Have you ever wondered what causes urine smell while following the Optavia diet? If so, you are not alone.
Many individuals report having a strong and unpleasant odor from their urine when they are on this weight-loss program, and it can be concerning.
But rest assured – contrary to popular belief, the smell has nothing to do with any dangerous changes in bodily chemistry.
In this post, we will discuss the physiological changes that your body undergoes as a result of following an Optavia diet and why those changes may cause your urine to produce a noticeable aroma.
What causes urine smell during the Optavia diet?
One of the Optavia side effects that I’ve noticed after starting the 5 and 1 plan was a change in the odor of my pee.
It had a distinct smell that was fruity and sweet.
After doing some research, I found out that this was due to a metabolic state called ketosis, which is when the body burns stored fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
How does it work?
Well, as your body is in a state of ketosis, it produces more ketones, which are excreted through your urine.
According to the article published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, “urinary ketones were found in women following a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet and are linked to serum ketone levels.”
The journal suggests that the levels of ketones in your urine are linked to the levels of ketones in your blood, as measured by serum ketone levels.
When there are urinary ketones present, it indicates that your body is in a state of ketosis and is burning fat for energy.
In other words, changes in urine frequency (and smell) were one of many Optavia fat burning symptoms that I’ve experienced when following the 5 and 1 plan.
I was going to the bathroom more frequently
As a result, people who follow the Optavia 5 and 1 plan may notice that they need to urinate more frequently.
If you’re drinking more water while losing weight, this can also make the odor more noticeable.
This change in urine odor isn’t always a big deal, and it’s actually pretty normal during weight loss.
According to the comparative study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “the levels of acetone in a person’s urine could predict how much ketosis (a state where the body breaks down fat for energy) they were in.”
But, if you’re feeling pain or discomfort when you pee, or the odor doesn’t go away after drinking more water, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor to make sure there isn’t an underlying health issue.
Is urine smell normal during weight loss on Optavia?
It’s not uncommon for your urine smell to change during any low-carb or high-protein diet, not only the Optavia 5 and 1.
That’s because these diets can increase the production of ketones.
Another part is hydration.
If you’re not drinking enough water, your urine can become more concentrated.
This can make any strong smells more noticeable.
So, it’s important to drink enough water, especially if you’re following a low-calorie diet like Optavia.
This can help keep your urine diluted and reduce any strong odors.
What to do if your urine smells?
To address urine odor, the first step is to ensure that you’re adequately hydrated by drinking enough water.
Additionally, it may be helpful to review your Optavia meal plan and menu to see if any particular foods or supplements could be contributing to the odor.
For example, certain foods, such as asparagus, garlic, onions, and spices, can contribute to changes in urine odor.
I also noticed that consuming large amounts of protein or foods high in sulfur, such as red meat or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, also leads to a stronger urine odor.
Again, if the odor persists, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider.
