It is increasingly common knowledge that chemical breath testing systems have limitations and flaws. An inaccurate test result can put innocent people at risk of seemingly credible charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
In fact, there are certain situations in which someone who has completely abstained from alcohol could perform a test on a properly operating chemical unit and have results that look like they are heavily impaired.
Some of the situations that result in a false positive test have to do with health issues, such as diabetes. However, it is possible for someone who is very healthy, such as a bodybuilder, to wind up having a false positive breath test because of following a highly specialized diet.
Keto diets cause a unique chemical reaction when successful
The so-called keto diet gets its name from the fact that when properly followed it pushes the body into a state of ketoacidosis.
Ketoacidosis is common among those with uncontrolled diabetes. It has a number of biological side effects, including the creation of acetone which the individual then exhales to get rid of. Acetone from ketoacidosis can easily cause a breath test to show someone as under the influence because the molecule is in the same family as alcohol.
If you recently got pulled over when you weren’t drinking and then charged, it’s possible that proving you have strictly adhered to a keto diet could help you fight your charges. Discussing your lifestyle and the situation that led to your arrest can give you and your attorney more ideas about the best ways to protect your future.