Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago
How do you know if you're actually in ketosis? Should you test ketones? And if so, what's the best method: blood, breath, or urine?
Dr. Bret Scher breaks down everything you need to know about ketone testing, including when testing matters, which tools are most accurate, and how to interpret your results based on your goals. Whether you're using a ketogenic diet for metabolic health, weight loss, or therapeutic ketosis for mental health and neurological conditions, understanding ketone testing can help you personalize your approach.
In this video, you'll learn:
- Why ketone testing can be a valuable tool
- When ketone levels matter, and when they may not
- The differences between urine strips, breath meters, and blood ketone monitors
- Pros and cons of each testing method
- How often to test and the best times of day to measure ketones
- Why ketone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day
- The emerging role of continuous ketone monitors (CKMs)
- How to use ketone data without becoming overwhelmed or obsessive
Ultimately, there isn't one "perfect" ketone number for everyone. The value of ketone testing depends on your goals, your health condition, and how you respond to ketosis. The most useful data is the data that helps you make informed decisions and better understand your own metabolism.
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #KetoneTesting
*Expert Featured:*
Dr. Bret Scher
- Baszucki Group Medical Director
- https://x.com/bschermd
*Free CME Clinician Trainings:*
Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.
Our courses have been made *FREE* by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:
metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org
*About us:*
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Why should you test ketones?
0:46 - Does your ketone level matter?
1:26 - How do you test your ketones? Ketone testing methods.
2:37 - The most accurate method for testing ketones at home.
3:38 - When and how often to test your ketones?
How do you know if you're actually in ketosis? Should you test ketones? And if so, what's the best method: blood, breath, or urine?
Dr. Bret Scher breaks down everything you need to know about ketone testing, including when testing matters, which tools are most accurate, and how to interpret your results based on your goals. Whether you're using a ketogenic diet for metabolic health, weight loss, or therapeutic ketosis for mental health and neurological conditions, understanding ketone testing can help you personalize your approach.
In this video, you'll learn:
- Why ketone testing can be a valuable tool
- When ketone levels matter, and when they may not
- The differences between urine strips, breath meters, and blood ketone monitors
- Pros and cons of each testing method
- How often to test and the best times of day to measure ketones
- Why ketone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day
- The emerging role of continuous ketone monitors (CKMs)
- How to use ketone data without becoming overwhelmed or obsessive
Ultimately, there isn't one "perfect" ketone number for everyone. The value of ketone testing depends on your goals, your health condition, and how you respond to ketosis. The most useful data is the data that helps you make informed decisions and better understand your own metabolism.
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #KetoneTesting
*Expert Featured:*
Dr. Bret Scher
- Baszucki Group Medical Director
- https://x.com/bschermd
*Free CME Clinician Trainings:*
Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.
Our courses have been made *FREE* by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:
metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org
*About us:*
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Why should you test ketones?
0:46 - Does your ketone level matter?
1:26 - How do you test your ketones? Ketone testing methods.
2:37 - The most accurate method for testing ketones at home.
3:38 - When and how often to test your ketones?
