Urine is a natural byproduct of the body’s metabolism, and it can tell us a lot about our health. When we are in ketosis, our bodies produce ketones which can be detected in our urine. This can cause the smell of our urine to change, and it can sometimes be unpleasant. In this article, we will explore what causes urine to smell differently during ketosis and how to get rid of the odor.
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It seems that the trend of following a low carb, high fat diet has become very popular- and with good reason. It is follow this type of eating plan then you will burn fat faster and feel better in general if you stick with your macros and eating plan.
If you have been wondering why keto is so popular, then you won’t be surprised to fid that there are many reasons why a lot of people are turning to the keto diet. Check out this article for some of the main physical and mental health benefits of eating a keto diet.
Speaking personally, I find that the main reason that I am on keto is that it is way easier for me to implement, making it more sustainable.
However, that doesn’t make it easy, or all smooth sailing. It isn’t bad really, but there are some occasional side effects experienced by some people.
When you switch over to a ketogenic diet, you might experience a couple of side effects such as cramps, headaches and flu like symptoms. This eventually passes though, and most people find success with this diet if they adhere to it.
As part of the changes in your body, some people are wonder what their urine smells like during ketosis, and if they will notice a difference in it’s smell.
The answer will depend on what you eat, and how your body digests its food.
Low carb and bad smelling urine
Keto is on many people’s minds, especially if they’re looking to lose weight without the need to restrict their caloric intake.
You might be interested in learning more about ketosis if you enjoy foods like bacon, eggs, butter, and low carb vegetables among many other options.
If you don’t already know, ketones are produced by the liver when you consume a lot of fat, which then fuels your body and brain.
We know now that ketone bodies that are produced in the blood are actually used as an alternative fuel source for the brain and other organs, while being incredibly efficient.
This means that you won’t have to rely on glucose for energy, and that you must stay away from sugar and anything that contains or converts into glucose or glycogen.
However, there is one potential problem with ketosis. Your urine may start smelling really bad, compared to how it once smelled.
If the ketones that you’re producing can get into your bloodstream, but they don’t pass through your kidneys, then the chemicals in your urine become concentrated. This makes the odor worse.
What chemicals? Acetone is produced during ketosis, and this can find its way into your urine as your body creates an organic version of it.
Ketosis Urine Odor
If you are eating different foods during your ketosis journey, then you will almost certainly notice that some things have started changing- especially when you use the bathroom. If you are noticing that the smell is a little too strong, then you should try to drink more water.
This will dilute your urine further, which should help in reducing the smell.
It may be that you also end up with what is commonly known as ‘keto crotch’.
Others may experience keto BO.
These are all due to the change in the chemical balance in your body. It will take time for your body to adapt. Once you become fat adapted, this should settle down.
Getting Rid of the Odor
If you’re looking to get rid of the smell in your urine, then you might be interested in some of these tips.
When you are in ketosis, then the level of ketones that are in in your blood increases.
Ketone bodies are produced when the liver breaks down fats into fatty acids and acetyl-CoA, which is what gives your urine that awful smell.
Don’t fret. This process occurs naturally in the human body, especially when in ketosis. It can also happen when you eat a high amount of fat, much like when you are in ketosis.
You may also find yourself having to urinate more frequently than usual, especially if you are drinking much more water. The reason for this is that the extra water in your system dilutes the concentration of acid. As a result, your urine will become less acidic.
In addition, you may notice that the smell of your urine changes. You’ll start smelling like a mixture of ammonia and vinegar, which is normal.
Please do not worry, this is not a reason to stop eating a keto diet.
Any Other Reasons for Urine Odor
As we have gathered, one of the most common causes of a foul smelling urine is ketosis. This condition occurs when the body is in deep ketosis and is producing ketones. Therefore we could say that as glucose levels rise, so too do the ketone levels in the blood start to drop.
If this starts to happen, then the kidneys have the potential excrete the excess sugar in the form of waste products, such as acetone. The presence of these substances can cause an offensive smell to come from your urine, which is unpleasant.
However, just because you are on the keto diet it doesn’t mean that you should be expecting these side effects. Everyone is different, and the smell of each individual’s urine is no exception.
Another common cause of a bad-smelling urine is bacterial infection. If you notice a strong odor emanating from your nether regions, then you should go and visit your doctor. He or she will be able to help you diagnose the exact issue.
My Personal Experience
Ok, so, this isn’t a nice thing to talk about, but here we go. The first time I started eating keto (yes, there have been slips over the last 15 years, but more about that later), I had no side effects at all. I never thought anything about it.
However, I fell off the keto wagon, I make no bones about it. I like to travel, and I like to try new foods. This is mainly so I can work out my own keto version, but it does mean I have fallen out of ketosis on several occasions over the years.
So, the second time I entered ketosis, I ended up with bad body odor, keto crotch, and smelly urine. The trifecta!
How Long Will My Pee Smell Bad For?
My pee smelt horrible from day 3 of eating keto, and it lasted 3-5 days. It was a really strong, metallic smell.
Really, it was no drama. It only lasted a few days and it didn’t impact my life in any way. It was a small price to pay for getting into ketosis and becoming fat adapted.
Since this time, I have dropped in and out of ketosis, I have not always had this side effect. Keto is a strange thing, which isn’t surprising seen as our bodies are all different.
Conclusion: Why Does your Pee Smell?
There are a number of different reasons why your pee may smell when starting on the keto diet. The main take away is that this isn’t guaranteed and that it is only short lived. We hope that you have found this guide useful. This is a health plan that can help you to shed unwanted weight while getting in shape and becoming healthier. Until next time.
