Amonia smell in my nose after I exercise

mamasmaltz3

Was wondering if anyone else has experienced this? It has been happening just about ever time I work out lately. I will get done and while I am stretching I have a really strong smell of amonia in my nose. When it first happened I went around the house to make sure the kids had not gotten into anything. It seems to go away within a few minutes but, is really weird.

ctooch99

Amazingly - YES! And I have always wondered why??? I told my doctor about it before and he looked at me like I had 2 heads!!! Thank you for posting this - now can someone explain it?

poodlelaise

According to the Livestrong site, this means you are consuming more protein than your kidneys can handle, and you should eat more carbs, and less protein.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/448648-smelling-ammonia-after-exercise/

poodlelaise

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ammonia.htm

Another reference that suggests eating more carbohydrates will eliminate the problem.

ctooch99

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ammonia.htm

Another reference that suggests eating more carbohydrates will eliminate the problem.

Wow that is interesting - thanks! Kinda makes sense, I am usually over a bit on my proteins and generally always way lower on my carbs.

mamasmaltz3

I have a hard time getting all my protein in so I don't know why it would be that. I have my settings at 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. I don't usually quite make that 30% number. Is a 30% number too high?

ctooch99

According to the Livestrong site, this means you are consuming more protein than your kidneys can handle, and you should eat more carbs, and less protein.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/448648-smelling-ammonia-after-exercise/

I guess it is the same, but like the OP said the amonia smell is actually in my nose - like someone is sticking a smelling salt up there - I don't smell it in my sweat, but maybe I just think I don't...

Newf77

I had this issue when I was sick a few years back and thought it was all in my head. Now with what was going on back then it makes sense.
OP thanks for asking this question. Proof that forum post can actually be informative.

mamasmaltz3

According to the Livestrong site, this means you are consuming more protein than your kidneys can handle, and you should eat more carbs, and less protein.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/448648-smelling-ammonia-after-exercise/

I guess it is the same, but like the OP said the amonia smell is actually in my nose - like someone is sticking a smelling salt up there - I don't smell it in my sweat, but maybe I just think I don't...

^This exactly!

poodlelaise

I have a hard time getting all my protein in so I don't know why it would be that. I have my settings at 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. I don't usually quite make that 30% number. Is a 30% number too high?

I have my macros the same as yours, and also have trouble getting in my protein. And I've had the same issue. I have not seen another explanation though. I am on 1200 calories, so maybe the issue is that carbs in my body are depleted during the exercise.

Laurej

wow! great post! Thx 4 clearing that up!

SteffieMark

I have noticed this exact thing for months. I thought I was just sweating too much or something. I am happy I am not just weird and this is something that others experience too. Thanks for posting.

AmiC0717

I agree that this was a great question. I have had it happen in the past and never knew why. Now if only I knew why my thighs do that snappy thing after I get home from a good walk LOL.

mamasmaltz3

I have a hard time getting all my protein in so I don't know why it would be that. I have my settings at 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. I don't usually quite make that 30% number. Is a 30% number too high?

I have my macros the same as yours, and also have trouble getting in my protein. And I've had the same issue. I have not seen another explanation though. I am on 1200 calories, so maybe the issue is that carbs in my body are depleted during the exercise.

I am at 1410 for calories and I usually eat back about half of my exercise calories. So, I may eat 1600 to 1800 in a day.

mamasmaltz3

I agree that this was a great question. I have had it happen in the past and never knew why. Now if only I knew why my thighs do that snappy thing after I get home from a good walk LOL.

Lol, I just like to believe they are cheering me on.

Feathil

Reddit r/keto FAQ - damn these messageboards don't link the same as others..

http://www.reddit.com/help/faqs/keto#1-5

zyxst

From what I've read, the ammonia-in-your-nose smell is a possible side effect of ketosis.

scottb81

Eat more carbs and it will not happen.

mamasmaltz3

Update to my original post: I have been making sure to eat a carbohydrate type of snack before working out, like a piece of bread with natural peanut butter, and I have not been noticing the amonia smell. So, for me the timing of my carbs must play a factor. I'm also making sure to drink lots more water. My carbs for the day were always 40 to 45% of my daily calories which I don't think is too low.

kskroch

Interesting! I've experienced this off and on and have again lately.

stakoc94

My friend and I BOTH get the snappy thing in our thighs!!! It's so weird and I only get it from long walks, not running or say fitness DVD's...

