And it's not like smelly pee will stink up your vagina. Pee doesnt usually have a strong smell. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. In most cases, a strong smell isnt a sign of disease. As you might expect, this switch doesnt happen overnight. However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. Ah, the keto diet. Like Brussels sprouts, methyl mercaptan occurs naturally in the vegetable. The 18th century French botanist Louis Lmery wrote that asparagus causes "a filthy and disagreeable smell in the urine, as everybody knows." 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. But, scientifically speaking, why would a diet high in fat and very low in carbs change the scent of your vagina? It has a strong odor that smells like urine or sweat. And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. If anything, it's something to be aware of if you notice a change in pee smell with no other explanation. When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. According to some experts on the keto diet, nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketones equal to or above 0.5 millimolar (mM) (8). Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. Eliminating carbs can also help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. They provide the main and most efficient fuel source for all forms of high intensity exercise. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. This is the method is used in most research studies (7). Research Scientist in Epidemiology, T.H. A fistula is an extra opening that forms between two organs. Most importantly, dont make the mistake of eating a diet that lacks diversity. 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. The quick evaporation of those asparagus metabolites when peeing causes your urine to have a sulfurous odor, like rotten eggs or cooked cabbage. Elevated ketone levels cause the bad breath. Urine smells like fish It's one of the universally acknowledged food truths, like how coffee makes you poop and beans make you fart. Come along for the ride! Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. The enzymatic process breaks down distinct chemicals as your body digests meals. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Theres also another condition called asymptomatic bacteria that can cause your pee to smell but doesnt necessarily mean you have a UTI. On one hand, it's helped tons of people lose weight. If you notice you have a weird odor going on down there right after you go keto, you may want to give it a few days to see if it goes away, says Dr. Greves. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. The symptoms resemble those of the actual flu, but with a different cause. Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. Other foods, including Brussels 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. Instead, a more plausible theory is that going on the keto diet impacts your vaginal pHand that changes your vaginal odor, she says. It monitors acetone, one of the three main ketones in your blood during ketosis (3). A change in vaginal smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or an STD. Morning sickness may leave you dehydrated. If its dark yellow or an amber colour, theyre probably not drinking enough water.. And in the meantime, invest in some Poo-Pourri. It happens when your body cant break down trimethylamine. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. Im sorry they handled this so poorly, truly. 'I Lost 50 Lbs. Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle 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. If your baby has the disease, you may notice this syrupy odor a day or two after theyre born. This process, the goal of a keto diet, is called ketosis. 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.. Testing blood ketone levels with a monitor is the most accurate way to determine whether youre in ketosis. These make your pee smell for a few reasons. Pregnancy also raises your chances of urinary tract infections and ketonuria. As you progress into a keto diet, youll start to burn fat and ketones as your main fuel sources. Her areas of expertise include fibroids, irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, infertility and menopause. Ultimately, if you are following the guidelines of a keto diet and staying consistent, you should be in some form of ketosis. 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. Onions. Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2022. Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. 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. To reduce fatigue during this switch, you may want to take electrolyte supplements. Do All People's Pee Smell After Eating Asparagus? - MedicineNet You might experience digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, when you first switch to a keto diet. Helping people with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and a number of other issues, every day. Experts think hormones may change your perception of smells. Pee Smell You can also use special indicator strips to measure the presence of ketones in your urine daily. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. However, this particular side effect of eating asparagus doesnt happen to everyone, and some Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? - Healthline 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). "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. She was previously an assistant editor at Health before moving over to Travel + Leisure as a social media editor. 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. When you start a low carb diet, your body must adapt to burning more fat for fuel instead of carbs. It can take a few days or weeks for this to start working properly. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, 29 Vegetarian Keto Recipes That Are *So* Delish, 18 Keto Smoothies That Legit Taste Like Milkshakes, Easy Keto Side Dishes For Every Taste Bud. If foods are responsible, the smell should go away after a few hours. There are some common foods and medications that can change the odor of urine. Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. When enzymes in the human digestive tract break down the asparagusic acid thats naturally present in the vegetable, these volatile compounds are created. Weight loss. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. "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. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. Unravel The Science Mysteries Of Asparagus Pee 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. So why do only some people seem to experience this strong odor after eating asparagus? 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). MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Another way to measure ketosis is by testing urine for other byproducts, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate. Some people avoid eating cilantro because they claim it has a soapy aftertaste. 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. Initially, you may suffer from tiredness and low energy. This includes a reduction in insulin levels and the increased breakdown of fat (1, 2). Bacterial infections like chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If your pee smells funny in a very distinct way, its time to drink up. Samantha Lauriello is a social media strategist and editor. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. 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. Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. The culprit of that asparagus pee smell is a particular sulfur compound found only in that vegetable. "Breaking the seal" isn't a thing, but drinking alcohol definitely makes you have to pee more. When adding these supplements, make sure to include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Ultimately, going on the keto diet is entirely your choice, and you should see how your mind and body feel after you start to help you gauge whether it's a way of eating that works for you. Brushing your teeth several times per day or using sugar-free gum can resolve the issue. Ketones are chemical byproducts that provide a new fuel source for your cells. Why Do I Feel So Crappy On The Keto Diet? "Alcohol ferments and causes the odor of the urine to be like rotting greens," Dr. Gupta says. MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. In most cases, a strong urine smell is caused by your food or is a sign that youneed more fluids. "Your urine isn't going to make your vagina smell," confirmed Dr. Streicher. Asking yourself, Why does my pee smell? 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. noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. So can vitamin B-6 supplements. It means they dont have the right enzyme to break down the amino acid tyrosine. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? When you pee, the sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your diet. B vitamins can also make your pee look a bright greenish-yellow. You may not have other symptoms. or you can pee at home because your piss reeks. Coffee is also a diuretic, which doesn't help things. All rights reserved. Lycra or spandex is not very breathable, so it's better to go for cotton instead. 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). Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? Cleveland Clinic The NLM reports these symptoms: Some experts have theorized that the keto diet changes vaginal pH (the balance of bacteria in your vagina), which can alter your vaginal scent. Make sure you get some assistance.. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. Atkins Vs. I'm eating leafy greens. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. This article, Breakfast cereals boast impressive health claims, but many are high in sugar and refined carbs. 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. 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. It turns out there are lots of things that affect the smell of your pee. Employer: "OP please contact your doctor to provide us with a doctor's note so we can properly file this. Asparagus pee is not the only aroma that causes anosmia in some people. Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. It also has its own odor profile that creates that familiar beer-pee smell. They work by forcing your body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose from carbs for energy. In this condition, your body cant break down acompound called trimethylamine. It comes with a whole slew of pretty gnarly side effects like the keto flu, keto breath, and keto diarrhea. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Maybe I'm just a freak of nature!". Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. The Ayurvedic diet is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing different types of energy within your body. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. Asparagus is the perfect springtime vegetable. Many people on keto and similar diets, like the Atkins diet, report that their breath takes on an unusual, fruity smell. Many people report decreased hunger while following a keto diet. But your doctor can help you manage the smell. Fruits and vegetables can help hydrate you, too. Of course, its entirely possible that other things you do around the time you start the keto diet could lead to a rash in the groin area, like working out more and hanging out in your sweaty gym clothes for too long. The rest are unaware of the smell. After the initial rapid drop in water weight, you should continue to lose body fat consistently as long as you stick to the diet and remain in a calorie deficit. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid that is present in asparagus into sulfur-containing compounds. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. We recommend our users to update the browser. If you have more waste than water inyour urine, it can smell more strongly. Fun! They can stop or slow urine flow, leading to a buildup of salt and ammonia. I'm so glad to know im not crazy. They might want to make sure nothing else is causing the odor. It causes strong or sweet urine. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. That's the odor you'll notice as the chemical leaves your body. What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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.. Like any other body part, your vagina needs to be kept clean. 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. When asparagus is digested, asparagusic acid gets broken down into sulfur containing byproducts. The release of ketones might also result in keto crotch, but it's never been researched. The only thing you should be using to cleanse your vaginal area is water. Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. 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. Pee Smell These receptors are regulated by hundreds of genes. Garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, for example, all break down into sulfur compounds when digested. Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. When this happens, your liver starts producing high numbers of ketones to supply energy for your brain. This chemical on its own smells like rotten eggs, rotting fish, or garbage. Asparagus It can cause bad or fruity-smelling breath for people on a keto diet. 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. 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). Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? 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. Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for the distinctive scent in your urine. It may smell like cabbage. 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. He says that one cannot prevent the breakdown of asparagusic acid if they have the enzymes present in their body.. You may notice the smell as the fluid mixes with your pee. These products may raise your blood sugar levels and reduce your ketone levels. 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. The rest are unaware of the smell. But it can also be normal if eating this vegetable doesn't change the smell of your pee. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. 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. See additional information. If the Maple syrup urine disease. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid 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. Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. So when you catch a whiff of a not-so-usual odor, it can really freak you out. This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. Weird Reasons Your Pee Smells Funny | Reader's Digest Canada After several weeks, many keto dieters report that their performance returns to normal. Thomas Mayo, a physician in the 1670s, described the taste of diabetic urine as wonderfully sweet as if it were imbued with honey or sugar. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your body tries to get rid of extra blood sugar or glucose in the urine, creating the sweet smell, she says. Tyrosinemia. 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. Why Asparagus Makes Pee Smell According to Dr. Dutta, There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. You can measure your ketone levels with a breath analyzer or urine strips. 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. However, not everyone can smell it. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. If youre female, it may happen after you give birth or have a certain kind of operation. The Keto Diet: What's The Difference? Health posed that question to an OB-GYN, who said keto crotch has never been scientifically investigated. Like not a nasty infectious smell, just like a stronger natural smell?