Sweat Smells Like Ammonia? Here’s What To Do

September 22, 2023

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Sometimes after long exercise you might notice that, unusual and unpleasant odor coming from your sweat smells like ammonia.
Naturally sweats are odorless but if your sweat smells like ammonia, it might be due to a high protein diet or potential health condition.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of sweat smelling like ammonia and provide practical solutions to help you combat this issue.

What is Sweating ?

Sweating is a natural and healthy bodily function that helps regulate body temperature.
When your body temperature becomes too hot, sweating helps release heat and maintain optimal body temperature.
It’s also your body’s natural cooling mechanism.
Sweat is produced from sweat glands that are found all over your body.
Sweat is mostly water and salt (sodium chloride) with small amount of potassium, calcium, urea and ammonia.

What is Ammonia ?

Ammonia is compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3.
It is colorless gas with a pungent suffocating odor. Ammonia can be found in nature, plants, animals and in human bodies.

What is Ammonia Odor?

First, let’s dive into why your sweat may smell like ammonia. The most common reason is the breakdown of protein in your body. When you engage in intense physical activity and your body lacks carbohydrates for energy, it may turn to proteins as an energy source. This process produces ammonia as a by product, which can be released through your sweat glands, leading to that distinct odor.

Causes of Ammonia smells in sweat.

Several factors can contributing sweat smelling like ammonia: Some are as follows.

Dietary Choices:

Consuming a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet can cause your sweat smell like ammonia. When your body converts protein into amino acids, ammonia is also produced which is released in sweats causing strong odor. Spices and sulfur-rich foods like onions, garlic, cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, etc. can also trigger bad odor. Other protein-rich diet like read meat, eggs, and milk also produce smells when digested.

Intense Exercise

During vigorous physical exercise, when your available energy source (carbohydrates) has been used, your body begins consuming protein by breaking it down into urea for energy, increasing ammonia production. If you smell ammonia, then your body is converting proteins into urea faster than your kidneys can filter it.

This can be overcome by eating sufficient amount of carbs before and after such exercise
to prevent running out of primary energy source (carbohydrates).

Dehydration

When you’re dehydrated, your body’s ability to flush out toxins becomes compromised, potentially resulting in more noticeable ammonia odors in sweat.

Medical Conditions:

Even with proper diet and no intense exercise, you might smell ammonia because of some health conditions. Here are some condition that you might be undergoing.

Hyperhidrosis:

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating from eccrine glands for no apparent reason. You may be sweating even with no heat or exercise. This increase the activity of bacteria in skin which cause odor.

Kidney Disease

Kidney helps to remove urea from your body but if they are not functioning well then your body starts to remove urea through your sweat. This is called uremia and is a serious symptom of kidney failure. Person with heavy urea and sweat in body smells ammonia.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that leads to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). When you body does not have enough insulin to use glucose in the cells, it starts digesting fat for energy. Burning large amount of fat releases ketones, making your sweat smell like ammonia or your breath fruity.

Liver Disease

Liver function to filter toxins out of your body. In liver disease, the toxins are not filtered and it release ammonia smell not only in sweat but also in breath, urine and stool. If you have any such condition than consult immediately with your doctor.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress related sweat are produced by apocrine glands which is located in your underarms and private area. Sweat released from these glands are thick and contains higher level of proteins and lipids
which after mix with bacteria can create smell.

Hormonal Changes

You may experience ammonia smell because of hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. In menopause, due to decreased estrogen levels may cause sweating. which can increase odor if it mixes with bacteria in skin.

What to Do When Your Sweat Smells Like Ammonia

Now that you’ve identified the causes, let’s explore some practical steps you can take to address this issue.

Hydrate

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions. Staying well-hydrated can help dilute the ammonia in your sweat, reducing the intensity of the odor. Drink enough water so that you kidney filter out the urea but not by your sweat.

Balanced Diet

Ensure your diet includes an adequate balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This will provide your body with the energy it needs and reduce the reliance on protein breakdown for energy.
If you engage in strenuous exercise, consider consuming a small carbohydrate-rich snack before your workout. This can help prevent the breakdown of muscle protein during intense physical activity.
After exercise, consume a meal that includes both protein and carbohydrates to replenish your energy stores and support muscle recovery.

Proper Hygiene

Regular showers and thorough cleaning can help reduce the buildup of ammonia and bacteria on your skin, minimizing the odor. Bath with antibacterial soap and keep your armpit shaved to prevent bacteria.
Wear loose cloth made of cotton. Wash your cloth regularly to remain bacteria free.

Deodorants and anti-perspirants

Deodorants help remove odor and anti-perspirants block sweat glands temporary so you don’t sweat.
Consider using natural deodorants that do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. These can be gentler on your skin and help manage sweat odor.

Reduce Stress

Reduce stress to reduce sweat and smell fresh. Stress can only worsen your smell, instead meditate and stop worrying so you can feel better.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

If the ammonia smell persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your overall health and recommend appropriate tests or
treatments if necessary.

In Conclusion

Dealing with sweat that smells like ammonia can be a temporary and manageable issue. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing the tips mentioned above, you can minimize and even eliminate this unusual odor. Remember that maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene are key steps to help you stay fresh and confident, no matter your level of physical activity. If the problem persists or concerns you, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Your well-being is important, and there are solutions available to help you address this issue and enjoy an odor-free lifestyle.