Theyll need to follow a special diet. 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. Asparagus anosmia specifically is caused by a genetic variation that alters olfactory (re: smell) receptors so you're unable to perceive the sulfuric odor, explains Ehsani. Make sure you get some assistance.. 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. It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. If foods are responsible, the smell should go away after a few hours. We recommend our users to update the browser. 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.. But don't let this freak you out too much -- PKU is usually diagnosed in infancy, so if you haven't developed it yet, you're probably good. Next, discover the bathroom mistakes you never knew you made. Asparagus is notorious for making urine smelly. But a lack of fluids does raise your chances of getting kidney stones and urinary tract infections. If you mess with the acidity, things dont work out very well. The lesson here is to just leave your vagina alone. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. 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). If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. If you get one between your bladder and bowels, poop or gas may come out when you pee. If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. But while theres no direct link, going keto could potentially have an indirect effect on whether you develop a rash. Douching can open you up to a whole host of other issues and increase your risk of infection.) Your urine can get super concentrated and take on a pungent urine smell similar to ammonia if you dont drink the recommended seven to eight glasses of water a day. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. It doesnt mean youre unhealthy. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? But your doctor can help you manage the smell. A small 2010 study showed that about 8% of people have none or only small amounts of enzyme to break down asparagusic acid. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. I have to think happy thoughts during squats," another woman posted on Reddit. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. Its usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for weight loss (4, 5). Amy Krambeck, MD, Michael O. Koch professor of urology, Indiana University School of Medicine. Why Do I Feel So Crappy On The Keto Diet? A keto diet can significantly reduce appetite and hunger. Onions make you cry, and they also make your urine stinky. The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. Yes, there's actually a disease for your pee named after the sweet breakfast condiment. You can also use special indicator strips to measure the presence of ketones in your urine daily. If you want a more accurate assessment, monitor ketone levels in your blood, urine, or breath every week. Like not a nasty infectious smell, just like a stronger natural smell? However, theyre not as accurate as a blood monitor. 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. If you have this condition, your urine might just smell like regular ol' pee (to you, at least) even if your urine contains post-asparagus sulfuric compounds. That's because, like coffee, alcohol is a diuretic that makes the bacteria in urine more concentrated as you pee more and become dehydrated. Ketones can give your urine a sulfur smell.. "If PKU is untreated, or if foods containing phenylalanine are eaten, the breath, skin, ear wax, and urine may have a 'mousy or 'musty' odor," Dr. Ellerkmann says. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. It then disposes of the ketones through both exhalation and urination. 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. "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. Go see your doctor right away. But, scientifically speaking, why would a diet high in fat and very low in carbs change the scent of your vagina? On the other? Researchers are skeptical of this finding because women are known to detect odors more precisely and consistently than men. It was like a light switched one day I couldnt smell it, next time I ate asparagus the strong smell was there. Sick or elderly people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. Foods that convert tosulfur compounds in your body can make your urine smell rotten. 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). You may need to get the stones taken out at a hospital. Her areas of expertise include fibroids, irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, infertility and menopause. If youre female, it may happen after you give birth or have a certain kind of operation. 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. This includes an initial decrease in exercise performance. If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. They can be a quick and cheap method to assess your ketone levels each day. Heres everything men need to know about bladder leakage. You end up getting rid of the compound through your pee, sweat, breath, and other fluids. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. 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. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for PKU, short for phenylketonuria, is another inherited disorder where the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein. Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. Two hypotheses exist. Were talking headaches, fatigue, body aches, dizziness, and nausea. WebNo one really pays that much attention during a quick bathroom break. Come along for the ride! I'm five weeks on keto and I work in a leasing office. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. And then theres keto diarrhea, which is about as fun as it sounds. And it's not like smelly pee will stink up your vagina. Does Tiger urine smell like popcorn? Although, many do not consider doing this just for the sake of smelly urine. Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. 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. WebWhat does ammonia smell like? If you feel full and dont need to eat as often as before, then you may be in ketosis. What is asparagus pee? If youre holding on to it, you will get extra pungent urine.. When voided from the body, they become foul-smelling gas, wafting up from your asparagus pee. But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. The more fat your body burns in ketosis, the more ketones, like acetone, your body produces as byproducts. Drinkinglots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear. No matter how funky your mid-morning pee smells, coffee is totally worth it. Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. These foods also produce methyl mercaptan, a gas that has a rotten cabbage odor and is released when peeing and breathing. If your baby has the disease, you may notice this syrupy odor a day or two after theyre born. The most reliable and accurate method of measuring ketosis is to measure your blood ketone levels using a specialized meter. Its not dangerous at all. If you have kidney failure, you may smell a lot of ammonia when you go to the bathroom. If youre prone to infections or bacteria, then the bacteria will grow and grow until you pee them out, says Dr. Comiter. Sarah Coseo Markt receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. All rights reserved. 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. 