General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Sweat smells like Ammonia Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-07-09 12:56 PM

User image

Veteran
186
100252525
Saint Simons Island, GA
Subject: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Kind of strange question, but anyone else notice an ammonia smell after a good cardio workout?  I've started noticing this after lengthy bikes/runs.  Could this be related to diet?       


2010-07-09 12:57 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Expert
1024
1000
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Welcome to endurance sports. Your membership card is in the mail.
2010-07-09 1:05 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Elite
3683
20001000500100252525
Whispering Pines, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
I just read this Active article.

The article states that you should eat more carbs.
2010-07-09 1:05 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
gwmeader - 2010-07-10 1:56 AM Kind of strange question, but anyone else notice an ammonia smell after a good cardio workout?  I've started noticing this after lengthy bikes/runs.  Could this be related to diet?       


It is it is!

Apparently.

Are you hydrating enough?

Might you be getting more protein than you need?

Are you consuming sufficient carbs before and during these lengthy training sessions?

I asked the same question here a couple years ago, I think, and read some on it ... apparently it has to do with your body breaking down protein for fuel ... resulting in amino acids ... resulting in some kind of nitrogen group something or other ... I really should remember all this, but I don't. Anyhow, that's what makes your sweat stink of ammonia, in particular.
2010-07-09 1:07 PM
in reply to: #2971236

Veteran
645
50010025
Tennessee
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Do you also meow with human contact? If so you could be part cat!
2010-07-09 1:19 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Master
2356
20001001001002525
Westlake Village , Ca.
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia


2010-07-09 1:22 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Champion
18680
50005000500020001000500100252525
Lost in the Luminiferous Aether
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Mine used to smell slighty like vinager but I quit working with glacial acetic acid and it went away.
2010-07-09 1:30 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Regular
501
500
Essex, England
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Its the excess protein.
Boby builders who drink loads of protein shakes get the same thing.
2010-07-09 1:47 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Master
1366
10001001001002525
PNW
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
It's also a common occurance for people eating Paleo (or low carb & low fat) and doing endurance activities.  Your body basically needs more carbs for fuel.
2010-07-09 1:56 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Veteran
186
100252525
Saint Simons Island, GA
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Thanks guys, sounds like I need to eat more carbs and quit playing with glacial acetic acid.  No meowing here, although I have been known to scratch expensive furniture. 
2010-07-09 2:14 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Expert
829
50010010010025
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Happens to me a lot.  In fact, I stink of ammonia as I type this...  All I had to eat today was eggs and veggies for breakfast.  If I remember to eat an apple before going for a run (or carry a bottle of HEED on my longer runs), that pretty well takes care of it.


2010-07-09 2:32 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Extreme Veteran
374
1001001002525
Hattiesburg
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Hmm.. hadn't thought of that in a long time, since gymnastics in college.  I wondered about it then, but had forgotten.  Thank you for the enlightenment.  Very interesting.

2010-07-09 4:36 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Master
1929
100050010010010010025
Midlothian, VA
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
I've noticed some noxious chemical smell too sometimes, but I was thinking more along the lines of some sort of reaction with the 'tech/wicking' type shirts and jerseys.

Only noticed it when wearing that kind of shirt, but then again, when am I getting exercise now that I'm not wearing such fabric?

Hmmmm.


-eric

Edited by faded_memories 2010-07-09 4:37 PM
2010-07-09 4:55 PM
in reply to: #2971407


69
2525
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
norcal_SAHD - 2010-07-09 2:14 PM Happens to me a lot.  In fact, I stink of ammonia as I type this...  All I had to eat today was eggs and veggies for breakfast.  If I remember to eat an apple before going for a run (or carry a bottle of HEED on my longer runs), that pretty well takes care of it.


Be careful with HEED - it has carbohydrates but little electrolytes.  A coworker of mine came damn close to hyponatremia during a 100 mile bike ride despite drinking plenty of HEED and otherwise staying hydrated in hot weather.

From HEED's website:
"For some athletes, one or two level scoops of HEED will completely fulfill electrolyte requirements (in addition to caloric requirements). For other athletes, the electrolyte profile in HEED will provide an excellent base from which additional Endurolytes can be added to completely satisfy electrolyte needs."

Um... apparently, "some" athletes doesn't refer to endurance athletes.  
  
2010-07-12 5:49 PM
in reply to: #2971686

User image

Veteran
239
10010025
Kalispell, MT
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
globetruck - 2010-07-09 3:55 PM
Be careful with HEED - it has carbohydrates but little electrolytes.  A coworker of mine came damn close to hyponatremia during a 100 mile bike ride despite drinking plenty of HEED and otherwise staying hydrated in hot weather.

From HEED's website:
"For some athletes, one or two level scoops of HEED will completely fulfill electrolyte requirements (in addition to caloric requirements). For other athletes, the electrolyte profile in HEED will provide an excellent base from which additional Endurolytes can be added to completely satisfy electrolyte needs."

Um... apparently, "some" athletes doesn't refer to endurance athletes.  
  

Are you kidding me?  Hammer knows from endurance athletes...

You and your coworker should have kept reading - Hammer clearly states Heed is fine for up to two hours, more than two hours you're gonna need some additional help:

"HEED may be used as the sole source of calories during workouts and races up to two hours, perhaps up to three hours under certain circumstances. When training sessions or races go longer than that, select either Perpetuem or Sustained Energy as your primary fuel source."
http://www.hammernutrition.com/knowledge/the-hammer-nutrition-fuels-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them.1252.html

I'm assuming your friend rode this century in MORE than two hours??


Um... apparently, "some" athletes don't read all the necessary instructions...


2010-07-12 5:56 PM
in reply to: #2976279

User image

Elite
4048
2000200025
Gilbert, Az.
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
MelH - 2010-07-12 3:49 PM

I'm assuming your friend rode this century in MORE than two hours??


Um... apparently, "some" athletes don't read all the necessary instructions...




ROFLCOPTER!!!

John


2010-07-12 6:24 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

New user
60
2525
Chandler
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
The ammonia smell is due to breakdown of muscle (catabolism) to provide fuel for your exercise. It may indicate inadequate carbohydrate intake but it may also indicate high intensity training that has depleted all available stores (glycogen and intramuscular fat) and you are just experiencing muscle breakdown due to the intensity - you could look at your fuel intake for the level of workout(s) to see if there is an opportunity to fuel differently...
2010-07-12 7:12 PM
in reply to: #2971236

User image

Extreme Veteran
536
50025
Russiaville, IN
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Hammer make a supplement called Anti-fatigue caps that is suppose to neutralize ammonia.  Something you might try.
2010-07-12 7:20 PM
in reply to: #2976411

Extreme Veteran
411
100100100100
San Antonio
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
urine smells like ammonia
2010-07-12 7:24 PM
in reply to: #2971407

User image

Master
2484
2000100100100100252525
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
norcal_SAHD - 2010-07-09 2:14 PM Happens to me a lot.  In fact, I stink of ammonia as I type this...  All I had to eat today was eggs and veggies for breakfast.  If I remember to eat an apple before going for a run (or carry a bottle of HEED on my longer runs), that pretty well takes care of it.


x2 I had the same issue and now eat an apple every afternoon and the ammonia smell is pretty much gone.  Now I just smell bad :-)
2010-07-12 8:39 PM
in reply to: #2971370

Veteran
200
100100
South Shore, MA.
Subject: RE: Sweat smells like Ammonia
Watch your shampoo, soap and deoderants too....it all becomes you, until the shower. 


New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Sweat smells like Ammonia Rss Feed