Aside from the previously discussed beneficial side effects, there are some… less pleasant ones. However, these are nothing that can’t be easily accounted for and won’t leave you feeling all embarrassed.

Bad Breath

You may find that your breath begins to smell. This is due to the number of ketone bodies in your bloodstream, which produces more acetone that now needs to be expelled. The increased amount of acetone in the bloodstream is what causes your breath to smell as it escapes when you exhale.

Though not the most appealing side effect, this can be combated with sugar free gum or more frequent brushing of your teeth throughout the day. It is, however, important that any gum chewed is sugar free, due to the negative effect sugary foods have on a ketogenic diet.

Devices are also available to measure acetone in your breath. They work in a similar fashion to the way a modern random breathalyser test works to determine your blood alcohol level.

“Fruity” Urine

Another unfortunately unpleasant side effect is that of “fruity” smelling urine. The increased ketone levels in your bloodstream again need to be expelled and take on this scent when excreted through urine.

Though the particular smell emitted can be a good indicator that ketosis is in action, to gain a more accurate reading, indicator strips are also available to test your levels.

Aside from the previously discussed beneficial side effects, there are some… less pleasant ones. However, these are nothing that can’t be easily accounted for and won’t leave you feeling all embarrassed.

Bad Breath

You may find that your breath begins to smell. This is due to the number of ketone bodies in your bloodstream, which produces more acetone that now needs to be expelled. The increased amount of acetone in the bloodstream is what causes your breath to smell as it escapes when you exhale.

Though not the most appealing side effect, this can be combated with sugar free gum or more frequent brushing of your teeth throughout the day. It is, however, important that any gum chewed is sugar free, due to the negative effect sugary foods have on a ketogenic diet.

Devices are also available to measure acetone in your breath. They work in a similar fashion to the way a modern random breathalyser test works to determine your blood alcohol level.

“Fruity” Urine

Another unfortunately unpleasant side effect is that of “fruity” smelling urine. The increased ketone levels in your bloodstream again need to be expelled and take on this scent when excreted through urine.

Though the particular smell emitted can be a good indicator that ketosis is in action, to gain a more accurate reading, indicator strips are also available to test your levels.