People are generally able to meet their calorie and nutrient needs on various types of intermittent fasting programs. People often report brain fog, tiredness, and feeling sick when starting a very low carb diet. My weight loss is slower than what alot of other people have noticed but it is working and allows me to still enjoy a normal social life at the weekend. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Intermittent fasting can cause changes in urine smell because it can affect the levels of certain compounds in the urine. However the reason I am here, is to ask a question about my urine. Mostly, you should see your urine smell stop as soon as you start eating at normal schedules again. Additionally, people who are not properly hydrated may be more susceptible to changes in urine smell during fasting. All rights reserved. However, urine smell is not something uncommon in people during fasting. Intermittent fasting helps to decrease insulin levels by allowing the body to burn through its glucose stores. If you have additional symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). Tags. Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates a medical condition or disease, such as: Cystitis (bladder inflammation) Dehydration (which is when the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to work properly) Diabetic ketoacidosis. Young men who fasted for 16 hours showed fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. High-protein, low-carbohydrate plans and very-low-calorie diets are most likely to cause this effect and should be supervised by your doctor to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. Archived post. The simplest solution for strong-smelling urine may be to increase your water intake. The liquid waste often has a distinct odor. Before that, lets learn a little bit about how intermittent fasting works to help you lose weight, and why it comes with these complications. 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. Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Here are some tips to keep in mind when trying to cope with this situation: It is very normal if youre fasting. They can be a quick and cheap method to assess your ketone levels each day. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This can happen when someone is fasting, as the body is not receiving any glucose from food. This is the method is used in most research studies (7). Is alcohol and weight loss surgery a risky combination? Intermittent Fasting Urine Smell. include protected health information. So, symptoms like hunger may resolve as your body adapts to regular fasting periods. This may be water weight, but fat loss may soon follow. While animal studies have shown that time-restricted feeding patterns can help to reverse the progression of metabolic diseases in mice, findings from clinical trials conducted in humans report mixed results. They tended to experience hunger symptoms only during the first few days of the regimens (3). During fasting, your body may release large amounts of fluids due to different underlying factors such as increased metabolism. Experts say this presidential election is particularly stressful because it's compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as economic pressures. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. National Library of Medicines list Low-calorie diets force your body to burn fat for energy instead of the carbohydrates it normally burns. To further investigate the alterations of water-soluble vitamin status by starvation, rats were starved for 3 d, and water-soluble vitamin . Even though this way of eating has been tied to health benefits, there are many other things you can do to benefit your health that dont involve fasting. Has anyone else experienced or can validate this? Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). However, certain health conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, can cause an increase in TMA levels in the urine, leading to a popcorn-like smell. The study found that this regimen did not affect sleep quality or duration, or insomnia severity (20). Urinating more frequently when fasting is quite common, although its not a pleasant experience for most. Fasting might increase your rate of urination because you have to up your normal intake of water. A healthcare professional whos experienced in intermittent fasting can help you come up with a safe plan that provides an appropriate number of calories and the right amounts of nutrients for you. Intermittent fasting can cause the acceleration of protein metabolism and increases in nitrogen excretion, leucine flux, and oxidation. 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. They can perform a physical examination and may also test your urine for any underlying health issues. When we take a break from eating, insulin levels drop. If only youre fasting urine smell isnt something you should worry about too much. Animal studies suggest that intermittent fasting regimens can modify the makeup of the microbiome by increasing the proportion of health-promoting microbes in the gut, and they may even bolster animals' immune response to pathogenic bacterial infections like salmonella typhimurium. One-day fasting drastically decreased urinary thiamin content to 30%, and increased urinary riboflavin content by 3-fold. However, There are many reasons why sweat may smell like ammonia, from diet to underlying health conditions. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, they tend to improve again after the initial adaptation phase is over. You'll know you're properly hydrated if your pee is somewhere between clear and a light yellow color, per the Cleveland Clinic. Here are 14 healthy sources, The Microbiome Diet is a new, trendy diet, touted to restore gut health and aid weight loss. The reasons why this happens are still being investigated. