The typical range of urine smells can be affected by a variety of factors such as diet, hydration, and medications. There's a strong biological push to overeat following fasting periods because your appetite hormones and hunger center in your brain go into overdrive when you are deprived of food. This may be water weight, but fat loss may soon follow. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). Curbing nearsightedness in children: Can outdoor time help? If you want to avoid the following issues and stay healthy, you need to know some of these complications and possible ways to suppress or avoid them. information submitted for this request. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. To stay properly hydrated, drink water throughout the day and monitor the color of your urine. As intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular, many people wonder whether you can drink coffee during your fasting periods. Intermittent Fasting 101 The Ultimate Beginner's Guide - Healthline There isn't much evidence to prove a link between body odor and intermittent fasting. The Crazy Side Effects of Thiazide High Blood Pressure Medication. Other water-soluble vitamin contents did not show significant change by fasting. "This has been shown in a number of studies of low-calorie and very low-calorie diets, and time-restricted feeding has some of the same impact.". Intermittent fasting is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. This condition occurs when the body is in deep ketosis and is producing ketones. In fact, it has some complications that no one talks about. When these ketones leave the body in the urine, the urine may smell sweet or similar to popcorn. People practice intermittent fasting for a variety of reasons. Foul Smelling Urine on Ketogenic Diet - Dr.Berg Dr. Eric Berg DC 9.62M subscribers Subscribe 73K views 3 years ago For more info on health-related topics, go here: http://bit.ly/35nHGXa Take Dr.. I break my fast at lunch time and by the end of the day my urine is back to normal. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Thats why its essential to consume a well-rounded, nutritious diet while practicing intermittent fasting. Dehydration, another common side effect related to intermittent fasting, can worsen constipation. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. On the positive side, this shows that the body is using fat for energy, which is a healthy option. It is important to be aware of changes in urine smell during intermittent fasting, as it may indicate a more serious health issue. When the body excretes these in the urine, they can make the urine smell like popcorn. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Low urine volume and dehydration are both risk factors for kidney stone formation. Fix it: Drinking more water will dilute your urine, which will tame the smell. Studies have linked intermittent fasting to a number of health benefits, including (1, 2): These findings have led to the increased popularity of intermittent fasting regimens like: If youre interested in trying out intermittent fasting, youre probably curious to know whether it has side effects. Read about Kristin Currin-Sheehan's perspective. Learn what research says about when it is and isn't OK, and what you can eat if you want to snack before bed. There are several different types of intermittent fasting, including time-restricted fasting, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 diet. This article reviews its pros and cons so you can decide if it's worth a try. Symptoms indicating medical problems might include cola-colored urine or blood in the urine. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. For some people, it is the first sign that they have diabetes. A 2021 study looked at 31 people with obesity who participated in an alternate day fasting regimen while also following a low-carb diet for 6 months. When he was down the stairs down, the smell of urine and other excreta will become how fast will lose weight intermittent increasingly strong. However, studies have shown that intermittent fasting does have some minor side effects. Affected individuals can live to adulthood with proper treatment and dietary changes. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). If the waste products in urine have a popcorn smell, the urine may also smell like popcorn once it is more concentrated. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. This can lead to decreased insulin levels and increased fat burning. Testing blood ketone levels with a monitor is the most accurate way to determine whether youre in ketosis. Physical examination of urine. Another intermittent fasting urine complication you can see while fasting is an unusual change in your urine color. The MIND diet was designed specifically to keep your brain healthy. What causes your urine to smell like popcorn? When a person eats a lot of protein instead of carbohydrates, their body uses protein and stored fat for energy instead of using carbohydrates as it would usually do. Choose a modified fasting plan approved by your doctor if you need to take medication with food. As mentioned above, during the initial days of fasting, the body releases large amounts of water and salt in the urine. Plus, changes in diet associated with intermittent fasting programs may cause bloating and diarrhea (8). In the case of dehydration, you can prevent it by staying hydration during your fast. Foods like fava beans, aloe, and rhubarb can turn your urine brown. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. This makes you urinate more especially at night. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. See additional information. However, urine smell is not something uncommon in people during fasting. You may also see a pale yellow urine color during your fast. This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and why you. Urinating more frequently when fasting is quite common, although its not a pleasant experience for most. Losing weight with intermittent fasting can be done 3 or more ways: Intermittent fasting is designed to help with weight loss by creating a calorie deficit. A person may be concerned if their urine smells like popcorn. Many people report decreased hunger while following a keto diet. This article contains scientific references. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your. However the reason I am here, is to ask a question about my urine. On the day when I am fasting Mon - Fri. My urine during the fast smells sweet. Pros and Cons of 5 Intermittent Fasting Methods. If you have additional symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Can intermittent fasting cause kidney stones? Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur during periods of calorie restriction or over periods of fasting. With increased metabolism, your body burns more calories even when youre at rest or doing an activity. St. Louis, Mo. This can happen when someone is fasting, as the body is not receiving any glucose from food. See additional information. So, symptoms like hunger may resolve as your body adapts to regular fasting periods. Intermittent Fasting and Urine Smell: What You Need to Know When insulin levels rise in the body, it blocks the breakdown of fats and promotes the accumulation of glucose. However, if they notice that their urine smells sweet, resembling the smell of popcorn, for several days, they should speak with a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Therefore we could say that as glucose levels rise, so too do the ketone levels in the blood start to drop. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Whats more, dehydration a symptom associated with intermittent fasting can cause dry mouth, which may lead to bad breath (18). Is it OK to go to bed hungry? So those who fast from, say, 8 p.m. until noon the next day may not feel the hunger pangs you'd expect at breakfast time. How to Handle the Stress Between Now and Election Day, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. All of the above observations illustrate that the effect of fasting on the body may possibly reflect urinary protein changes. According to the Ohio State University, eating the following foods and drinks can sometimes contribute to odor: There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but depriving the body of food for extended periods of time is unlikely to be sustainable or enjoyable for most people. It's possible fasting can help your body release toxins: For instance, a January 2017 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that following a balanced, protein-paced, low-calorie diet that included intermittent fasting helped release toxins from body fat in people with obesity. However, if you recently started keto and intermittent fasting and noticed that your urine smells . The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath ( 3 ). Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning (14). Whats more, people who commonly get headaches are more likely to experience headaches during fasting than those who dont (7). This includes an initial decrease in exercise performance. Depending on the length of the fasting period, people may experience headaches, lethargy, crankiness, and constipation. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In addition, milk contains calories, and can be dangerous throughout a fast. Why Does My Urine Have a Strong Stinky Odor - Dr. Berg However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. However, this condition does not necessarily mean kidney damage. Some of these issues should subside after the transition period, but it may be important to be mindful of different foods that may be causing digestive issues. During fasting, excess waste products are released into the bloodstream, which can make your urine smell stronger. It's thus important to talk to your doctor before fasting to make sure it's right for you. Chernecky CC, et al., eds. Extreme diets (like water fasts) or long fasting periods can cause side effects like headaches, lethargy, crankiness, and constipation, per Harvard Health Publishing. When this happens, your liver starts producing high numbers of ketones to supply energy for your brain. Additionally, eating a healthy and balanced diet that includes enough carbohydrates to provide the body with glucose may also help reduce the risk of ketoacidosis. 2. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. If you . Brunzel NA. In: Fundamentals of Urine and Body Fluid Analysis. Urine usually smells mild, but various factors can cause it to have a different odor than usual. Here are the intermittent fasting urine complications you will probably worry about when fasting: If youve ever tried to fast and lose weight, you may have noticed that your morning glass of urine smells particularly bad. "This enhanced brain functioning is likely brought about when our bodies switch from using glucose for fuel to using ketone bodies as an energy source," English says. Accessed Aug. 10, 2016. Fasting for 16 hours. People are generally able to meet their calorie and nutrient needs on various types of intermittent fasting programs. Intermittent fasting can cause changes in urine smell because it can affect the levels of certain compounds in the urine. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When your ketone levels are elevated, youre considered to be in ketosis. Urine is your body's way of getting rid of waste products from your blood through the kidneys. It triggers the body's insulin feedback, which can trigger a quick rise in blood sugar. Last medically reviewed on April 23, 2021. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Privacy Policy. