)
BREATHALYSER – https://goo.gl/QEZM5Z (eBay Australia)
If you’re interested in getting a blood ketone meter for free, CLICK HERE.
What Is A Breathalyser?
This simple device is what’s called a “breathalyzer”. It’s used to measure the alcohol in your breath by blowing into a sensor, and it gives you a reading in grams per 100ml. In Australia, having an alcohol reading of 0.05g/100ml or higher is considered illegal to drive a motor vehicle.
This device usually goes on eBay for around $10. This super cheap device runs on 3 X AAA batteries and gives you an accurate reading very quickly.
What Is A Ketonix?
A ketonix is a device that measures ketones in your breath. The ketones in your breath is not the same as the ketones measured in blood. Breath ketones are a real-time indicator of using fat as fuel, which is a huge advantage compared to measure urine or blood ketones.
They are very expensive, ranging up to 239.00 USD. This makes the breathalyzer look like a very good option.
What Is Acetone and why is it important?
Acetone as a substance outside of the body is a colourless, volatile, flammable liquid, and is the simplest ketone. Whilst in the body, it is produced by your body whilst in ketosis and used as energy, exactly the same as beta-hydroxybutyrate, commonly known as BHB (usually bound to salts which are also called BHB salts).
If you don’t already know, ketones are used by the body when carbohydrate is restricted, and fat is being burned for fuel.
How Does It All Work?
You’re probably wondering how this all works.
The device listed here, and most other cheap breathalyzers, cannot tell the difference between alcohol or acetone (ketone). The reason why this occurs is that of the sensor that is used within the device.
There are two different types of sensors housed within breathalyzers:
- Semiconductor Sensor (CHEAP). A semiconductor sensor electronically oxidizes alcohol by using a tin-oxide substance. The measured current is an indication of the amount of alcohol (or acetone) that is being reacted in the individual’s breath.
- Fuel Conductor Sensor (EXPENSIVE – USED BY POLICE). Fuel cell breathalyzers contain two platinum electrodes with a permeable acid-electrolyte material is inserted in between. When exhaled air flows past one side of the fuel cell, the platinum instantly oxidizes the alcohol present in the air and generates acetic acid, electrons, and protons.
BREATHALYSER – https://goo.gl/QEZM5Z (eBay Australia)
If you’re interested in getting a blood ketone meter for free, CLICK HERE.
Why measure ketones?
You’re probably wondering if you should measure ketones. The answer is generally only if you’re looking to target specific aspects of the ketogenic diet benefits. If you’re looking how to measure ketosis, then I’ll provide a list of ketone measurement ranges below.
What Are The Optimal Ketone Levels For A Ketogenic Diet?
I’ll list some of the levels below to make it clear for you:
*Keep in mind that the measurements in acetone would be mmol/L which is the same as the setting that shows you g/100ml of alcohol. The video shows you a more detailed version of this.
Improved Athletic Performance / Weightloss:
Above 0.5mmol/L
Improved Mental Performance:
1.5mmol/L – 3mmol/L
Therapeutic:
3mmol/L – 6mmol/L
Therapeutic ketosis would be to manage the following items:
GOOD SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes mellitus
- Weight loss
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- GERD and heartburn
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
THERE IS ALSO REASONABLE EVIDENCE TO PROVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
- Schizophrenia, bipolar and other mental illnesses
- Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders
- Exercise performance
EMERGING AREAS THAT REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
- Migraines
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Gum disease and tooth decay
- Acne
- Eyesight
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington’s disease
- Aging
- Kidney disease
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
- Arthritis
- Alopecia and hair loss
- GLUT1 deficiency syndrome
This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. I may earn money if purchases are made through links (at no additional cost to you) which helps support this site and keep the content free.