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This process is known as lipolysis. How to prevent urine smell while intermittent fasting. They consumed 400 or 600 calories on 2 nonconsecutive days every week for 1 year. However, if you recently started keto and intermittent fasting and noticed that your urine smells . Additionally, if the urine has a sweet or fruity smell, this could be a sign of ketoacidosis, which is a serious complication of diabetes. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. The same goes for people with diabetes, as long-term energy restriction can result in extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels. That said, switching up your diet whether you're fasting or not can lead to a smelly scent. The specific causes of altered urine odor can vary from person to person. As a result, the ketone level in the blood will rise. Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Scan this QR code to download the app now. These include pregnant and breastfeeding or chestfeeding people and those with eating disorders. These side effects are typically mild and short-lived, but if they persist or become severe, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. when I drink coffee during my fasting window my urine smells disgusting lol stevedt 4 yr. ago However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia, hyperventilating or Kussmaul breathing, which is deep, labored breathing. As we have gathered, one of the most common causes of a foul smelling urine is ketosis. 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. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. When insulin levels rise in the body, it blocks the breakdown of fats and promotes the accumulation of glucose. If a person engages in very long fasting periods and doesnt replenish their body with enough nutrients, this could result in malnutrition. Here are 10 tips to help you fast safely. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). Learn what research says about when it is and isn't OK, and what you can eat if you want to snack before bed. They reported this more frequently than other side effects (3). Im into IF been doing it for long but I noticed my urine smells bad, is it because Im on IF? The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Some of these intermittent fasting urine complications are intermittent fasting urine color, intermittent urine smell, and frequent urination at night. St. Louis, Mo. Limiting consumption to eight or even fewer hours generally will limit caloric intake.". Low blood sugar related to intermittent fasting can cause you to feel tired and weak. You can also use special indicator strips to measure the presence of ketones in your urine daily. And this condition generally isnt permanent. Intermittent fasting is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. Urine that is cloudy or dark in color could also be an indication of a serious issue. Dehydration, another common side effect related to intermittent fasting, can worsen constipation. As discussed above, removing carbs can lead to general tiredness at first. The ketone acetone is partly expelled via your breath. 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). Some people may be more prone to experiencing changes in urine smell during intermittent fasting because of their diet, hydration levels, or underlying health conditions. This is also not uncommon among people who are fasting but scares many people. Considering collagen drinks and supplements? This, Billions of people worldwide rely on rice as an inexpensive source of energy. This article reviews the Microbiome Diet and whether it, The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is possible to measure urinary ketones using ketone strips, which are available in drugstores or online. #2. This includes an initial decrease in exercise performance. They tended to experience hunger symptoms only during the first few days of the regimens ( 3 ). 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. 2011;150:257. For people without underlying conditions like diabetes, eating triggers the release of insulin, the hormone that shuttles glucose (the product of carbohydrate digestion) into cells to be used for energy or stored for later. During the 16:8 diet, males fast for 16 hours each day . The most common forms include: Some plans may cause more side effects than others, but overall, it's important to discuss the following intermittent fasting side effects with a medical professional before choosing a plan that works with your lifestyle. Intermittent fasting urine color change is a sign that cells in the body are breaking down proteins. Choose a modified fasting plan approved by your doctor if you need to take medication with food. Preventing ovarian cancer: Should women consider removing fallopian tubes? Plus, changes in diet associated with intermittent fasting programs may cause bloating and diarrhea (8). Archived post. How to Handle the Stress Between Now and Election Day, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. In this article, Ill go over some of the intermittent fasting urine complications that you should worry about. These side effects are natural. This article tells you everything you need to know about the effects of intermittent. Contact your doctor right away if you notice signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus, including unwanted weight loss and sweet, fruity-smelling urine. However, some studies show that intermittent fasting can actually reduce fatigue, especially as your body becomes adapted to regular fasting periods (13). One possible cause is the presence of certain compounds in the urine, such as trimethylamine (TMA), which can give off a popcorn-like odor. One big issue for many keto dieters is sleep, especially when they first change their diet (14). How does waiting on prostate cancer treatment affect survival? This usually improves after a few weeks. Thus, when your body is at a high rate of metabolism you need more calorie intake to maintain the body weight. Physical examination of urine. The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a popular, effective way to lose weight and improve your health. In fact, people who fast properly are rewarded with a natural weight loss that is healthy and not destructive. What should you eat to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and slow brain aging? However, its been suggested that this hunger reduction may be due to alterations to your bodys hunger hormones, along with an increased intake of proteins (11, 12). of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Fat cells release their stored energy in the form of triglycerides, which are then used by the body for fuel. See additional information. Proponents claim that extended fasting periods (beyond the normal time between meals) promote cellular repair, improve insulin sensitivity, increase levels of human growth hormone, and alter gene expression in a way that promotes longevity and disease protection. When these ketones leave the body in the urine, the urine may smell sweet or similar to popcorn. There are several different types of intermittent fasting, including time-restricted fasting, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 diet. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. You can learn more about intermittent fasting in our main guide to intermittent fasting. The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath (3). "People do not lose more weight from fasting than they do with traditional low-calorie diets." In the four studies that reported side effects, some participants said they had mild headaches (6). This life threatening metabolic state is called ketoacidosis, and it requires immediate medical attention. This can help dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of ketones or other substances that may be causing the odor. This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and why you. Fasting for 16 hours a day, leaving an eating window of 8 hours, is called the 16:8 method or the Leangains diet. If not done properly, intermittent fasting can lead to malnutrition. "Fasting activates an evolutionary program in which our body diverts nutrients normally used for growth and reproduction toward mechanisms for repair and survival," says Whitney English, RDN, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and founder of the practice Whitney E. RD. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. During fasting, your liver starts to use up fat and protein reserves in your body to keep. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. The common causes of urine having a. However, this can occur for several reasons, most of which are no cause for concern. Continue your medication regimen as recommended by your doctor, Stay hydrated with calorie-free beverages, such as water and black coffee. While practicing intermittent fasting, your body moves through several phases of the fed-fast cycle, depending on the length of time you fast. Another 2021 study had similar results (21). Whats more, dehydration a symptom associated with intermittent fasting can cause dry mouth, which may lead to bad breath (18). Researchers have suggested that low blood sugar and caffeine withdrawal may contribute to headaches during intermittent fasting (7). Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Here's what happens to your appetite during a fast: "Counterintuitively, fasting has been shown to decrease the hunger hormone ghrelin," English says. 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. Accessed Aug. 11, 2016. The ammonia smell from my sweat was a byproduct of gluconeogenesis. So, why do you have bad breath when fasting? Affected individuals can live to adulthood with proper treatment and dietary changes. For example, during fasting, the body breaks down fat for energy which can lead to the production of ketones, which can give off a fruity odor in the urine. Also, it prevents the decline of the metabolism rate and helps maintain the body at a high rate of metabolism and thus promoting fat burning in your body. This content does not have an English version. As you might expect, this switch doesnt happen overnight. After several weeks, many keto dieters report that their performance returns to normal. When adding these supplements, make sure to include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The meter measures your ketone levels by calculating the amount of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in your blood. Signs can include changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. For this reason, its essential to stay properly hydrated while practicing intermittent fasting. Headaches . The common causes of urine having a popcorn-like smell include diabetes, pregnancy, and a diet high in protein. You should therefore start to drink a little more fluids if you see this sign. Kidney stone is another worry of people trying to lose weight with intermittent fasting. They have even been tested in a medical setting to treat brain diseases and conditions such as concussion and memory loss (16, 17, 18, 19). When the body excretes these in the urine, they can make the urine smell like popcorn. All rights reserved. Eating a low-calorie diet tends to be dehydrating in and of itself. "This looks different for each person, but generally just means that you stop eating after dinner around 6 to 8 p.m. and you begin eating again at breakfast between 6 to 8 a.m.".