Another possible cause of a popcorn-like urine smell while fasting is dehydration. 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. Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. Fasting for long periods of time or the intermittent fasting diet can lead to ketonuria. The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath ( 3 ). Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic This may be water weight, but fat loss may soon follow. 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. However, if a person with diabetes does not control their condition, a dangerously high level of ketones can build in their blood. 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. 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. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Im into IF been doing it for long but I noticed my urine smells bad, is it because Im on IF? IF is an 18+ community because the practice is not medically recommended to/for children. All of the above observations illustrate that the effect of fasting on the body may possibly reflect urinary protein changes. "Consider the average American who usually consumes meals and snacks over 12 hours every day. When you reduce your calorie intake or go long periods without taking in calories, you may experience increased hunger. Other water-soluble vitamin contents did not show significant change by fasting. During intermittent fasting, your urine may smell like popcorn, fruit, or sometimes a much more unpleasant smell. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Gastrointestinal-bladder fistula (abnormal connection between the intestines and bladder), Maple syrup urine disease (rare genetic condition that becomes apparent during infancy), Metabolic disorder (a problem with the way your body converts the foods you eat into energy). Dehydration, a common side effect of strenuous exercise and eating a low-calorie diet, can also change the way your urine smells. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Another 2021 study had similar results (21). Brushing your teeth several times per day or using sugar-free gum can resolve the issue. "People do not lose more weight from fasting than they do with traditional low-calorie diets." Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur during periods of calorie restriction or over periods of fasting. Others do it for improved health markers, such as lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. The main downside of this test method is that it requires pricking your finger to draw blood. 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. These side effects are natural. In fact, you may notice that you're urinating more often than normal, even when you're not fasting. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This can lead to dehydration and low salt levels, too (19). The other type of intermittent fasting - made popular by the 5:2 diet - is known as "periodic fasting". Considering collagen drinks and supplements? This is because your body starts to release ketones after not eating for at least 8 hours (and sometimes longer). Eliminating carbs can also help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. The meter measures your ketone levels by calculating the amount of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in your blood. If you have any concerns or doubts about changes in urine smell during intermittent fasting, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. All rights reserved. So why are meal plans that incorporate fasting often touted as no-brainer means to shed pounds? Headaches . In the four studies that reported side effects, some participants said they had mild headaches (6). The short answer: Intermittent fasting is safe for most people. 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. Intermittent fasting is a popular pattern of eating that can have a variety of benefits for weight loss, improved health markers, and longevity. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Chan School of Public Health. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 13, 2016. If youre interested in trying out intermittent fasting, check with a healthcare professional first to ensure its a safe and appropriate choice for you. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A person may be concerned if their urine smells like popcorn. On the positive side, this shows that the body is using fat for energy, which is a healthy option. Glucosuria/glycosuria could be a sign of a larger medical problem with your kidneys. The signs and symptoms of starvation ketoacidosis can include: lower muscle mass lower body temperature minimal body fat low pulse rate obvious bony prominences tooth decay sparse, thin, dry hair. Bad breath and intermittent fasting can go hand-in-hand because fasting decreases salivary flow, per the Journal of Applied Oral Science research. 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). Testing blood ketone levels with a monitor is the most accurate way to determine whether youre in ketosis. Young men who fasted for 16 hours showed fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. It's thus important to talk to your doctor before fasting to make sure it's right for you. When you fast, your body is able to burn through stored glycogen (carbs) more quickly. and our Several key signs and symptoms can help you identify whether youre in ketosis. 4 intermittent fasting side effects to watch out for Therefore, it is essential for you to know why your urine smell. When he was down the stairs down, the smell of urine and other excreta will become how fast will lose weight intermittent increasingly strong. "They work simply by limiting the number of calories consumed," says Amy Rothberg, MD, director of the Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes Investigational Weight Management Clinic at the University of Michigan. This process is known as lipolysis. They can perform a physical examination and may also test your urine for any underlying health issues. Healthcare professionals generally advise that the following people avoid intermittent fasting (23): This list is not exhaustive and there are exceptions. 160 on 1 hour glucose test . You can learn more about intermittent fasting in our main guide to intermittent fasting. Fasting might increase your rate of urination because you have to up your normal intake of water. There isn't much evidence to prove a link between body odor and intermittent fasting. In the case of dehydration, you can prevent it by staying hydration during your fast. Uncover the Mystery: Why Does Your Pee Smell Like Popcorn? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is important to monitor urine smell and consult with a healthcare professional if there are any concerns or if the urine smell is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or difficulty urinating. For example, people who consume high amounts of protein or have a history of kidney or liver problems may be more likely to experience changes in urine odor during fasting. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for weight loss (4, 5). Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates a medical condition or disease, such as: Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. However, long-term keto dieters often report increased focus and energy (14, 15). If this happens to you and you dont replace the fluids and electrolytes you lost through urine, you could become dehydrated. This content does not have an Arabic version. The Effects of a High-Protein Diet on Urine, Sweat Smells Sweet? Chan School of Public Health. Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. On the low carb, high fat keto diet, your body enters a state in which you burn fat for your main source of fuel rather than carbs.Learn how to, Billions of people worldwide rely on rice as an inexpensive source of energy. Indeed, intermittent fasting can lead to bad breath, according to April 2019 research in the Journal of Applied Oral Science. In these circumstances, popcorn-scented urine may be a sign of a serious medical issue. Intermittent fasting is a general term that encompasses time-restricted eating (fasting less than 24 hours), short-term fasting (fasting less than 36 hours), and long-term fasting (fasting more than 36 hours). Intermittent fasting can definitely cause changes in the protein content in your pee. If Your Pee Smells Fishy. This article tells you how long it takes to enter. This can help dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of ketones or other substances that may be causing the odor. After the initial rapid drop in water weight, you should continue to lose body fat consistently as long as you stick to the diet and remain in a calorie deficit. I have been reading that this occurs when your body is no longer burning glucose for fuel but is instead burning fat. Intermittent Fasting 101 The Ultimate Beginner's Guide - Healthline Another way to measure blood ketone levels is a breath analyzer. After several decades of running on a carb-heavy fuel system, your body is forced to adapt to a different system. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. Some diets and pregnancy can also cause this symptom. Insulin resistance: Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar by 3-6% and fasting insulin levels by 20-31%, which should protect against type 2 diabetes . And one of these is intermittent fasting urine problems. 8 Detox Symptoms that Show Your Cleanse is Working When insulin levels rise in the body, it blocks the breakdown of fats and promotes the accumulation of glucose. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Your weight. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your. Though intermittent fasting is generally considered safe, studies show that it may result in side effects including hunger, constipation, irritability, headaches, and bad breath. To reduce the buttery smell in urine while fasting, it is important to maintain good hydration by drinking enough water. Signs can include changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. These groups reported higher hunger scores than those who consumed a low calorie diet with continuous calorie restriction (4). If urine becomes highly concentrated a high level of waste products with little water your urine may have a strong ammonia odor. This can lead to decreased insulin levels and increased fat burning. Intermittent fasting urine color change is a sign that cells in the body are breaking down proteins. Why Your Pee Smells Like Coffee - Causes, Treatment - Men's Health Symptoms indicating medical problems might include cola-colored urine or blood in the urine. People practice intermittent fasting for a variety of reasons. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
