Changes in urine smell during intermittent fasting may indicate a more serious issue if the smell is very strong, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or difficulty urinating. Is it OK to go to bed hungry? This could be a result of dehydration during intermittent fasting. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. You might experience digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, when you first switch to a keto diet. What Are the Different Stages of Fasting? There are a few possible causes for urine to have a buttery smell while fasting. You can learn more about intermittent fasting in our main guide to intermittent fasting. To reduce the buttery smell in urine while fasting, it is important to maintain good hydration by drinking enough water. If only youre fasting urine smell isnt something you should worry about too much. 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. If you are fasting or following a keto diet ( ketogenic diet = high fat & low carb), you may experience nausea or even vomiting. These products may raise your blood sugar levels and reduce your ketone levels. 2. Theyre responsible for most of the unique health benefits of the keto diet. In particular, people who have diabetes or are pregnant should talk with a doctor about any changes in the smell of their urine, especially if it is strong and sweet smelling. This is the method is used in most research studies (7). If taken too far, fasting may lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. The only problem? Intermittent fasting offers many health benefits, but it can also cause unpleasant side effects like greater hunger, headaches, fatigue, and mood issues. 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. Aside from strong-smelling urine, additional symptoms of dehydration include: People usually do not need to worry if their urine smells a bit different than usual for a day or two. Others do it for improved health markers, such as lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. The MIND Diet: A Detailed Guide for Beginners, Best Diet for Gout: What to Eat, What to Avoid, 14 Healthy Fats for the Keto Diet (Plus Some to Limit). It can take a few days or weeks for this to start working properly. Urine consists mainly of water. Many people on keto and similar diets, like the Atkins diet, report that their breath takes on an unusual, fruity smell. information submitted for this request. This is not a dangerous process, but it appears as dark-colored urine. "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.". What should you eat to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and slow brain aging? This can help dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of ketones or other substances that may be causing the odor. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. "People do not lose more weight from fasting than they do with traditional low-calorie diets." One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. If you have any concerns about changes in urine smell during intermittent fasting that does not fade away in a few days, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They provide the main and most efficient fuel source for all forms of high intensity exercise. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on However, some studies show that intermittent fasting can actually reduce fatigue, especially as your body becomes adapted to regular fasting periods (13). Some people may experience irritability and other mood disturbances when they practice intermittent fasting. So, symptoms like hunger may resolve as your body adapts to regular fasting periods. A dark-colored urine may indicate youre dehydrated (22). But what really happens when we fast? How does waiting on prostate cancer treatment affect survival? "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. A 2020 review looked at 18 studies of people undergoing intermittent fasting regimens. 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. IF is an 18+ community because the practice is not medically recommended to/for children. 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? ", International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: "Serum Polychlorinated Biphenyls Increase and Oxidative Stress Decreases with a Protein-Pacing Caloric Restriction Diet in Obese Men and Women", Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Fasting might increase your rate of urination because you have to up your normal intake of water. Before that, lets learn a little bit about how intermittent fasting works to help you lose weight, and why it comes with these complications. "People end up gaining the weight back and then some." So why are meal plans that incorporate fasting often touted as no-brainer means to shed pounds? Headaches . This article tells you everything you need to know about the effects of intermittent. Another possible cause of a popcorn-like urine smell while fasting is dehydration. This will pass once your body becomes adapted to running on fat and ketones. One possible cause is the presence of certain compounds in the urine, such as trimethylamine (TMA), which can give off a popcorn-like odor. After several weeks, many keto dieters report that their performance returns to normal. There is a problem with Learn what research says about when it is and isn't OK, and what you can eat if you want to snack before bed. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Urine can have a wide range of smells, from hardly noticeable to quite strong. In: Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. In addition, fasting may increase levels of a hormone called norepinephrine, which can aid in fat burning. Follow a balanced and nutritious diet, get proper sleep, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress these are much more important for promoting overall health. Once you return to your regular eating patterns or switch back and forth between fasting and non-fasting days there's a good chance you may go overboard. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. When your blood sugar is low, it may cause you to feel irritated (9). The Journal of Biochemistry. Therefore, the look and smell of urine can tell doctors a lot about a persons health. 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. 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. As a result, neurotransmitters and appetite hormones could drive you to overeat after an extended period of deprivation, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Chan School of Public Health. 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. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. Some of the compounds and chemicals that may cause changes in urine odor during intermittent fasting include ketones, urea, creatinine, and uric acid. This article reviews the Microbiome Diet and whether it, The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This life threatening metabolic state is called ketoacidosis, and it requires immediate medical attention. Intermittent fasting is an effective method to control body weight, but it has not been scientifically proven that it is safe. This condition is called ketosis. Depending on the length of the fasting period, people may experience headaches, lethargy, crankiness, and constipation. Urinalysis. Treatment Treatment for MSUD has. This article reviews its pros and cons so you can decide if it's worth a try. Bad breath is an unpleasant side effect that can occur in some people during intermittent fasting. Chan School of Public Health. A high level of ketones in the urine or blood occurs when a person enters ketosis. In fact, you may notice that you're urinating more often than normal, even when you're not fasting. Intermittent Fasting Urine Smell. Most importantly, dont make the mistake of eating a diet that lacks diversity. The study found that this regimen did not affect sleep quality or duration, or insomnia severity (20). Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. This forces the body to rely on stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss. Though there is not enough clinical evidence that intermittent fasting causes kidney stones, research suggests that it can lead to kidney stones. Depending on the length of the fasting period, people may experience headaches, lethargy, crankiness, and constipation. Archived post. Drink large amounts of water Hydrate often. This can lead to a build up of bacteria, which, along with the decomposition of food particles, can cause stinky breath. Intermittent fasting can cause the acceleration of protein metabolism and increases in nitrogen excretion, leucine flux, and oxidation. During the 16:8 diet, males fast for 16 hours each day . Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). Is this an emergency? Skipping meals and severely limiting calories can be dangerous for people with certain conditions, such as diabetes. Initially, you may suffer from tiredness and low energy. . If this happens to you and you dont replace the fluids and electrolytes you lost through urine, you could become dehydrated.