MichelleLaree13

I talked to an ER nurse I know and he said it is just the KREB cycle at work. It is not bad for you.

rubytOU

I get this too after I go for a long run. I think it's fairly common and "normal"...?

Dlacenere

Ironically, I just read this today:

Post Workout Nutrition

In general, you'll maximize your fat loss if you wait about an hour after your workouts before eating. The exception, in my view, is when you smell ammonia. Ammonia is essentially nitrogen, and that sensation after a workout is a signal that you've raised your cortisol levels enough to trigger the breakdown of amino acids by the liver (gluconeogenesis). When the body needs energy, it metabolizes glycogen, then fat, then protein. If one isn't fast enough, it goes down the list. But if it's going to feed on protein, you want it to go after something other than muscle tissue. So if you smell ammonia, you should have a protein and carbohydrate containing supplement immediately after your workout, preferably along with a protein stimulating supplement such as L-Leucine (whey protein is about 20-25% Leucine).

Even if you wait to eat a regular meal, there's increasing evidence that availability of the "branched-chain" amino acid Leucine, even just a gram, closely following a workout, can kick-start new muscle synthesis.

A few additional reasons to avoid spiking insulin except after a weight-training workout. About one in four people are insulin resistant, meaning that the pancreas has to pump out a lot more of the stuff in order to be effective. That excessive insulin reduces the ability of the body to burn fat as energy even after the glucose is cleared. Insulin resistance also typically leads to an increase in "visceral fat" around the organs, particularly in the abdomen, and increases the risk of coronary disease. By keeping your carbohydrates low-glycemic and your portion sizes in control, you reduce the need for this excessive output of insulin, and you keep your fat-burning in high gear.

Insulin resistance is more common if you have diabetes in your family, or if your diet has been high in sugar, high glycemic carbs, and saturated fats. My vote for worst food in the world: funnel cake (called "elephant ears" in the Midwest ): white flour dough, deep fried in lard, covered with powdered sugar. If you ever find yourself standing in line for this stuff, just skip on over and stand in the line to get your head examined.

Fortunately, one excellent fact is that exercise itself improves insulin sensitivity. Also, you'll significantly improve your fat loss if you concentrate on eating low glycemic carbs in your portions. A few supplements are known to improve insulin sensitivity: alpha lipoic acid ( ALA ), green tea extract, and chromium picolinate. All are available at any GNC. Normal dosages (read the label on whatever brand you pick) are sufficient. Since they change the responsiveness to insulin, diabetics who are insulin-dependent should use these only under a doctor's supervision.

dcain2

Great question.....I have this same issue after I run sometimes. I thought maybe I was just a tad looney. Nice to know I am not the only person on the planet who has experienced this. LOL

mamasmaltz3

Nope, you're not crazy. It still happens to me sometimes. But, I have been eating some type of carb before working out and making sure I am well hydrated before working out and during. It is definitely better.

GlutesthatSalute

Might be that you're in ketosis, this smell is a common side effect from being on a low carb high protein diet..You can also get the same smell on your breath it's referred to as KETObreath

ObtainingBalance

THANK U FOR POSTING THIS!!!
I've experienced it before, too. Sometimes I eat low carb tortillas, and I stress getting enough protein.. I think I have my settings set to 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat.

carriann2012

Q My sweat smells strongly of ammonia after a run. Is this normal?

A Don’t be too alarmed: the smell of ammonia in sweat is common among runners. Ammonia comes from the breakdown of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) within the body. It is made up of nitrogen and hydrogen. The hydrogen atoms are converted to glucose and used as fuel. The nitrogen is a waste product that needs to be excreted by the body, and is processed in the kidneys to form urea that is excreted in urine. If there is too much nitrogen for your kidneys to deal with, it will be excreted as ammonia in your sweat.

