Where do you get these strips? Called? Cost? Canada?
I keep reading about these strips but not sure where to get them or what to ask for. I am in Canada if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
I'm in Canada too, but I haven't found the strips...although I haven't looked very hard, I just browsed a couple drug stores, then gave up. I'm sure they're out there though - I heard that diabetics used to use them(?). So maybe if you explain at the drugstore to the pharmecist, they might know what you're talking about. Maybe they keep them behind the coutner. Froufy might be your best bet, though, for knowing what they might be called up here.
To be honest, I can find nothing in Canada except for Splenda, so I've pretty much given up many of those things. Although maybe because I'm in Quebec it's a bit tougher to find some of these things??
I'm assuming you're talking about the ketone testing strips? They come under lots of names and I've seen them range from $11 - $17 here in the states. There's frequently auctions on ebay for them.
I personally don't use them anymore. They were fun for just "checking in" to see how I was doing, but I've since learned that I'm doing just fine and don't need to risk peeing on my hand to find out
I got some at our local drugstore for $8.00 CAN. ( not Atkins)
Like Star says they are fun for a bit but I think you can become as dependent on them as on the scale. I live in a small city 30,000. so if I can get them here they should be not to hard to find.
Here's an excellent article on the test sticks and how they should and should not be used. Also a great explanation on why darker isn't necessarily better.
Quote:
Looking For Purple - A Guide to Ketosis Testing
For some low-carb plans, ketosis is a part of the metabolic process to lose weight. If you're following Atkins', you're familiar already with the concept of ketosis, but may still have questions about testing yourself for ketosis. Below is a guide to help you better understand just what the test strips are for and what they measure:
Ketosis Testing Strips - What are They?
KetoStix, Urine Test Strips, Reagent Strips, Ketone Testing Strips, and Lipolysis Test Strips are all correct names for the test sticks you can buy to test yourself for ketosis. Depending on the plan you follow and whether you are new to this way of life, you'll be referring to them as one name or another if your plan calls for being in Ketosis.
People will sometimes tell you that producing ketones is dangerous for the body. This is simply a myth and you may want to read The Myths & Realities of Ketosis when you've finished this article.
To test if you're in ketosis, you'll use these strips to test your urine for the presence of ketones. The higher the concentration of ketones in your system, the darker your reading on the test strip.
Ketones - Just What Are They?
According to Dr. Atkins, "Ketones are one of the two fuel delivery substances in our bodies -- the other is glucose. Whenever your body sees fit to utilize your alternative metabolic fuel, your stored fat, the biochemical agents it uses are ketones."
When your body is burning fat, it is in a state of ketosis and creating ketones as a part of this metabolic process. Your body will be using both the dietary fat you're eating and body fat you have available as part of this process, so while the ketosis testing strips will indicate you are burning fat by changing color, they will not tell you what fat you're burning. Any change in color, even "trace", indicates you are in ketosis.
What Happens When You're In Ketosis?
Being in ketosis means that you're burning fat and using it as the source of energy rather than primarily using glucose for energy. When your body is releasing ketones - which are excreted in your breath, sweat and your urine - that registers on the testing strips and is proof you are in ketosis. Again, though, these strips do not discriminate between dietary fat used for energy and body fat used for energy.
It is very important while you are in ketosis and registering on the testing strips to insure you are getting adequate amounts of water each day. The ketones need to be flushed from your system and dehydration can lead to higher ketone readings on your ketosis testing strips. Not only are the ketosis testing strips proof-positive you're in ketosis, they can also help you adjust water intake if you're registering in the dark range on the test strips. A good rule of thumb for water intake while in ketosis is eight 8oz glasses of water each day plus an additional 8oz for each 25 pounds of weight you need to lose. Adequate water intake will insure you're flushing the ketones from your system with regularity!
How to Use the Test Strips
While they are not necessary to use in low-carb eating, many feel secure with a way to test to know if they are in ketosis at any given time and at what level when they're following low-carb to a level that achieves ketosis. The test strips provide a quick and private way to determine this.
To use, you simply dip the reagent end of the strip into a urine specimen, wait a few seconds and look at the results.
A beige or cream color indicates that no ketones were detected. Any shade of pink/purple indicates some level of ketones in the urine. Some people get very upset when they do not see darker shades of purple. Believe it or not, you don't necessarily want to be in the dark purples, since that may indicate you're dehydrated and need more water to flush the ketones from your system.
Also note, a negative does not always mean you're not in ketosis. It can mean that you've consumed sufficient water to dilute it past a noticeable result, or it can mean there's simply not a high enough level to excrete ketones in your urine.
Are you Burning Body Fat?
Odds are, yes! However, a positive reading on the ketosis testing strips does not guarantee you're burning body fat - you may be burning dietary fat and not actually burning body fat while in ketosis.
If you are in ketosis, and not losing weight on the scale, or inches (based on the measurements you took when you started!), begin to look at how much fat you're eating and adjust slightly so that you will burn both dietary fat and body fat. This is a delicate balance to achieve since the body needs the fat in your diet to stimulate and maintain ketosis, but too much fat can defeat the purpose by providing exactly the amount of fat you need for energy from dietary fat sources alone!
Where to Get Test Strips
There are a number of brands to chose from. The original - Ketostix by Bayer - are the most common and the easiest to find in most pharmacies. If you don't see them, ask.
Also, don't forget to price-shop, prices can range from $9.99 to $24.99 in different stores. Many of the online low-carb and health/drug stores carry test strips as well. It doesn't matter which brand of testing strips you use, but helpful pick a brand and stick with it because they color slightly different and it can get confusing if you're brand-switching.
Also keep in mind, these are marketed for diabetics to check for ketones where there should be none, so you can ignore the paper inserts in the box if you're using the sticks for detecting ketosis from within a low-carb diet. If you are diabetic, please consult with your doctor about using the ketosis testing strips and how to read these with diabetes.
I think I've been on Atkins too long....
I thought she was asking about Crest Whitestrips for your teeth!!!
I use them (Ketosis stix) about once a month just to see where I am - but I too do not rely on them. Actually I am not getting on the scale until Valentine's Day either because I'm playing the numbers game with myself. I can now tell when I "feel" like I'm low carbing successfully or not! I feel good and energetic - compared to when I slip up.
If I remember correctly, I used to get them behind the counter at the Pharmacists pick up desk. They are usually not on the shelf, no clue as to why but just ask. They are sometimes with the diabetes stuff, again no clue as to why. Shoppers Drugmart, IDA or Pharmaplus should have them. If not, ask them to order them in. Good luck!!
I'm in Vancouver, Canada and bought some at Shopper's. Like angel-eyes says you need to ask the pharmacist for them as they are one of these "behind the counter things". I think I paid about $15 for them.
They last three months after you open them and to really get my moneys worth I cut them in half length-wise. Seems to work out well for me, but I guess there might be an issue with not getting an exact "reading". Just MHO.
I found some at the Fortino's in the City. They were 7 for 50 of them in the pharmacy.
I only ever measure in the trace. Guess that is better then none at all.
Star thanks for that article it was interesting.
Where do you get these strips? Called? Cost? Canada?
Shopper's has them
