Sweat Odor page

[fateater]

Since switching to a higher fat and primal way of eating, my body odor has changed significantly.

It's STRONG. My sweat smells like, I can't quite place it... paint???! And other areas are much uh, muskier and strong smelling than when I wasn't eating meat or high fat.

Is this just the adjustment phase for my body do you think? I haven't asked anyone else if they can smell it but to my nose, it's quite offensive

I'm eating low carb, like 30-60g per day is the average. High fat and protein is usually 100-150g per day. Lots of eggs, some pork, beef and chicken have been my go-to meats so far. I'm one month solid Primal high fat, and 2 months with ending the vegan experiment. I do dairy maybe 2x week.

Thoughts?

I didn't really feel the need to wear underarm deodorant 3 months ago, but now, yikes. I don't know. Maybe a natural deodorizer is in order.

[fateater]

Ok I see there are a TON of threads regarding body odor...

I can't think of what cat pee smells like, never had a cat. I'm not sure what acetone smells like either? Those are the 2 really common comparisons that are brought up.

But perhaps I'm in ketosis and didn't realize, which is why my sweat is much more pungent and.. it's a paint smell. That's the only comparison my brain will come up with!

[simpstr]

I've noticed, I don't need deodorant most days and if I do, its due to the fabric (usually Polyester).

[workinprogress]

I think paint smell would be acetone like. You probably are in ketosis. Try a few more carbs and see what that does for you. You can always drop the carbs back down later if needed.

[Graycat]

Yes the paint/acetone sweat odor is a side effect of being in ketosis. You could either increase your carbs, or if you prefer to keep it very low-carb just wait it out. From what I've read, the smell goes away eventually.

[Karock]

I've noticed this too, and it does seem to coincide with when I'm very low carb for a few days.

Interestingly, SWMBO more often says 'You smell good' during a hug or snuggle on the days when I'm noticing it and think I stink. Not sure what to make of that. I am not complaining.

[bloodorchid]

she's been wrangled in by pheromones and luv

but i read some posts on here that said drinking plenty of water would 'water down' the scent

[Him]

I knew someone who smelled like that whenever he drank alcohol. Acetone or methyl ethyl ketone type smell. Very strong, not pleasant. It didn't take much alcohol either.

I don't know anything about his health except he had a kindey removed (medical malpractice as far as I could tell from the story. Doc thought he had cancer, they pulled the kidney then told him, "No, that wasn't cancer, your kidney was fine, sorry for the fuss.")... I have no idea whether those dots are connected in any way shape or form though. He varied from SAD to "zero fat" diets while I knew him.

Not sure that's actually useful information but at least you know you aren't the only one who has ever smelled like that.

[fateater]

OK thank you! Acetone = paint-like smell. Ketosis it most likely is.

Set my mind at ease, and I'm curious if adding more carbs will make the smell tone down or disappear.

Thanks again

[NurseMama5]

I notice an ammonia smell on my skin, not necessarily sweat (but is stronger when I sweat) when I'm in ketosis. My husband swears he can't smell it. for delicate "musky" areas, I would suggest coconut oil, no chemicals