top of page

Does the Keto Diet Really Make You smell?

Even though it was listed as one of the healthiest trends of 2019 the keto diet is (somehow) in full swing. The low-carb and high-fat food plan that is high in protein was originally created to treat epilepsy.


However, at some point it gained popularity in the fitness industry.Many people began to say that cutting out carbs completely boosted their energy levels and also helped them increase their muscle mass.Soon, celebs such as Kourtney Kardashian, Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino and LeBron James joined the bandwagon.


The teeny (and somewhat larger) keto communities began popping up all over internet and in real life.These conversations, however an interesting trend began to show up in the form of the smell.





In particular, a sudden shift in the direction of a change in the body odor, often associated with an increase in halitosis. One Reddit user has described the smell as like bacon. Another user has claimed that the new smell "kind that smells of fat has soaked in my sweat. "


Despite how widespread this side effect can be, it's not a common side effect (people often call it "keto breath"). There's not much information available on the reason for it, however Robert Graham, MD, co-founder of FRESH Med, provided us with some clues.


"When you are in ketosis it creates these chemicals known as ketones." He explains. Ketones are released from the body through the breath, and some via sweat. One of them is referred to as Acetone and he explains. Yes, you read it right Acetone is the same substance that is used in nails polish remover. Also, as you recall from your nail art night Acetone is a horrible smell.


The ketosis process can increase levels of ketones such as acetone, that are present within your breath. A brand new test created by Technical Research Center of Finland can determine whether the body's ketosis is present by the measurement of acetone levels in breath exhaled.


So far there are no studies that have proved that acetone is at fault to"keto. "keto stink." However, the Dr. Graham says it's pretty likely that the ketone may be the culprit. But, he suggests that there could be other reasons.


"Any kind of diet change changes your entire physiology and alters the pH of your body, which can impact all things," Dr. Graham declares. The effect of keto on your BO might be extremely unpleasant but any major alteration in your diet can cause you to smell different. If you begin eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables, for example, you might be able to notice that your body's odor is getting more intense (and perhaps more unpleasant) due to the higher levels of sulfur found in the vegetables.


In addition to the the general smell of your body, there's been questions about whether keto-based diets can alter your vaginal pHand cause an unpleasant smell, referred to by the name of "keto the crotch." However, there isn't much information on how the diet of a person affects their vaginal health Caroline Mitchell, MD, director of the vulvovaginal diseases programme in Massachusetts General Hospital, previously said to Refinery29.


If the idea of frightening family and friends with the smell of keto doesn't quell your interest in keto, and you do decide to give it a go the doctor. Graham suggests drinking plenty of water. This can cause you to vomit more often, flushing ketones and reducing the smell.


However, to be truthful, odor may be the most important thing that's wrong keto. The keto diet is extremely restricting, and it deprives you of the macronutrients that make an ideal diet. A recent study concluded that long-term adhesion to the diet could increase the risk of all-cause death. In that light If you're seriously contemplating joining this new trend, make sure you consult with a physician first and evaluate all of the risk.



17 views0 comments
bottom of page