Photo: Skylar Kang

How long does keto smell last?

“It smells kind of like finger nail polish remover,” says Keatley (it's that acetone, remember?). While it's definitely unpleasant, keto breath won't last forever—likely just as long as it takes your body to adust to the keto diet. You can expect it to last about the same amount of time as the keto flu—up to two weeks.

womenshealthmag.com - What Is Keto Breath And Does It Ever Go Away On The Keto Diet?

Can too much fruit make you fat?

It's true that fruits and vegetables are lower in calories than many other foods, but they do contain some calories. If you start eating fruits and...

Last updated Nov 21, 2022

What is Microbiting?

One of the most common eating rituals that I have seen as a milieu counselor at Center for Discovery is taking small bites, also known as “micro-...

Last updated Mar 21, 2021

Promotion

First: OMG, the transformation photos (I see you, Jenna Jameson). Then there's the delicious-looking meals (cheesy eggs, tons of bacon, avocado galore) and don't forget those super 'gram-worthy Starbucks creations. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. What keto dieters don't talk about, though, are some of the side effects, including the fact that their breath freaking reeks. (Sorry not sorry, keto dieters—you know it's true). Yep, keto breath is real.

More From Women's Health

For the record, keto breath is normal—in fact, it’s super-common to have it on the keto diet. Here's what happens: When you’re in ketosis, there isn’t enough sugar in your body to provide energy to your cells (because carbs = sugar), so your body transforms fat to energy, says says Scott Keatley, R.D., of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. (ICYMI: The keto diet is about 70 percent fat, 25 percent protein, and 5 percent carbs.) When your body breaks down that extra fat, it produces ketones, which are chemicals like acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone (yes, the same stuff that's used in nail polish remover).

Related Story Keto Diarrhea Is A Real Problem

Those chemicals are naturally produced by your body (so you don't have to worry that they're toxic or anything), but on the keto diet, there's just more of them, which means you're also peeing, pooping, and yes, breathing, out more of the stuff. Acetone, in particular, tends to come out through your mouth. "Acetone, because of its small size, can also get into the air spaces of the lungs and is released by breathing,” Keatley says.

Voila—that's what gives you keto breath.

Well, what can I do about keto breath? Does it ever go away?

First: It's important to know that keto breath isn't necessarily typical bad breath. “It smells kind of like finger nail polish remover,” says Keatley (it's that acetone, remember?). While it's definitely unpleasant, keto breath won't last forever—likely just as long as it takes your body to adust to the keto diet. You can expect it to last about the same amount of time as the keto flu—up to two weeks. Another thing to remember: While your bad breath might be keto-related, it could also be a result of poor oral care. “First, good oral hygiene is important on any diet, so brushing and flossing after meals is important,” Keatley says. That's especially true for diets that are high in fats and protein, and low in carbs. “Sometimes the breath can be caused by an increase in protein intake as protein bits left in your mouth are likely to be transformed into volatile organic compounds, which do not have a great smell,” Keatley says. An easy fix: incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet (as many as the keto diet allows, anyway) to make sure your body (and your mouth) gets a variety of foods. But honestly feel free to wear this (temporary) keto breath as a badge of honor for, you know, actually achieving ketosis. Maybe just swish around some mouth wash before talking too closely with someone. Keto For Carb Lovers: 100+ Amazing Low-Carb, High-Fat Recipes Keto For Carb Lovers: 100+ Amazing Low-Carb, High-Fat Recipes $26 at Amazon Credit: .

What happens if you drink lemon and honey everyday?

An excellent health tonic, regular consumption of lemon honey water will help in keeping your digestive system healthy. Drinking lemon water with...

Last updated Jan 15, 2021

What does eating 3 eggs a day do to your body?

A small study in 38 healthy adults found that as many as 3 eggs per day improved LDL and HDL levels and the LDL-to-HDL ratio. Yet, experts might...

Last updated Aug 14, 2022

Promotion

What happens if you have too much ketones in urine?

Having some ketones in your urine is normal. But high ketone levels in urine may be a sign that your body is too acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis. The most common type of ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

medlineplus.gov - Ketones in Urine: MedlinePlus Medical Test

What is a Ketones in Urine Test?

A ketones in urine test measures ketone levels in your urine. Normally, the cells in your body use glucose (sugar) from your blood for energy. If your cells can't get enough glucose, your body breaks down fat for energy instead. This produces an acid called ketones, which can build up in your blood and urine. Having some ketones in your urine is normal. But high ketone levels in urine may be a sign that your body is too acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis. The most common type of ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that often develops quickly and can even be life-threatening. If you have diabetes, a ketones in urine test can help find high ketone levels early so you can get treatment right away. Home tests are available if your health care provider recommends frequent testing.

Other names: ketones urine test, ketone test, urine ketones, ketone bodies

Will fasting lose belly fat?

Intermittent fasting is a convenient way to lose weight without counting calories. Many studies show that it can help you lose weight and belly fat.

Last updated Dec 1, 2022

What should I mix with canned tuna?

Basically, if you can pop the top and flake it, you can mix it into one of these canned tuna recipes. Tuna + Pasta. For an instant boost of filling...

Last updated Dec 29, 2020

Promotion

Do you go to the toilet more when losing weight?

Healthful weight loss diets usually include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are all high in fiber. Including more fiber in the...

Last updated Jul 31, 2022

Promotion

What if I accidentally eat carbs on keto?

What Happens When You Cheat on a Keto Diet? Here are all the things that go down when you add carbs back in with a ketogenic diet cheat day: Your...

Last updated Jun 18, 2022