Do You Smell Like Ammonia When You Sweat?

If you have ever done a really intense cardio session and started to smell like cat urine... you were secreting an undiluted form of ammonia.

Don't be alarmed... this is normal and there is a way to minimize the smell next time.

First of all, the key to ammonia in urine and sweat is the nitrogen.

In order to get rid of the excess nitrogen, your body typically processes the nitrogen in your kidneys and forms urea. Basically, a carbon dioxide molecule bound to nitrogen and hydrogen. Urea is then excreted in the urine. If your kidneys cannot handle the load of nitrogen, then the nitrogen will be excreted as ammonia in your sweat.

The other factor to consider is water.

If you are not getting adequate fluid, then the solution (ammonia + water) will not be diluted. Therefore, water plays a definite role. If you are not drinking enough fluids to have at least one or two clear urination's every day, you should drink more.

What's the solution?

The obvious answer is to drink more water and the other is to consume more carbs NOT protein. Don't give the body more of what it is already having a hard time burning. Try increasing your carb intake before long duration exercise like a slice of whole grain bread, an apple or some oatmeal.

The next time you smell ammonia, don't worry. It doesn't mean that your muscle tissue is being broken down, and it doesn't mean that you're doomed to stink for the rest of eternity just follow these tips and you'll smell just fine.