Not only does this give your urine a strange multivitamin pill odour, but it can also turn your urine a fluorescent green or greenish-yellow hue. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Yes, volunteers sniffed samples of other peoples asparagus pee. Washing inside of it could upset the balance of good and bad bacteria. "Breaking the seal" isn't a thing, but drinking alcohol definitely makes you have to pee more. Wine and Cheeseburger: Harley and Lara Pair Falafel with Wine. However, this particular side effect of eating asparagus doesnt happen to everyone, and some Theyre responsible for most of the unique health benefits of the keto diet. Some of these issues should subside after the transition period, but it may be important to be mindful of different foods that may be causing digestive issues. The symptoms resemble those of the actual flu, but with a different cause. Webketo crotch and the office. Although, many do not consider doing this just for the sake of smelly urine. However, they tend to improve again after the initial adaptation phase is over. 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. When adding these supplements, make sure to include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Or it could just be something you ate. Sometimes 2 days. It affects babies and children. If its dark yellow or an amber colour, theyre probably not drinking enough water.. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. Studies report that 22 to 50 percent of the population have smelly urine following consumption of asparagus. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. These side effects are natural. 'I Lost 50 Lbs. If cystine is in your urine, it may smell like rotten eggs. In most cases, a strong urine smell is caused by your food or is a sign that youneed more fluids. Sulfur, in general, is not very pleasant to smell, notes Dr. Bobart. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If anything, it's something to be aware of if you notice a change in pee smell with no other explanation. 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. . If you have kidney failure, you may smell a lot of ammonia when you go to the bathroom. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. 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. 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. These receptors are regulated by hundreds of genes. If you notice a new or strange scent, talk to your doctor. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. 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.. A lot of people report insomnia or waking up at night when they first reduce their carbs drastically. Weight loss. It turns out there are lots of things that affect the smell of your pee. Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think. You may not have other symptoms. The culprit of that asparagus pee smell is a particular sulfur compound found only in that vegetable. These include: Vitamins. These compounds are passed into the urine, giving it a peculiar smell. Asparagus isnt the only food that has genetically linked controversial smell or taste effects. Too much of this compound can give body fluids, like urine, a rotten odor. The Ayurvedic diet is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing different types of energy within your body. I'm eating leafy greens. To make one thing super-clear first, there's no research confirming that keto crotch is, in fact, a legit side effect of the keto diet. "Alcohol ferments and causes the odor of the urine to be like rotting greens," Dr. Gupta says. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. So keto rash is a real thing. Onewarning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. You can also use special indicator strips to measure the presence of ketones in your urine daily. If your pee smells funny in a very distinct way, its time to drink up. The only thing you should be using to cleanse your vaginal area is water. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Initially, you may suffer from tiredness and low energy. Hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver), Hypoproteinemia (deficient levels of protein in the blood). 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. Treatment for an unusual urine smell depends on the cause. However, not everyone can smell it. In addition to having an unfamiliar smell down there, some women are also reporting that theyve noticed a rash in their crotch area on the keto diet (fun!). 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. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath (3). Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. 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. 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. Maxine Yeung is a registered dietitian and personal trainer. Skip the medical care point. That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. Your food, vitamins, and medications are the most common cause of a badurine smell. The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. 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. A small 2010 study showed that about 8% of people have none or only small amounts of enzyme to break down asparagusic acid. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Ketones are an extremely potent fuel source for your brain. Douching with fluids or chemicals will kill the good bacteria and allow bad bacteria to move in instead. Asparagus is notorious for making urine smelly. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). Nearly two weeks before being called in the office. If asparagus is on the menu, it may rear its ugly smell as early as a mid-meal bathroom break. This is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. In this condition, your body cant break down acompound called trimethylamine. It causes strong or sweet urine. Surgery can fix fistulas. Experts think hormones may change your perception of smells. If you get one between your bladder and bowels, poop or gas may come out when you pee. This includes a reduction in insulin levels and the increased breakdown of fat (1, 2). There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for It monitors acetone, one of the three main ketones in your blood during ketosis (3). There are hills to die on, and this ain't one of 'em. Trimethylaminuria. As discussed above, removing carbs can lead to general tiredness at first. "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. WebWhat does ammonia smell like? If things just smell off, go see a doctor ASAP to make sure everything's OK. Pissing sugar may sound like an amusing Southern expression, but it could be a sign of diabetes. If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. Two hypotheses exist. Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. What is asparagus pee? 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. When this happens, your liver starts producing high numbers of ketones to supply energy for your brain. Foods. Leslie, S.W., Sajjad, H., Nazzal, L. Renal Calculi (Cystinuria, Cystine Stones). StatPearls Publishing, 2020. You may go to the bathroom a lot if you have a UTI. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid that is present in asparagus into sulfur-containing compounds. Asparagus pee is something that cannot be controlled by anyone. If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid There are 3 types of tyrosinemia, which cause problems breaking down theamino acid tyrosine. If you cant, thats called asparagus anosmia. 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.. Does Garlic Actually Treat Yeast Infections? Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). But it can also be normal if eating this vegetable doesn't change the smell of your pee. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. Why Do I Feel So Crappy On The Keto Diet? Any diet can change your vaginal pH, Dr. Shepherd says, which can then change the odor a bit. Pregnancy also raises your chances of urinary tract infections and ketonuria. But a lack of fluids does raise your chances of getting kidney stones and urinary tract infections. And if you're a type 1 or type 2 diabetic who takes insulin, ketones could also affect your urine if your insulin levels are off, and there's not enough glucose for your body to use, Dr. Ellerkmann explains. Ketones are chemical byproducts that provide a new fuel source for your cells. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. A different Reddit user agreed, responding: "Oh boy, yes. They can tell you if its normal. 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. One big issue for many keto dieters is sleep, especially when they first change their diet (14). The ketone acetone is partly expelled via your breath. This will pass once your body becomes adapted to running on fat and ketones. If your toilet bowl smells like a fish market gone bad, it could be trimethylaminuria (try saying that three times fast, or just one time, slow). According to one study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism in November 2016, these urine markers are highest in the morning and after dinner. Not everybody, Louis. Either way, you need to get it looked at. 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. Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle dehydrated. Poor sleep and insomnia are common symptoms during the initial stages of ketosis. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. 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). How dehydrated you are can not only change its color, but also create a much more pungent smell, as can dietary choices and medical conditions. But the food isnt the only one to cause a switch in urine odor, Dr. Movassaghi says. "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. 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. Keto flu, keto breath, keto diarrheait's no secret the keto diet comes with side effects. Researchers are skeptical of this finding because women are known to detect odors more precisely and consistently than men. No matter how funky your mid-morning pee smells, coffee is totally worth it. They say their vagina has a more pungent smell since they've gone keto. According to some experts on the keto diet, nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketones equal to or above 0.5 millimolar (mM) (8). "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. Fruity-smelling urine can be a sign of other diseases and complications. They may give you antibiotics, special soap, or suggest eating certain foods. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. Mayo Clinic: Hyperglycemia in diabetes, Strong-smelling Urine Not Necessarily Cause for Concern., American Family Physician: Urinalysis: A Comprehensive Review., American Diabetes Association: DKA (Ketoacidosis) & Ketones., Nutrition & Metabolism: Branched-chain amino acids in health and disease: metabolism, alterations in blood plasma, and as supplements., National Organization for Rare Disorders: Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Tyrosinemia Type 1, Trimethylaminuria., MIT Medical: Ask Lucy: Could it B-vitamins?, Harvard Health Publishing: Urine color and odor changes., Frontiers in Psychology: Pregnancy and olfaction: a review., British Journal of General Practice: A nose for trouble., Urology Care Foundation: What is a Bladder Fistula?. 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. The inability to smell this asparagus pee is an example of. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. When these build up in your blood, a compound called abranched-chain alpha-keto acid shows up in your urine and makes it, along with your earwax, smell like maple syrup. People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. Wearing breathable fabrics can also help prevent unwanted moisture and scents from building up. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. Theyll need to follow a special diet. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your diet. Ammonia (NH 3) is a colorless gas that is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. A quick search online will reveal several keto followers who complain about this particular effect. 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. If there is such a thing, that is. Here is everything you need to know about these. With Walk At Home And MIRROR', This Mom Lost 95 Lbs. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. It can cause bad or fruity-smelling breath for people on a keto diet. The short-term side effects of a keto diet are better known. Initially used to treat epilepsy in children in 1921, this high-fat, very low-carb diet grew to become a tool for weight loss, according to the National Library of Medicine's StatPearls. An also take some bathroom spray with you/ spray before you go- it creates a film that traps odors. