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Backpacking can cause an ammonia type smell from burning fat and muscle breakdown. It's a smell similar to the smell from homeless people that I always just ass
by bradly 7y ago
Backpacking can cause an ammonia type smell from burning fat and muscle breakdown. It's a smell similar to the smell from homeless people that I always just assumed was because both backpackers and homeless bathe less often than others, but that is just a coincidence of both group's bodies breaking down muscle from not enough of protein/carbs/nutrients.
- akeck 7y agoThe author of "Where's the Next Shelter?" (Appalachian Trail through-hike memoir) talks about this condition. He had to get protein into his supplies ASAP to prevent further muscle loss.
- nemosaltat 7y agoGreat book, and he narrates the audio version himself which made it really feel like he was sharing his story with me personally. He’s a Marine Corps vet and software engineer. I’d love to buy him a beer some day.
- akeck 7y agoSame here. He made my commutes awesome for a few weeks.
- leetbulb 7y agoI believe what you're referring to is called "keto breath" in the keto-diet community. It's due to acetone, which is one of the ketones produced while in a state of ketosis / fasting.