Cleveland Clinics Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute is committed to providing the highest quality healthcare for patients with diabetes, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and obesity. The saying, you are what you eat, may apply to body odor. And apparently, whether or not someone thinks your sweat smells like urine or your sweat smells sweet like vanilla is all in their genes. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. Sweat that is created and emitted from the human body can be impacted by many factors that will allow for the odor of these chemical compounds to take on a different aroma such as ammonia smell. A person may sweat due to stress. (9/15/2009) http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/Handouts/macronutrients.htm, Maharam, Lewis. This is because body odor is a result of the type of bacteria on your skin and how that bacteria interacts with sweat, not the sweat itself. However, a small fraction of ammonia, calcium, potassium, lactate, ethanol, and urea might also be present. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Try to figure out what makes you stressed out and how you can avoid the occurrences. The slight change in the containing content might also lead to smelly perspiration. It's difficult to say exactly why this happens in a specific case, so if it persists you may want to discuss it with your doctor. Possible causes range from nasal, Hyperhidrosis is a condition that involves excessive sweating. One issue that often arises during this time is an [], Perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause, can be challenging for many women. Basically, we sweat to keep our body cool by transferring the heat to the sweaty water and eliminating it via sweat glands. The reason you smell ammonia is because the protein breakdown product urea is being produced faster than it can be excreted by your kidneys, and is subsequently leached into your sweat as ammonia. Too much ammonia, and the body falls back on its old detoxifying fail-safe: sweat. (9/14/2009) http://runningdoctor.runnersworld.com/2008/05/why-does-my-swe.html, Newman, Jane. The active ingredient in most antiperspirants is aluminum. According to some research, exercise can affect the level of ammonia in sweat. Sweating is the secretion of fluids by sweat glands onto your skins surface. However, if the kidneys are not working properly, urea may enter into the bloodstream instead. High amounts of urea in the body are released through sweat, causing a bad odor. If a person sweats a lot, sweat may build up on their skin and interact with bacteria. Make sure you use an underarm product that says antiperspirant on the packaging. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Your body smells like vinegar. Jessika Toothman The most common smells of sweat that people experience will include salty sweat smell, vinegar smelling sweat, fruity sweat, bleach sweat, and even ammonia smelling sweat. According to Medical News Today, the presence of sweat will lead to the rapid multiplication of bacteria which will be broken down and emit the unpleasant smell that we associate with sweat. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which accounts for up to 66% of cases. A hyperhidrosis patient experiences excessive and smelly sweating. They include: Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating from the eccrine glands. A bleach-like body odor, which could be a sign of liver or kidney disease. When a woman reaches menopause, the estrogen levels decrease, causing sweating. When your body doesn't have enough . Sometimes, a bacterial infection results in a pungent-smelling sweat. If their urine has a strong ammonia smell, this may be a sign of diabetes. These factors often lead to ammonia buildup in the system and smelly sweat. (n.d.). Body odor occurs due to bacteria on a person's skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odor as a result. This blog will list down the reasons why your sweat may smell like ammonia and how you can get rid of smelly sweat. As the sweat evaporates, it helps cool your skin and regulate your body temperature. Typically, ammonia (very bad in large amounts) would be converted into urea (less bad in large amounts) and safely expelled through urine. A person living with a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease may also have sweat that smells like ammonia. Stress may also cause a person to sweat, but this is usually thicker and has high concentrations of lipids and proteins. An older study from 2006 found that participants on a meat diet had body odor which others perceived as less attractive than the body odor of participants on a non-meat diet. Remove body hair (in places like the armpits) to Water will dilute the ammonia, as well as make it easier to excrete. A sudden change in body odor or increase in sweating. "Why does my sweat smell like ammonia?" Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Body odor can smell sweet, sour, tangy or like onions. 7 Amazing Microneedling Benefits What is Microneedling Good For? Were proud to offer the best dermatology in Florida, and our experts are always here to help you with your skin concerns. Eat all the sizzlers you want but get ready for the stinky sweat afterward. It might be their nose that's the problem. All rights reserved. nasal polyps. They may recommend a prescription treatment or run tests to rule out other conditions. Sweating helps us moisturize the skin naturally and, at the same time, protects us against any external bacterial infection. As we have discussed previously, there are some instances in which an individual will produce ammonia in their sweat which will spill out and contaminate clothing with this distinctive odor on the materials fibers. Sweating and body odor are common when you exercise or you're too warm. Your sweat can smell like ammonia for several reasons, such as the following: Exercise. Policy. Effect of fragrance use on discrimination of individual body odor. If they are able to reduce their stress levels, they may sweat less and reduce any odors that were occurring because of their stress. Protein breaks down into amino acids, which the body converts into ammonia. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. According to the American Diabetes Association, DKA is rare in people with type 2 diabetes, but it can still develop in anyone. Sweaty pits can stink, sure but what if the smell is clear-the-room bad? Do they? There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. In the case of liver or kidney disease, your odor may give off a bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup in your body. Well, you know all the possible answers by now. Apply antiperspirant after showering or bathing and before bed. The body releases TMA through the urine, sweat, or breath. He has extensive training and knowledge in treating andropause and testosterone replacement therapy in men and menopause and estrogen replacement therapy in women. It doesnt produce a smell. Supported by his experienced medical team, Dr. Nazarian treats men and women with hormone deficiencies and imbalances and enjoys the one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor. Your sweat can tell you a lot about your health. Use an effective antiperspirant and deodorant (ask your doctor to recommend one if you haven't found one that works for you). Moisture-wicking (fabric that can pull moisture away from your skin) clothing is also helpful. