This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Two hypotheses exist. Your urine might smell funky if it hangs out in your bladder for a while. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Do All People's Pee Smell After Eating Asparagus? - MedicineNet You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. When they follow up verbally--it will be verbal response--reply all on the same email chain and thank them for stopping by to confirm XYZ. smell like Several key signs and symptoms can help you identify whether youre in ketosis. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. In this day and age, urologists run blood tests, not taste tests, to check for diabetes. Morning sickness may leave you dehydrated. Tell them you are under the care of a medical doctor and if they are saying you are prohibited from using the common bathroom, you'll need that in writing on official company letterhead or email. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. PKU, short for phenylketonuria, is another inherited disorder where the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein. Maple syrup urine disease. Gail L. Nunlee-Bland, MD, chief of endocrinology and director, Diabetes Treatment Center, Howard University. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Too much of this compound can give body fluids, like urine, a rotten odor. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Genes for Smelling Asparagus Metabolites Determine Urine This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid that is present in asparagus into sulfur-containing compounds. Dr. Comiter refers to this condition as teachers bladder or truckers bladder because those are the people who tend to hold it in a lot since they dont have as much time in the day to go to the bathroom due to their hectic schedules. A quick search online will reveal several keto followers who complain about this particular effect. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. The sweetness comes from sugar in your urine and is a sign your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood. Sign up for Yahoo Lifes daily newsletter, Women who had ovarian cysts share their stories, A sugar replacement may be linked to heart attacks and strokes, but don't throw it out yet. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee Extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can give it a strong odor. This chemical on its own smells like rotten eggs, rotting fish, or garbage. All rights reserved. This issue does go away over time though. On the low carb, high fat keto diet, your body enters a state in which you burn fat for your main source of fuel rather than carbs.Learn how to. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. People often report brain fog, tiredness, and feeling sick when starting a very low carb diet. Ah, the keto diet. Employer: "OP please contact your doctor to provide us with a doctor's note so we can properly file this. 2. noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. Thank you", This! If you want a more accurate assessment, monitor ketone levels in your blood, urine, or breath every week. Ammonia occurs naturally in water, soil, and the air, and is also found naturally in plants, animals, and the human body. If its dark yellow or an amber colour, theyre probably not drinking enough water.. 9 Causes of Smelly Urineand What To Do About It - Health It doesnt mean youre unhealthy. This is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. A study using data from almost 30,000 users of 23andMe found genetic variants in olfactory receptors linked to peoples perception of this adverse taste. They can stop or slow urine flow, leading to a buildup of salt and ammonia. Urine smells like fish This article tells you how long it takes to enter. Vitamins dissolve either in fat or water before they are absorbed by your body. The good news is that these vitamin-induced urine smells are harmless, so you can keep taking your daily vitamin supplements. Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. And then theres keto diarrhea, which is about as fun as it sounds. According to some experts on the keto diet, nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketones equal to or above 0.5 millimolar (mM) (8). Metabolites: Quantitative Determination of Common Urinary Odorants and Their Glucuronide Conjugates in Human Urine., Indiana University Health: Urine Trouble If You Eat Asparagus., UnityPoint Health: What Causes Urine to Smell Bad?, CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology: Crowdsourced Asparagus Urinary Odor Population Kinetics., BMJ: Sniffing out significant Pee values: genome wide association of asparagus anosmia., Yale Medicine: 5 Ways You Could Pee Better., Family Practice: Accuracy of urinary symptoms and urine microscopy in diagnosing urinary tract infection in women., CDC: Urinary Tract Infection, Chlamydia: Treatment and Care., Kidney Health (Australia): Fact Sheet: Kidney Stones.. Pee Smell These receptors are regulated by hundreds of genes. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. A lot of people report insomnia or waking up at night when they first reduce their carbs drastically. That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. That's the odor you'll notice as the chemical leaves your body. You may need to take antibiotics to get better. Once theres a bacteria in the hospital or in the nursing home, it hangs around, says Craig Comiter, MD, a urologist for Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, CA. It was darker in colour but it didnt smell the way asparagus infused pee does. The research hypothesizes that this unexpected finding is due to a few modest women who did not want to acknowledge they could smell the stench or that the female stance during urinating makes them less likely to notice an odd odor. But that doesn't mean people aren't still experiencing some less-than-pleasant odors down there on the keto diet. Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. Talk to your doctor if it hurts to pee and you have a fever. And it's not like smelly pee will stink up your vagina. Its usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. On the other? Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says. Lycra or spandex is not very breathable, so it's better to go for cotton instead. Make sure you get some assistance.. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. The vegetable is still healthy and a good part of your diet, says Dr. Brant. Sick or elderly people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. A keto diet generally involves a major change in the foods you eat. Trimethylaminuria. That's because, like coffee, alcohol is a diuretic that makes the bacteria in urine more concentrated as you pee more and become dehydrated. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. I'm not drinking as much water because having to run home every time is a huge inconvenience as well as a huge embarrassing reminder. Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. Kidney stones. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. The other hypothesis is that everyone produces the odor, but they may not actually smell anything. Does Garlic Actually Treat Yeast Infections? Onions. