Amonia Smell After Running

jen31889

I kept smelling and ammonia like smell when I would come inside after running. I discovered it was me. I read that ammonia is excreted through your sweat when your body burns amino acids for fuel. I have read about this topic online and am still confused. Is this good/bad/does it matter? Am I burning muscle? Am I burning off the protein I've eaten? How do I get my body to burn fat instead? For example, a few days ago, I ate 1/2 cup oatmeal first thing in the morning and then went for a one hour jog 2 hours after. I hadn't had enough water to drink prior to my run, so I think that was the reason. Just now, I ran for an hour and am smelling it but not as strong. I ate a banana about an hour before my run and a yogurt minutes before. Any information or tips that anybody has would be great.

shantie10

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/qa-why-this-strong-smell-of-ammonia/2029.html

kylakesgal

I noticed it just a couple of times with me. I've read up on it and it said if your nutrients were out of balance or you were lacking in something this will happen. Ways to stop it is make sure you are getting the proper nutrition and also drink lots of water. I went ahead and copied it for you: Hope this helps!

The human body relies on a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to function properly. If the scales shift too far off the mark in a particular dietary direction, signs of improper nutrition can crop up -- and sweat that smells like ammonia is one of those. Luckily, if exercise leaves you smelling somewhere between industrial strength cleaner and fresh cat urine, there's a pretty easy fix.

Carbohydrates are the powerhouses of energy production in the body, and fats work as their supercharged backups. Proteins are also incredibly important for proper bodily function -- including kicking in some extra juice if needed -- but it's best if they're mainly left to cover their other responsibilities. Some examples of proteins' many roles include forming structural components like collagen and connective tissue, inducing muscle movement, regulating bodily mechanisms and transporting substances about the body. It's enough to keep any amino acid busy.

A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is generally what leads to sweat stinking of ammonia. Basically, it works like this. When someone with this sort of diet begins to exercise, his or her body is quickly forced to turn to proteins for the necessary energy. To do this, amino acids are broken down into various components, parts of which are converted into glucose. Other elements that come out of the process are waste products, and if the body can't handle everything being sent its way, the leftovers are excreted out through the skin. Ammonia is one form that ready-to-go waste can take.

Typically, ammonia (very bad in large amounts) would be converted into urea (less bad in large amounts) and safely expelled through urine. Too much ammonia, and the body falls back on its old detoxifying fail-safe: sweat. And stinky sweat at that. Otherwise, an overload of ammonia can impair neurological functions and cause muscle fatigue.

If cutting the protein and upping the carbs doesn't completely do the trick, try drinking more water. Water will dilute the ammonia, as well as make it easier to excrete. Keep in mind too -- if an ammonia aroma is emanating from the mouth, is unrelated to sweating and exercise or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, it could be a sign of something serious like severe liver disease or impending kidney failure. A doctor should be consulted ASAP.

If you're looking to run a marathon or engage in some other exhaustive athletic activity, it might be difficult to avoid smelling like ammonia when you cross the finish line, since prolonged and draining exercise make the body particularly susceptible. But hey, you just ran a marathon, right? Don't worry if you smell a little funky afterward -- it'll pass.

MonicaLee1982

bump

ATT949

Thanks for the link!

I've been running for a few months (started in June and just did my first half marathon) and runners world is a treasure trove of info!

teeley

Oh thank God I am not crazy...

jen31889

Oh thank God I am not crazy...

lol, I have read it is pretty common. I read that a typical runner should maintain a diet of 50% carbs, 25% protein, and 25% fat. That is about what I do and still get the ammonia smell. It does seem to not be as strong if I eat RIGHT before running, but it is difficult to eat, then go run and shake it all about.