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? The smell that an individuals sweat takes on after it is released from the body will contain clues as to the health of a person, particularly. Diabetic ketoacidosis. 2023 San Ramon Urgent Care Clinic, CA - Website, SEO & Digital Marketing By: Whats The Deal With The Weird Feeling In The Head That Comes and Goes Away? 9301 Wilshire Blvd Suite 405 Beverly Hills, CA 90210, Copyright 2020 Design & Developed by Freelancers Hub, Of course, I can not defend myself as she is right. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It might increase the body heat resulting in excessive perspiration. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The diet can make your sweat and breath smell, but few people describe the smell as ammonia-like. Ammonia odor happens when chemicals in urine are concentrated due to a lack of water. Look for products at your local drug store that says antibacterial on the packaging. How To Treat Sweat That Smells Like Vinegar. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. : GoogleBingYahooPost CardReferralSignage. If you still notice a smell, though, its best to contact a dermatologist who can help. People with this condition may be more susceptible to body odor because they sweat so much, but its often the eccrine sweat glands that cause the most discomfort with sweaty palms and feet. In rare cases, eating eggs and milk can cause a persons sweat to smell different. Or eat a stir-fry with lots of onions? Unusual changes in sweating either too much (hyperhidrosis) or too little (anhidrosis) can be cause for concern. The best solution to utilize when it comes to removing sweat odors and ammonia body odor stench that has compromised clothing garments is the use of a laundry additive for chemical and odor neutralization, like the OdorKlenz Laundry Additive. Every time you sweat, theres a chance youll produce an unpleasant body odor. The human body relies on a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to function properly. National Library of Medicines list Ammonia is the main byproduct of protein metabolism. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Research suggests a persons body odor changes during ovulation (the time in a persons menstrual cycle when they can become pregnant) to attract a mate. Thats why a person can have an unpleasant body odor but not be sweaty. High ketone levels cause your blood to become acidic and your body odor to be fruity. (9/14/2009) http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ammonia.htm, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. Although it might be embarrassing. April 2, 2007. For months I kept smelling a strong ammonia-type smell and would have prickly heat waking me in the middle of the night as well as my breast swelling. viruses. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help. Most people will have bad breath at least once in their life, but it is unusual for breath to smell like urine. A person can try changing their clothes more frequently to keep their skin dry and free of bacteria that can react with sweat and cause odor. Using a stronger antiperspirant, shaving and washing with antibacterial soap several times a day can help. Primary focal hyperhidrosis: In this condition, your forehead, underarms, hands, and feet are most affected. Smelling ammonia usually happens towards the end of a long or challenging workout and is a strong indicator that you have been burning protein as fuel. It might be because you are not drinking enough water or having heavy-meaty meals. However, when they finally get over their menstruation and hit menopause, it is not a pleasant experience either. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? A 2016 study estimated 15.3 million people in the United States live with hyperhidrosis. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the If things have gotten pretty stinky as of late, don't just slap on extra deodorant to cover your armpit smell and hope for the best; pay attention to this putrid perspiration. Your body needs the energy to work, and for that, it breaks down carbs into glucose. May 21, 2008. But why does my night sweat smell like vinegar? Use a topical antiperspirant, which works by pulling sweat back into your sweat glands. They're also common when you're feeling nervous, anxious or stressed. Scientist Jan Haveelik suggests that women give off a strong body odor during their menstruation days. This helps us find a solution to the problem. The issue with this is that it can cause a reaction in the kidneys that will lead to the secretion of ammonia from this organ in the body that will spill over to sweat that is released from sweat glands. Here are the hormonal change phases for both gender. The liver then converts ammonia into urea before it leaves the body through urine or sweat. These are rare, but one example is trimethylaminuria aka "fish odor syndrome" where the body is unable to breakdown trimethylamine, a compound found in certain foods. Eccrine glands cover most of your body, including palms and soles. (9/15/2009), Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. When the body can not break the trimethylamine down, it releases the chemical via sweat, vaginal fluid, breath, etc. Cut your protein intake a bit and up your carbs. The purpose of sweat is to help the body cool down.. A hand-held device that emits electromagnetic waves can destroy sweat glands under your arms. Learn more. Dehydration can also make the sweat smell like ammonia. "Q+A: Why this strong smell of ammonia?" In the majority of the cases, a person with trichomycosis experiences vinegar smelling or dark color sweat. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, periods, or menopause can cause different chemical reactions in your body. Solution: Try to change clothes frequently to keep the skin bacteria-free; that can combine with sweat and cause a smell. Apocrine glands become active once a person reaches puberty, so body odor doesnt begin until adolescence. Spices and seasonings It's not just your breath that can give away what you've eaten recently. Anhidrosis ) can be cause for concern also cause a smell your may... The kidneys are not drinking enough water or having heavy-meaty meals offer the dermatology... A sign of liver or kidney disease may also have sweat that like! 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