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning (14). If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. It may smell like cabbage. If you need to go, let it flow. If you have more waste than water inyour urine, it can smell more strongly. If youre prone to infections or bacteria, then the bacteria will grow and grow until you pee them out, says Dr. Comiter. If they are really that stupid to go that far, you'll at least have them dead to rights if you do decide to get an attorney. So why do only some people seem to experience this strong odor after eating asparagus? Go see your doctor right away. However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. Many long-term keto dieters claim that they sleep better than before after adapting to the diet (25). What is the link between genetics and asparagus pee? Garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, for example, all break down into sulfur compounds when digested. Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. That's because, like coffee, alcohol is a diuretic that makes the bacteria in urine more concentrated as you pee more and become dehydrated. A keto diet can significantly reduce appetite and hunger. With WW And Walking, How To Lose Weight Fast Safely And Naturally. You could have a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. The study looked at nearly 7,000 European American participants and found that about 62% of women and 58% of men had asparagus anosmia, a genetic modification that means they could not perceive or smell the noxious urine, notes Smith. Lastly, theres the controversy. 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. You may lose a noticeable amount of weight as early as your first week on the keto diet. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, blood in your pee, or if youre in a lot of pain. 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. Theyre commonly used to treat UTIs and other infections. These chemicals just happen to be things that we react to. Try drinking more water to mute the smell of your urine. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. Research Scientist in Epidemiology, T.H. Fruits and vegetables can help hydrate you, too. It also has its own odor profile that creates that familiar beer-pee smell. Were talking headaches, fatigue, body aches, dizziness, and nausea. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. I'm so glad to know im not crazy. Keto (low-to-no carb, high-fat, protein-heavy diets) are all the rage for weight loss. Thats why its always a good idea to remind kids to take bathroom breaks. Im sorry they handled this so poorly, truly. 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. This may further increase focus and improve brain function (20, 21). Asking yourself, Why does my pee smell? 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. Tyrosinemia is treated with medicine and a low-tyrosine diet. They can be a quick and cheap method to assess your ketone levels each day. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. I have no idea! 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. Fun! When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. The ketones themselves may also affect your brain, helping to reduce appetite (12) (13). Bad breath is actually a common side effect of reaching full ketosis. Ultimately, if you are following the guidelines of a keto diet and staying consistent, you should be in some form of ketosis. What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. This process, the goal of a keto diet, is called ketosis. 7 Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy As You Age. It doesnt mean youre unhealthy. The good news is that these vitamin-induced urine smells are harmless, so you can keep taking your daily vitamin supplements. And that means that even if your pee is the same, it may seem like the odor is weird or more intense. And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This issue does go away over time though. When followed correctly, this low carb, high fat diet will raise your blood levels of ketones. See additional information. 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. Amy Krambeck, MD, Michael O. Koch professor of urology, Indiana University School of Medicine. They can stop or slow urine flow, leading to a buildup of salt and ammonia. Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. More: 4 asparagus side dishes in under 30 minutes. Now, people are talking about another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet: keto crotch. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. 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. Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. Asparagusic acid is broken into volatile compounds that are discharged through the urine. The enzymatic process breaks down distinct chemicals as your body digests meals. When voided from the body, they become foul-smelling gas, wafting up from your asparagus pee. Your doctor can help you figure out ways to manage your childs condition. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. PKU, short for phenylketonuria, is another inherited disorder where the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein. As trimethylamine collects in your body, your sweat, breath, and urine will smell rotten or fishy. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? The stinky pee smell might not be related to your keto diet at all. "Oh thank God I am not the only one with a stinky vajayjay. Foods that convert tosulfur compounds in your body can make your urine smell rotten. So when you catch a whiff of a not-so-usual odor, it can really freak you out. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. That doesnt mean youre unhealthy. See additional information. Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of: Urinary tract infection. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. So while plenty of people are sure the keto diet is the cause of their odorous vagina, no science yet supports this. "Your urine isn't going to make your vagina smell," confirmed Dr. Streicher. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. Sarah Coseo Markt receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. 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). It's probably best to discuss with your doctor to see how best to manage it. Youll need another kind of medicine for viral infections. Too much vitamin B1 (thiamine) can make your pee smell like fish. But while theres no direct link, going keto could potentially have an indirect effect on whether you develop a rash. Dr. Ellerkmann has described it as smelling like maple syrup, burned sugar, or malt.