Ketosis - Bad breath and Body Odor

[yuly333]

I told a co-worker that I was on Atkins and she said that one of her friends was on Atkins a while back and that all of a sudden she started smelling like eggs all the time and had bad breath. She also mentioned that her hair was ashy and frizzy after starting Atkins. I am in Ketosis and I am so paranoid about smelling bad. I already have ketosis breath. Ugh! Has anybody experienced this? I am so paranoid and want to quit even though I am losing weight. It just doesn't seem worth it if I have BO and bad breath. I eat breath mints all the time and also those breath strips. I can still taste the ketosis taste in my mouth. I don't want to smell bad. Gross. Please help!

[Elizellen]

My hair, nails and skin have improved greatly since following the Atkins way of eating. Some people find an initial worsening but it regularises in time.

As to breath problems, they can be coped with - just think of the reason why it is occurring

The by-products of burning fat are ketones. When your body releases ketones-which it will do in your breath and your urine-it is chemical proof that you're consuming your own stored fat

So what is better - to be losing fat and have to cope with breath problems or to be still getting fatter and not have the problems?!?! I know which I would choose.
Dr Atkins also says

Some individuals may experience side effects from ketosis such as bad breath, but the vast majority of individuals do not

and

Fallacy # 12: Atkins causes bad breath.
Fact: Well, actually, it causes ketone breath. Ketones, which impart a sweetish smell, do not cause what I would call bad breath. It's a different breath smell to be sure, but not an offensive one. I have not noticed it among my patients for years; perhaps I simply consider it normal. In any case, this condition, if it exists at all, is likely to last only as long as you are doing the Induction phase of Atkins. Try drinking more water, or every now and then chew a little fresh parsley. And, on the positive side, it is proof that your body has switched to the alternative metabolic pathway of burning fat for fuel.

So keep on following the plan and you will soon become a loser (even if you have to be more conscious of body odours)

[Scooterjam]

Smell like eggs all the time?!?!? People sadden me.

First off, if you're eating mints and breath strips, sorry you've just went off induction (aspartame - clean induction, those carbs add up if you're doing them all day long). But none the less, don't give any thoughts to that.

I'm a singer. I use my voice. I am very social. I have never offended people with a 'smell'. My wife has never complained, ever.

The only thing I really noticed that stood out from everything, was my hair has grown so thick, my nails are growing faster, constantly clipping them several times a week, as with toenails.

It kills me when people who don't live this way somehow always say 'Atkins, Bad Breath, Eggs, Bacon in one sentence.

sigh.

[surreys_princess]

well...i do notice i tend to get bad breath..and i do have this odd smell to me, that i didnt have before...i also started to loose hair in the beginning..no kidding.....but it has lessened, and frankly, this diet (i hate using that word in regard to atkins..) is worth all of it.....hang in there...

[julirama723]

I have NEVER had any of these "symptoms". I've never lost hair, had bad breath, had body odor, or smelled like eggs (that's a good one!); in fact, since I've begun Atkins, my hair is thicker and shinier, my skin is clear, and I actually smell BETTER.

I know that everyone's experience with induction, etc. is different, but I want you to know that some people experience ketosis breath, and some don't. If done correctly, Atkins is a healthy way of eating that improves the quality of our bodies--it shouldn't make things worse!

[Oh.2.B.Fit]

I have Ketosis breath too. I got it my first week. I have been doing this for almost 3 months, and it comes and goes. I think I always have it but sometimes it's really awful tasting. I know how you feel
Brushing my teeth does nothing. Stick with it though sweetie. It get's better, and it really is worth it. I'm going to try fresh mint and see if that helps at all. Plain Mint gum doesn't help at all, but I chewed Orbit Mint Mojito, and that helps a lot I think. But you have to count the carb and you can't be on Induction. Godd luck

[bbopman200]

I read about ketosis breath, but I never knew anything about body odors I guess I'll have to stock up on cologne and powerful body wash.

[sallyseachange]

I think that if you drink more, it should help the breath.
I found that with Atkins, I no longer have much body odour at all. I hardly ever use an anti-perspirant now.
You say you have this on the say-so of a co-worker about her friend... well, everyone's different Yuly; you might not have any kind of problem at all...so if you haven't had any "comments" about breath or BO, then I wouldn't worry.

[Oh.2.B.Fit]

Oh, and I haven't had the BO at all.
I forgot to say that up there

[MorningGlory]

As long as your co-worker didn't say YOU have offensive body/breath smells, I wouldn't give much more thought to it if I were you. Drinking more water often helps with breath problems (and that's in "The Book" and recommended by Dr. A).