It's pretty rare, and since it's genetic you'll see it in infants and other young kids. Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. 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.
Weird Reasons Your Pee Smells Funny | Reader's Digest Canada You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. What is asparagus pee? Its not dangerous at all. Gail L. Nunlee-Bland, MD, chief of endocrinology and director, Diabetes Treatment Center, Howard University. A problem with your liver can make yourskin and eyes yellow and your urine dark and smelly. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. 2023 Readers Digest Magazines Ltd. - All rights reserved, Photo: Dutourdumonde Photography/Shutterstock, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). You may need to get the stones taken out at a hospital. Does Tiger urine smell like popcorn? This smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. But it doesnt represent a risky infection because its just bacteria that flourishes in the urine and then disappears. If you experience other symptoms like a burning sensation while peeing or a fever, see a doctor. Discover signs and symptoms of ketosis, like changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. It may smell like cabbage. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Bacterial infections like chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. 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. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Asking yourself, Why does my pee smell? The release of ketones might also result in keto crotch, but it's never been researched. Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. Doing so may increase your risk of digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. Terms of Use. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's actually an inflammatory disease called prurigo pigmentosa thats often characterized by red, itchy bumps on the neck, back, and stomachand the keto diet can potentially trigger it. 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. The Ketogenic Diet is a low carbohydrate method of eating. Keto flu, keto breath, keto diarrheait's no secret the keto diet comes with side effects. When you enter a state of ketosis, usually by purposely forgoing almost all carbs and going on a keto diet, your body releases ketones as it burns fat for fuel. Yes. When in ketosis, your body converts the fatty acids into chemicals called ketones. They may give you antibiotics, special soap, or suggest eating certain foods. Tbh, tons of totally harmless reasons could explain this. There are many fast food options available that are low in carbs. Sick or elderly people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. Foods. Ah, the keto diet. And remember to be gentle when washing this sensitive area. Why Does My Urine Smell Strong Like Ammonia. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. When enzymes in the human digestive tract break down the asparagusic acid thats naturally present in the vegetable, these volatile compounds are created. Regardless of whether you prefer the green, purple or white variety, asparagus provides a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and its consumption as part of a healthy diet may reduce risk of cancer and cardiovascular-related diseases. Nearly two weeks before being Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. If you need to go, let it flow. Your food, vitamins, and medications are the most common cause of a badurine smell. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, blood in your pee, or if youre in a lot of pain. It's true that if your vaginal pH is thrown off, you're at a higher risk for developing bacterial vaginosis (an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina), which can have a funky odor, said Dr. Streicher. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. Most importantly, dont make the mistake of eating a diet that lacks diversity. Dr. Ellerkmann has described it as smelling like maple syrup, burned sugar, or malt. Several key signs and symptoms can help you identify whether youre in ketosis.
Is Keto Crotch Real? Doctors Explain The Keto Diet Side Effect That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee - The Conversation You could just be super sensitive to scents. The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath (3). This includes an initial decrease in exercise performance. That's also why your pee becomes dark and bad-smelling, she adds, because as your body gets dehydrated from drinking too much coffee, the bacteria become more concentrated in your waste. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. And that means that even if your pee is the same, it may seem like the odor is weird or more intense. According to some experts on the keto diet, nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketones equal to or above 0.5 millimolar (mM) (8). Leslie, S.W., Sajjad, H., Nazzal, L. Renal Calculi (Cystinuria, Cystine Stones). StatPearls Publishing, 2020. Tyrosinemia. 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.
Why does your pee smell after eating asparagus? Experts This issue does go away over time though. "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. WebNo one really pays that much attention during a quick bathroom break. And in the meantime, invest in some Poo-Pourri. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. They can also make infections more likely. 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. Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. Water-soluble vitamins are excreted into your urine, Dr. Kielb says. So can vitamin B-6 supplements. No matter how funky your mid-morning pee smells, coffee is totally worth it. Theres also another condition called asymptomatic bacteria that can cause your pee to smell but doesnt necessarily mean you have a UTI. B vitamins can also make your pee look a bright greenish-yellow. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. However, send an email with your understanding of the situation. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. But the food isnt the only one to cause a switch in urine odor, Dr. Movassaghi says. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too. Next, discover the bathroom mistakes you never knew you made. The sweet smell is from ketonuria, or a buildup of ketones. They say their vagina has a more pungent smell since they've gone keto. Too much of this compound can give body fluids, like urine, a rotten odor. On the other? Though most everyone probably produces the scent to some degree, it seems not everyones noses pick up on it. Tell your doctor right away if you vomit, have trouble breathing, or feel confused. You might get this kind of fistula if you have cancer or an inflammatory condition, like Crohns disease or diverticulitis. But, because your body produces more of them on the keto diet, the excess can make your poop, pee, and breath a little more smelly (again, like nail polish remover). Other foods, including Brussels sprouts, onions, cabbage, and turnips can also make your pee smell funky because of a metabolic byproduct called methyl mercaptan, a gas with a putrid, sulfurous smell that emerges when your body breaks down these vegetables. The culprit of that asparagus pee smell is a particular sulfur compound found only in that vegetable. There are rare conditions that create a rotten Hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver), Hypoproteinemia (deficient levels of protein in the blood). This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. Some women on Reddit have reported the smell going away after a while, while others said it persisted. "Anecdotally, there have been a lot of reports over the years that diet can influence vaginal odor, but it's never been studied.". A fistula is an extra opening that forms between two organs. Staying in the metabolic state of ketosis on a low carb keto diet requires reducing sugar consumption. Medications. If anything, it's something to be aware of if you notice a change in pee smell with no other explanation. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. The rest are unaware of the smell. 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. Vaginal odor can be caused by these other factors as well: If changes in vaginal odor are accompanied by itching, burning, redness, or swelling, you'll want to see your healthcare provider to nail down the exact cause. Its just the nature of an unsterile urine specimen. He suggests dropping an aspirin in the bag because salicylic acid neutralizes and banishes the bad smell. Sometimes, unusual urine Two studies have shown that people who are unable to smell the odor in their own urine also dont detect it in the urine of known producers. All rights reserved. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine; however, not everyone can smell it. Unfortunately no, according to Smith. As you progress into a keto diet, youll start to burn fat and ketones as your main fuel sources. Thats why its always a good idea to remind kids to take bathroom breaks. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine. According to Smith, the odor can begin as early as 15 minutes after ingestion and last up to 14 hours. But the exact compound or how many are causing it is still unknown. 13. If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says.
Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. Amy Krambeck, MD, Michael O. Koch professor of urology, Indiana University School of Medicine. 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. Here are the vitamins and supplements doctors take every day. 7 Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy As You Age. 2. A change in vaginal smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or an STD. 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. 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.. 8 Things That Can Cause Odor, 5 Things That Can Change the Way Your Vagina Smells, Assessing Vaginal Health: 5 Clues From Your Vagina, Keto Flu Explained: Why Low-Carb Diets Can Make You Feel Sick and Tired, How to Start the Keto Dietand Ways to Stick With It. Another way to measure ketosis is by testing urine for other byproducts, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate. The other hypothesis is that everyone produces the odor, but they may not actually smell anything. The use of acetone breath analyzers has been shown to be fairly accurate, though less accurate than the blood monitor method (10). Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited condition in which the body can't break down certain amino acids properly, and creates a sweet smell in the urine. The odor is caused by the buildup and release of toxins in your urine. This unpleasant smell is from the buildup of phenylalanine in the body, and if untreated, could lead to serious health complications such as intellectual disability, seizures, and brain damage. 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.
By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Benefits, Downsides, and More, 12 Fast Foods You Can Eat on a Low Carb Diet, The Keto Flu: Symptoms and How to Get Rid of It, Nutritionists Put Mediterranean, DASH, and Flex Diets at the Top of Their List Once Again, The 6 Best Sweeteners on a Low Carb Keto Diet (And 6 to Avoid). More research still needs to be done on metabolism and genetics to determine exact causes of these differences. Some antibiotics are made from mold and can make your urine smell yeasty. Electrolytes are often lost because of the rapid reduction in your bodys water content and the elimination of processed foods that may contain added salt (2). "Too much coffee will make your urine concentrated, and hence will impart a foul odor to your urine," internist Dr. Aditi Gupta, head of the doctor's panel at JustDoc, says. Or your genitals may itch, and it might burn when you pee. Come along for the ride! Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. The ketone acetone is partly expelled via your breath. It monitors acetone, one of the three main ketones in your blood during ketosis (3). Coffee contains caffeol, the fragrant oil you smell after it's brewed, which you smell again when you pee it out, especially if you've downed a lot of it. .
smell like But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. It means they dont have the right enzyme to break down the amino acid tyrosine. 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.. People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. The rest are unaware of the smell.
What does pee smell like when in ketosis? - Quora Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. Like Brussels sprouts, methyl mercaptan occurs naturally in the vegetable. The meter measures your ketone levels by calculating the amount of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in your blood. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage. Changes in diet can lead to potential changes in vaginal health, which could mean more rashes, says Dr. Shepherd. I'm five weeks on keto and I work in a leasing office. This odor has become so well known that post Your pee or breath may smell fruity if you dont treat high blood sugar. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). These receptors are regulated by hundreds of genes. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Medicines for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also can affect the way your pee smells. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. "I've been on the diet for about a month and a half now and I've noticed that my vaginal odors have gotten MUCH stronger(It smells like a mix between urine and dischargeI'm not exactly sure how vaginas are 'supposed' to smell like. I'm so glad to know im not crazy.
Genes for Smelling Asparagus Metabolites Determine Urine But theres no particular reason the keto diet would cause you to break out only around your crotchat least, none that the scientific community has found a direct link to, says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Like not a nasty infectious smell, just like a stronger natural smell? If you really cant take the smell, then Smith recommends either eating less asparagus or drinking plenty of water to try to dilute your urine and therefore the smell. Bad bacteria that snuck its way into your bladder through your urethra often causes these strange odorous smells. Some people have a mutation in one of these genes, which alters the receptor's capacity to respond to the chemical that causes pee to smell funny. Some people are hypersensitive (or hyposensitive) to androstenone, a component of sweat. However, theyre not considered very reliable. And it's not like smelly pee will stink up your vagina. During the metabolism of asparagus, sulfur compounds in the asparagus are eliminated from the body through urine, which results in the pungent smell of urine. Your pee smells funny (think old and smelly) when you frequently hold it in throughout the day. 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.