One factor to consider is water intake. If you are consuming adequate fluid, the ammonia will be diluted – a decrease in the concentration will result in a less potent smell of ammonia. One way to be sure you are drinking enough fluids is to ensure your urine is clear.

Many people mistakenly believe ammonia sweat means that their protein intake is not high enough. The body will only utilise protein for energy when it does not have a sufficient supply of fats and carbohydrates. Muscles can use glucose and fat for energy, but the brain requires glucose. Since there is no direct metabolic pathway from fat to glucose when there is insufficient carbohydrate, your body will use amino acids. Therefore, if your sweat smells of ammonia don’t compensate by adding more protein (amino acids) to your diet, instead fuel your muscles and brain with what it prefers as an energy supply: carbohydrates. So, although protein is important in the diet, don’t go overboard. The recommended daily amount of protein is 15 per cent of your total calorie intake.

If you find the smell of ammonia persists try having a low glycaemic index carbohydrate, such as an apple, before your run and during prolonged exercise drink sports drinks to fuel your body and prevent amino acids being burned as energy. Don’t forget the body needs carbohydrate to burn fat so don’t think that providing some carbs before running is going to eliminate the fat burning process.

—Jane Newman, Sports Physiotherapist and Ultra Runner

gauchogirl

OMG, yes. I can't say it's after I exercise, I haven't paid attention to a pattern I guess, but I go through times where that is all I can smell, and then it goes away.

mamasmaltz3

Ironically, I just read this today:

Post Workout Nutrition

In general, you'll maximize your fat loss if you wait about an hour after your workouts before eating. The exception, in my view, is when you smell ammonia. Ammonia is essentially nitrogen, and that sensation after a workout is a signal that you've raised your cortisol levels enough to trigger the breakdown of amino acids by the liver (gluconeogenesis). When the body needs energy, it metabolizes glycogen, then fat, then protein. If one isn't fast enough, it goes down the list. But if it's going to feed on protein, you want it to go after something other than muscle tissue. So if you smell ammonia, you should have a protein and carbohydrate containing supplement immediately after your workout, preferably along with a protein stimulating supplement such as L-Leucine (whey protein is about 20-25% Leucine).

Even if you wait to eat a regular meal, there's increasing evidence that availability of the "branched-chain" amino acid Leucine, even just a gram, closely following a workout, can kick-start new muscle synthesis.

A few additional reasons to avoid spiking insulin except after a weight-training workout. About one in four people are insulin resistant, meaning that the pancreas has to pump out a lot more of the stuff in order to be effective. That excessive insulin reduces the ability of the body to burn fat as energy even after the glucose is cleared. Insulin resistance also typically leads to an increase in "visceral fat" around the organs, particularly in the abdomen, and increases the risk of coronary disease. By keeping your carbohydrates low-glycemic and your portion sizes in control, you reduce the need for this excessive output of insulin, and you keep your fat-burning in high gear.

Insulin resistance is more common if you have diabetes in your family, or if your diet has been high in sugar, high glycemic carbs, and saturated fats. My vote for worst food in the world: funnel cake (called "elephant ears" in the Midwest ): white flour dough, deep fried in lard, covered with powdered sugar. If you ever find yourself standing in line for this stuff, just skip on over and stand in the line to get your head examined.

Fortunately, one excellent fact is that exercise itself improves insulin sensitivity. Also, you'll significantly improve your fat loss if you concentrate on eating low glycemic carbs in your portions. A few supplements are known to improve insulin sensitivity: alpha lipoic acid ( ALA ), green tea extract, and chromium picolinate. All are available at any GNC. Normal dosages (read the label on whatever brand you pick) are sufficient. Since they change the responsiveness to insulin, diabetics who are insulin-dependent should use these only under a doctor's supervision.

Wow, thanks for this great response. I originally posted this in July but somehow popped back up on here. I have been more careful about eating a little something before I workout hard and hydrate before and during. I will definitely be looking into the supplements and eating directly after I workout. I try to but sometimes I let it slide. So glad this was brought up again.