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! A dark-colored urine may indicate youre dehydrated (22). All rights reserved. The result? A July 2017 study in JAMA Internal Medicine, for example, found that alternate-day fasting did not result in any more weight loss compared to regular calorie restriction among metabolically healthy people with obesity. Certain people may be more at risk of adverse side effects related to fasting, so its important to determine whether intermittent fasting is the safe choice for your specific needs (23). This may further increase focus and improve brain function (20, 21). Mice who were fed on alternate days showed better endurance in running. "But this is speculation.". One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. In fact, I ran 7.5 miles last night in a fully fasted state and no ammonia smell. To reduce the buttery smell in urine while fasting, it is important to maintain good hydration by drinking enough water. Headaches are a common side effect of intermittent fasting. The study found that this regimen did not affect sleep quality or duration, or insomnia severity (20). Another 2021 study had similar results (21). Yes. Both hormones reduce urine output and concentrate calcium in urine, the main precipitant of kidney stones. This process is known as lipolysis. Additionally, people who are not properly hydrated may be more susceptible to changes in urine smell during fasting. Is alcohol and weight loss surgery a risky combination? These side effects are natural. #2. Human studies have looked mostly at small groups of young or middle-aged adults, for only short periods of time. Intermittent fasting offers many health benefits, but it can also cause unpleasant side effects like greater hunger, headaches, fatigue, and mood issues. Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. "If you're already marginal as far as body weight goes, I'd be concerned that you'd lose too much weight, which can affect your bones, overall immune system, and energy level," says registered dietitian Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. This is a place to share success, support each other, ask questions, and learn. TMA is a compound that is produced by gut bacteria and is present in small amounts in the urine under normal conditions. This makes it very difficult for you to lose any weight. Intermittent fasting Nutrition Fitness and Nutrition 8 comments Best 4 yr. ago Ketosis makes your urine smell Drink more water Mine did that, but it was because I was dehydrated. The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath (3). How to Fast One Day a Week for Weight Loss, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal of Applied Oral Science: "A new technique for tongue brushing and halitosis reduction: the X technique", International Journal of Molecular Sciences: "Microbiota and MalodorEtiology and Management", Ohio State University: "Five foods and drinks that affect body odor", Harvard Health Publishing: "4 intermittent fasting side effects to watch out for", JAMA Internal Medicine: "Effect of Alternate-Day Fasting on Weight Loss, Weight Maintenance, and Cardioprotection Among Metabolically Healthy Obese Adults", Cell Metabolism: "Time-Restricted Feeding without Reducing Caloric Intake Prevents Metabolic Diseases in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet", Harvard Health Publishing: "Not so fast: Pros and cons of the newest diet trend", Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "What is Intermittent Fasting? Many people report frequent urination while fasting, especially in the beginning. Ketones are the by-product of fat breakdown that allows your body to survive when it doesnt have a lot of carbohydrates to use as energy. First on the list of what happens to your body when you fast? Sweet smelling urine whilst fasting : r/intermittentfasting - Reddit To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Intermittent Fasting Urine Smell - Fasting Tube This condition is called ketosis. I would speak to your doctor about it either way. Chan School of Public Health. As many weight loss studies have shown, youll likely experience both short- and long-term weight loss when switching to a keto diet (2, 6). the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. ", This switch may help bolster neural networks' "resistance to stress, injury and disease" and potentially improve cognition and mood, per a February 2018 study in Nature Reviews Neuroscience.. During intermittent fasting, your urine may smell like popcorn, fruit, or sometimes a much more unpleasant smell. The Effects of Fasting on the Body, From Head to Toe - Livestrong Acetone is a by-product of fat metabolism, so it increases in your blood and breath during fasting (17). However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. Dr. Suzanne Salamon, associate chief of gerontology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, expresses another concern: "People who need to take their medications with food to avoid nausea or stomach irritation may not do well with fasting.". Plus, its not the right choice for everyone (3). We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. However, intermittent fasting restricts this and makes your body use up the stored calories and start burning fats to fuel your body. If you have a medical condition or are currently taking medications, its important to discuss the benefits and risks of intermittent fasting with a trusted healthcare professional. Healthcare WordPress Theme CK Health Tips 2022, Intermittent Fasting and Urine Smell: What You Need to Know, Analyzing the changes in urine color during intermittent fasting and its implications, 6 Lifestyle Changes You Should Consider During Menopause, 7 easy lifestyle hacks for maintaining a healthy weight. But are there any risks? For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. Here are some tips to keep in mind when trying to cope with this situation: It is very normal if youre fasting. That said, switching up your diet whether you're fasting or not can lead to a smelly scent. If urine becomes highly concentrated a high level of waste products with little water your urine may have a strong ammonia odor. privacy practices. Intermittent fasting urine complications you may worry about Fasting is becoming increasingly popular, but it can be dangerous if not done properly. For this reason, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics discourages anyone with a history of disordered eating to adhere to meal plans that include fasting. Theyre responsible for most of the unique health benefits of the keto diet. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). Digestive issues including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and bloating are symptoms you might experience if you do intermittent fasting (3, 5).