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. What does pee smell like when in ketosis? - Quora Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. Many long-term keto dieters report improved brain function and more stable energy levels, likely due to the rise in ketones and more stable blood sugar levels. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. Experts think hormones may change your perception of smells. The most common ones that can be experienced for up to two years after following the keto diet, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), include: These short-term symptoms usually go away within a few days or weeks. Sometimes 2 days. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. But tbh, that's probably not what's going on here, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, a minimally invasive gynecologist in Dallas and founder of Her Viewpoint. Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. If you have more waste than water inyour urine, it can smell more strongly. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for Now, people are talking about another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet: keto crotch. But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. But, scientifically speaking, why would a diet high in fat and very low in carbs change the scent of your vagina? However, theyre not considered very reliable. Check out more body parts youre not washing the right way. A lower proportion of women were able to detect the odor, compared to men, despite women being thought to have a more keen sense of smell. Sulfa is found in some diabetes medication, antibiotics, migraine medicine, anti-inflammatories, and (quite fittingly) diuretics. Another way to measure ketosis is by testing urine for other byproducts, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate. When your ketone levels are elevated, youre considered to be in ketosis. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd, Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. Asparagus contains asparagusic acid, an odorless acid that breaks down into volatile sulfurous byproducts, Dr. Christopher Smith, associate professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. Its also packed with nutrients, including folic acid, calcium and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The only downside: Asparagus seems to cause an unpleasant smell in our urine. It has a strong odor that smells like urine or sweat. Press J to jump to the feed. Some people avoid eating cilantro because they claim it has a soapy aftertaste. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. It has been reported 62 percent of women were unable to smell the odor, whereas 58 percent of men reported being unable to smell the odor. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. And while asparagus itself doesnt have an odor, when it is digested, the sulfur bonds -- between the amino acids in If the When your body is in ketosis (a.k.a., it breaks down fat for fuel instead of carbs), it produces ketones (chemicals like acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoneyes, that last one is the same ingredient in nail polish remover). B vitamins can also make your pee look a bright greenish-yellow. It then disposes of the ketones through both exhalation and urination. Helping people with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and a number of other issues, every day. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your diet. NOT THIS YOU dont have them dead to right on this. Many creatures rely on their sense of smell to survive. Chief among these molecules is methanethiolone of the six to eight sulfur molecules researchers have identified as likely culprits of smelly asparagus pee. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Humans, on the other hand, rely heavily on their visual sense, so various mutations may have occurred in humans that degenerated the capacity to smell asparagus pee as a random error. B vitamins in your multivitamin are often the culprit of smelly urine. If the smell doesn't go back to normal a few days after quitting eating keto, that's a good sign something else might be causing it, since vaginal pH should return to normal after going back to your typical diet, notes Rosser. These side effects are natural. Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. You may go to the bathroom a lot if you have a UTI. According to data, 40 percent of subjects firmly believed that they could detect a distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, whereas 60 percent could not and were labeled asparagus anosmic. It's also a genetic thing -- not everyone who eats asparagus pees out that funky stench, and not everyone can smell it, although it's more common than not. But the food isnt the only one to cause a switch in urine odor, Dr. Movassaghi says. In most cases, a strong urine smell is caused by your food or is a sign that youneed more fluids. How To Prevent an Unpleasant Vaginal Odor, Keto Breath Is a Common Problem for Low-carb Dieters, Why Does Sex Have a Smell? This may further increase focus and improve brain function (20, 21). If you follow keto and start noticing that your vagina smells bad, consider checking in with your OB-GYN. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. Although the correlation isn't strong or that widely understood, Dr. Ellerkmann says taking a medication that contains sulfa might make your pee smell funky. Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. There are hills to die on, and this ain't one of 'em. Hundreds of variants in the DNA sequence across multiple genes involved in sense of smell are strongly associated with the ability to detect asparagus metabolites in urine. What supplements should we really be taking? This one's also a rare genetic disorder, but for those afflicted, the odor can also impact breath and sweat, according to Dr. Ellerkmann, so it's hard to get away from. If this sounds horrible, it is. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. The only thing you should be using to cleanse your vaginal area is water. Watch out for these clear signs youre not eating enough vegetables. Fun! Cleveland Clinic: Urine Smell: What Does It Mean?, Colorado State University: Water-Soluble Vitamins: B-Complex and Vitamin C 9.312., Journal of the American Medical Directors Association: Cloudy, Foul Smelling Urine Not a Criteria for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Older Adults., Mayo Clinic: Diabetic ketoacidosis. Urinary tract infection (UTI), Urine odor., Merck Manual Consumer Version: Tyrosinemia., Metabolites: Quantitative Determination of Common Urinary Odorants and Their Glucuronide Conjugates in Human Urine., National Health Service: Kidney stones, Smelly urine., National Organization for Rare Disorders: Maple Syrup Urine Disease., Pacific Mens Health: Men's Health 6 Reasons Your Pee Stinks., U.S National Library of Medicine: Trimethylaminuria.. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Learn these things your poop can teach about your health. The human nose has about 10 million olfactory receptors that determine how you perceive smells. Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Next, discover the bathroom mistakes you never knew you made. You know what your pee should smell like -- you experience it anywhere from six to eight times a day -- so an unfamiliar scent might be a sign that something is awry; a warning message flowing from your body to the toilet. You may end up having the keto flu, which is basically a bunch of flu-like symptoms that often appear at the beginning of the keto diet. Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. It's a metabolic disorder in which your body can't break down trimethylamine, a compound that gets synthesized by bacteria in your gut when you eat foods high in choline and carnitine, like eggs and red meat. When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. health & living health center/do all people's pee smell after eating asparagus article. Some people can smell the characteristic odor that asparagus gives to their urine, while others cannot. Wearing breathable fabrics can also help prevent unwanted moisture and scents from building up. But if you notice a rash down there and its not going away, its time to call your doctor, as you could be experiencing a yeast infection, STD, or other skin condition. It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. When followed correctly, this low carb, high fat diet will raise your blood levels of ketones. Ultimately, if you are following the guidelines of a keto diet and staying consistent, you should be in some form of ketosis. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. Urine Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle dehydrated. What is the link between genetics and asparagus pee? You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, F/65/5'8" SD:1/18 SW:170ish CW:130ish Goal:healthy/happy/wellfed. Medications. The short-term side effects of a keto diet are better known. Maxine Yeung is a registered dietitian and personal trainer. We recommend our users to update the browser. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. Asparagus is the perfect springtime vegetable. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. And consider speaking to a doctor or nutritionist you trust about whether keto is a good fit for your health and lifestyleand definitely chat them up about any questionable symptoms you experience if and when you do. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. The 18th century French botanist Louis Lmery wrote that asparagus causes "a filthy and disagreeable smell in the urine, as everybody knows." Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. But, it's important not to overdo it by washing excessively or using scented products like perfumes, powders, and deodorant sprays. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. If you swear that you've never smelled what's colloquially known as asparagus pee, it is because you lack the ability to recognize the stench. Asparagusic acid is broken into volatile compounds that are discharged through the urine. You may notice the smell as the fluid mixes with your pee. Overconsumption of coffee not only makes you wired; it could make your urine smell like a venti latte. The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. The group of peeps who have experienced smelling an off scent down below seems to be pretty large, at least on the Internet. In this condition, your body cant break down acompound called trimethylamine. The symptoms resemble those of the actual flu, but with a different cause. Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning (14). I have to think happy thoughts during squats," another woman posted on Reddit. Since women are generally better able to detect smells, its possible some women were either too polite to mention the smell or didnt pick up on it due to their position while peeing. You dont need to say anything about being under medical care. Couple that with the fact that a lot of people on keto tend to use artificial sweeteners, which also can cause stomach issues, and you might set yourself up for some serious bathroom sprints. Douching can open you up to a whole host of other issues and increase your risk of infection.) Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic "One type of ketone, acetone, is an ingredient in some nail polish removers, which is why your breath may smell like this familiar scent," said Cynthia Sass, RD, Health contributing nutrition editor. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. Like any other body part, your vagina needs to be kept clean. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for weight loss (4, 5). Onewarning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. I now dread coming in. One small yet famous study found that athletes who had switched to a keto diet burned as much as 230% more fat when they exercised compared to athletes who werent following this diet (23). Pee Smell About one-third of women over the age of 65 can have bacteria in the urine on and off, says Dr. Comiter. When you start a low carb diet, your body must adapt to burning more fat for fuel instead of carbs. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, blood in your pee, or if youre in a lot of pain. If youre prone to infections or bacteria, then the bacteria will grow and grow until you pee them out, says Dr. Comiter. pee smell Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage. Things That Can Affect the Smell of Your Pee - WebMD He says that one cannot prevent the breakdown of asparagusic acid if they have the enzymes present in their body.. More: 4 asparagus side dishes in under 30 minutes. And if you've been swimming or wading in a river, lake, or chlorinated pool, it can also help to shower or rinse off after you've been in water. The reasons why this happens are still being investigated. Asparagus pee is not the only aroma that causes anosmia in some people. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. There are many fast food options available that are low in carbs. Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. A keto diet induces ketosis which is a metabolic state where your body uses fat for energy, says Dr. Kielb.During this state, your urine and breath may both have an odour. This high-fat, low-carb eating plan has its fansand detractors. People should strive to have urine thats a light yellow colour, says William Brant, MD, a urologist at the University of Utah Health Care in Salt Lake City, UT. Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? - Healthline So can vitamin B-6 supplements. WebThis smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. Some people are hypersensitive (or hyposensitive) to androstenone, a component of sweat. The culprit of that asparagus pee smell is a particular sulfur compound found only in that vegetable. Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. But while theres no direct link, going keto could potentially have an indirect effect on whether you develop a rash. People who use catheters and urine drainage bags may complain of a stinky urine odour in their bags. These products may raise your blood sugar levels and reduce your ketone levels. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And remember to be gentle when washing this sensitive area. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour. This odor has become so well known that post-consumption urine is now often referred to as asparagus pee.. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.