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). But if the smell persists or you start to notice other symptoms like itchiness, burning, and abnormal discharge, its time to see your doctor. If you notice your pee is smelling really foul (not just strong, like when you're a little dehydrated), it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, says Dr. Mark Ellerkmann, director of urogynecology at the Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine in Baltimore. 7 Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy As You Age. More: 4 asparagus side dishes in under 30 minutes. It goes from being mild and lovely to being forceful and pretty terrible. When your body isnt getting the glucose it needs for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. You may need to take antibiotics to get better. Many people on keto and similar diets, like the Atkins diet, report that their breath takes on an unusual, fruity smell. Health posed that question to an OB-GYN, who said keto crotch has never been scientifically investigated. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Theyre responsible for most of the unique health benefits of the keto diet. Tyrosinemia. Medicines for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also can affect the way your pee smells. Water-soluble vitamins are excreted into your urine, Dr. Kielb says. Asparagusic acid is broken into volatile compounds that are discharged through the urine. If your pee smells funny in a very distinct way, its time to drink up. Youll need another kind of medicine for viral infections. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Asparagus is the perfect springtime vegetable. It's probably best to discuss with your doctor to see how best to manage it. Thank you", This! An also take some bathroom spray with you/ spray before you go- it creates a film that traps odors. It just absolutely shifted my whole mood for my job. While youre in there, you might get a whiff of something that doesnt smell good. Sometimes, unusual urine Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. As trimethylamine collects in your body, your sweat, breath, and urine will smell rotten or fishy. On one hand, it's helped tons of people lose weight. Keto (low-to-no carb, high-fat, protein-heavy diets) are all the rage for weight loss. 'I Lost 50 Lbs. Hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver), Hypoproteinemia (deficient levels of protein in the blood). Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. 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. 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. If the 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. See additional information. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. So while plenty of people are sure the keto diet is the cause of their odorous vagina, no science yet supports this. B vitamins can also make your pee look a bright greenish-yellow. 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. But it can also be normal if eating this vegetable doesn't change the smell of your pee. Renita White, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia. And prenatal vitamins might change the way your pee smells. Here are the biggest culprits of why you're stinking up the toilet bowl. You may lose a noticeable amount of weight as early as your first week on the keto diet. On a keto diet, your body undergoes many biological adaptations. Garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, for example, all break down into sulfur compounds when digested. It means they dont have the right enzyme to break down the amino acid tyrosine. You may notice the smell as the fluid mixes with your pee. However, not everyone can smell it. The main downside of this test method is that it requires pricking your finger to draw blood. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Washing inside of it could upset the balance of good and bad bacteria. And while asparagus itself doesnt have an odor, when it is digested, the sulfur bonds -- between the amino acids in 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. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. So keto rash is a real thing. Here are 10 common signs and symptoms of ketosis, both positive and negative. Your body gets rid of nutrients you dont need through peeing. Some of the common ones are: Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, and salmon. In this condition, your body cant break down acompound called trimethylamine. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. The rest are unaware of the smell. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. Asparagus pee is not the only aroma that causes anosmia in some people. Your pee smells funny (think old and smelly) when you frequently hold it in throughout the day. 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. Most everyone knows about asparagus pee, but there are some other foods and medications that can also change the odor of the urine. Overconsumption of coffee not only makes you wired; it could make your urine smell like a venti latte. Initially, you may suffer from tiredness and low energy. Nearly two weeks before being called in the office. 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. 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). 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. Fruity-smelling urine can be a sign of other diseases and complications. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University. Urine is mostly waste products and water and normally has a mild smell and a light yellow color. Asparagus pee is something that cannot be controlled by anyone. Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think. The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. Here are the 6 best sweeteners for a keto diet. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. There are many fast food options available that are low in carbs. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. The short-term side effects of a keto diet are better known. That doesnt mean youre unhealthy. However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. Dont miss the 13 sexual health tips your urologist wants you to know. 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. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. 13. How long does it take to go away? Bacterial infections like chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. You dont need to say anything about being under medical care. OtherUTI symptoms include: Liver disease. Scientists believe the odor in question is due to two chemicals: methanethiol and S-methyl thioester. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. What is the role of sex in smelling asparagus pee? A healthy vaginal pH is acidicbetween 3.8 and 4.5and foods like onions, garlic, red meat, dairy, asparagus, broccoli, alcohol, and fruit can all affect the natural balance youve got going on, Mary Rosser, MD, PhD, ob-gyn at Montefiore Medical Center in New York previously told Women's Health. Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning (14). As excess sugar spills into your urine, it creates a sweet, sugary smell (and taste), explains Stephanie J. Kielb, MD, an associate Professor of Urology, Medical Education and Obstetrics and Gynecology (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology) at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. In general, you can expect the keto flu to last anywhere from 24 hours to up to two weeks, as your body adjusts to being in ketosis. As you pee, these aspargusic acid-turned sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to smell that distinctive asparagus pee scent.