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Before starting paleo, I had fairly frequent urination, but it wasn't too problematic. Since starting paleo, I feel better in every single way except now I urinate even more frequently than before -- at worst, it's several times an hour. This has also been affecting my sleep as I almost always need to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate and often can't fall back asleep. I understand that frequent urination might be a symptom of pre-diabetes, and it's very possible that I'm in that state because I'm obese and ate a lot of sugars, grains, etc. before starting paleo. What I don't understand is why paleo would intensify the symptoms if it combats diabetes. Also, how long do you think it would take for my symptoms to normalize if it is indeed pre-diabetes/diabetes?

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Please see a doctor. Urinating "several times an hour" is not normal, and may indicate a medical problem. – Ed Jan 19 2011 at 23:16
DNA, I agree with Ed. – PaleoGran Jan 20 2011 at 0:00

10 Answers

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ABSOLUTELY get yourself to a doctor! Every so often, stress can make frequent urination happen, but it doesn't last more than 1 day. However, please do not hesitate in getting into see a physician. Today.

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I have a water retention problem and when I lowered my carbs it got better, but that means I did urinate more often. It's possibly that paleo is making you go more often because you are eating less carbs. Even on my diuretic pills, I usually on go once an hour, though sometimes it is more often.

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Eating high protein can be diuretic. If you are eating a ton of protein, that may be the reason. Do you know how many grams you are eating a day?

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I agree with this. When I reduced my protein consumption my frequent urination stopped. – rob Jan 20 2011 at 0:01
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if you are obese, and have only been eating low carb / paleo for a short time, is it possible your body is just shedding water? I can tell after i carb up for an afternoon/evening my urination is insane that night and half the next day until i dump the water weight i picked up.

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I'm up in the middle of the night after getting off of grains/sugars binge. I have to pee all the time and am incredibly thirsty. This only lasts a few days after starting a clean diet again. I also lose about three to five pounds. I was obese when I changed my diet, and I wish I could remember how long it took me to go through this process the first time. – Flag Gal Jan 20 2011 at 3:39
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Do you take any allery meds? I know claritin D did something very similar to me. I stopped taking it and it went away.

Definitely see a doc, and make note of how any meds you take, as well as how much liquids you drink as well. Paleo is a high water diet, so if you are drinking a lot of water with it, you will definitely pee more. Lots of water in fruit and veggies.

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I would think that this could just be the end of some water retention, especially since switching to paleo usually results in a much lower salt intake. Do you drink a specific amount of water per day or just when you're thirsty? If you, for example, made yourself drink a gallon a day pre- and post-paleo switch, you'd be urinating far more afterward, one would think.

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I believe it could be caused by a low-salt diet. Salt keeps some water in the body, I believe. Frequent urination can also be caused by an increase in water consumption.

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Perhaps you have asymptomatic Chlamydia or some other similar STD?

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I started the paleo diet 3 days ago & also had a Rolfing massage yesterday & noticed increased urination. Wasn't sure which one was the cause of the increased frequency

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High nitrogen content in protien will cause frequent urination. This should get better over time.

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