The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. Affected by Urinary Infection. And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. As trimethylamine collects in your body, your sweat, breath, and urine will smell rotten or fishy. Genes for Smelling Asparagus Metabolites Determine Urine 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. 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. However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. You may need to get the stones taken out at a hospital. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. 9 Causes of Smelly Urineand What To Do About It - Health If youre holding on to it, you will get extra pungent urine.. Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. 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. 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 part of the flora bacterial environment.. This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. 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. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? 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. If foods are responsible, the smell should go away after a few hours. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. 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. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling 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. Water-soluble vitamins are excreted into your urine, Dr. Kielb says. Some antibiotics are made from mold and can make your urine smell yeasty. The Paleo Diet A Beginner's Guide Plus Meal Plan, What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. If you notice a new or strange scent, talk to your doctor. The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath (3). Yes. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. If the stinky scent bothers you, tell your doctor about it. But whether this is actually being caused by following the keto diet remains up for debate. And some say another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet exists: "keto crotch," or a foul-smelling vagina. 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. Make sure you get some assistance.. They provide the main and most efficient fuel source for all forms of high intensity exercise. People who use catheters and urine drainage bags may complain of a stinky urine odour in their bags. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Here are the 6 best sweeteners for a keto diet. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Amy Krambeck, MD, Michael O. Koch professor of urology, Indiana University School of Medicine. Webketo crotch and the office. But while theres no direct link, going keto could potentially have an indirect effect on whether you develop a rash. However, send an email with your understanding of the situation. That bagged urine really smells because once its out of you, the bacteria flourish, says Dr. Comiter. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine; however, not everyone can smell it. There are also long-term effects of a keto diet. These products may raise your blood sugar levels and reduce your ketone levels. Keto flu, keto breath, keto diarrheait's no secret the keto diet comes with side effects. Find out the diseases you can prevent just by washing your hands. So why do only some people seem to experience this strong odor after eating asparagus? Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. Sick or elderly people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. In most cases, a strong smell isnt a sign of disease. You may need to take antibiotics to get better. Some people are hypersensitive (or hyposensitive) to androstenone, a component of sweat. Terms of Use. However, they tend to improve again after the initial adaptation phase is over. "Breaking the seal" isn't a thing, but drinking alcohol definitely makes you have to pee more. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. They have even been tested in a medical setting to treat brain diseases and conditions such as concussion and memory loss (16, 17, 18, 19). 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. It can cause bad or fruity-smelling breath for people on a keto diet. Like any other body part, your vagina needs to be kept clean. We recommend our users to update the browser. Yep, some people online (shout-out to the Reddit page .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}r/xxketo!) However, it was suggested that removing the tips of the head of the asparagus before consuming may reduce the intensity of the asparagus pee. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. Bacterial infections like chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. The smell of rotting fish is hard to ignore, and should especially be a red flag if you notice it in your pee. Theres also another condition called asymptomatic bacteria that can cause your pee to smell but doesnt necessarily mean you have a UTI. Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. Some of the common ones are: Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, and salmon. Since you will be taking in more protein when you are following a keto diet, this can increase the amount of ammonia in your pee. Your pee may also have a strong smell after you drink coffee, or eat fish, onions, or garlic. Why Does the Keto Diet Cause ConstipationAnd How Can You Stop It? 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. I'm not drinking as much water because having to run home every time is a huge inconvenience as well as a huge embarrassing reminder. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. Chief among these molecules is methanethiolone of the six to eight sulfur molecules researchers have identified as likely culprits of smelly asparagus pee. With Walk At Home And MIRROR', This Mom Lost 95 Lbs. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. Ketones can give your urine a sulfur smell.. Garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, for example, all break down into sulfur compounds when digested. Why does your pee smell after eating asparagus? Experts 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. The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a popular, effective way to lose weight and improve your health. This is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. Scientists believe the odor in question is due to two chemicals: methanethiol and S-methyl thioester. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). 'I Lost 50 Lbs. 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. 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 turns out there are lots of things that affect the smell of your pee. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. If your pee smells funny in a very distinct way, its time to drink up. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. 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. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. Asparagus is a delicious green vegetable that comes with one very noticeable side effectit makes your pee smell foul. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Whats more, test kits can be expensive. Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. . Weird Reasons Your Pee Smells Funny | Reader's Digest Canada Extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can give it a strong odor. I have no idea! Asparagus is the perfect springtime vegetable. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You can measure your ketone levels with a breath analyzer or urine strips. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your diet. When your body isnt getting the glucose it needs for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. The Ayurvedic diet is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing different types of energy within your body. That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee - The Conversation Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. Short-term decreases in performance can occur. Your doctor can help you figure out ways to manage your childs condition. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for Odd smells along with feeling sick, pain, orbloody urine are a sign you should see your doctor. Webketo crotch and the office. Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. 10 Signs and Symptoms That You're in Ketosis - Healthline Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. It monitors acetone, one of the three main ketones in your blood during ketosis (3). Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. 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. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. That said, if youre losing weight, enjoying your keto diet, and feeling healthier, there is no need to worry about your ketone levels. 2023 Readers Digest Magazines Ltd. - All rights reserved, Photo: Dutourdumonde Photography/Shutterstock, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Does Garlic Actually Treat Yeast Infections? Many people report decreased hunger while following a keto diet. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. This will pass once your body becomes adapted to running on fat and ketones. But, scientifically speaking, why would a diet high in fat and very low in carbs change the scent of your vagina? Yes, volunteers sniffed samples of other peoples asparagus pee. Go see your doctor right away. And that means that even if your pee is the same, it may seem like the odor is weird or more intense. There are rare conditions that create a rotten Most importantly, dont make the mistake of eating a diet that lacks diversity. If cystine is in your urine, it may smell like rotten eggs. It may smell like cabbage. Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for the distinctive scent in your urine. Heres everything men need to know about bladder leakage. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. If your baby has the disease, you may notice this syrupy odor a day or two after theyre born. Health issues linked to douching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The group of peeps who have experienced smelling an off scent down below seems to be pretty large, at least on the Internet. 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. Your pee smells funny (think old and smelly) when you frequently hold it in throughout the day. And even a slight change in pH (even one doesn't impact the health of your vagina) can alter the smell you're used to. 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.. All rights reserved. Fruity-smelling urine can be a sign of other diseases and complications. Dont miss the 13 sexual health tips your urologist wants you to know. That can lead to infections and discharge, which can smell bad when you pee. When you pee, the sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to If the 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. More bacteria get released into your urine during a UTI, causing a distinguished rank odor that he describes as a "pungent rotten-egg smell, often fishy-like." 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?. It happens when your body cant break down trimethylamine. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. More research still needs to be done on metabolism and genetics to determine exact causes of these differences. Samantha Lauriello is a social media strategist and editor. Tyrosinemia. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). Staying in the metabolic state of ketosis on a low carb keto diet requires reducing sugar consumption. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. This includes an initial decrease in exercise performance. Surgery can fix fistulas. A different Reddit user agreed, responding: "Oh boy, yes. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. A keto diet generally involves a major change in the foods you eat. Drinking more water can often help. All rights reserved. Coffee is also a diuretic, which doesn't help things. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. Brushing your teeth several times per day or using sugar-free gum can resolve the issue. Next, discover the bathroom mistakes you never knew you made. The only thing you should be using to cleanse your vaginal area is water. 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. You could have a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. When your ketone levels are elevated, youre considered to be in ketosis. Onewarning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Health posed that question to an OB-GYN, who said keto crotch has never been scientifically investigated. Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. Vanillin, the primary chemical present in vanilla, is difficult to identify in two or three people out of a hundred. They can be a quick and cheap method to assess your ketone levels each day. Your urine might smell funky if it hangs out in your bladder for a while. What is asparagus pee? There are many fast food options available that are low in carbs. 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. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage. This odor has become so well known that post So when you catch a whiff of a not-so-usual odor, it can really freak you out. Fluids help water down, or dilute, your pee. 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. If you feel full and dont need to eat as often as before, then you may be in ketosis. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. Medications. If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. Not everybody, Louis. Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle dehydrated. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Related to Incontinence & Overactive Bladder. 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. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. How To Prevent an Unpleasant Vaginal Odor, Keto Breath Is a Common Problem for Low-carb Dieters, Why Does Sex Have a Smell? Sometimes your pee smells funny when you take certain kinds of multivitamins. "Of course, having diabetes increases the chances of spilling glucose into the urine if blood glucose levels are too high." If the odour persists or your urine becomes cloudy, seek a physicians care. 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. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. These are chemicals that are naturally produced by your body. Unfortunately no, according to Smith. Sulfur, in general, is not very pleasant to smell, notes Dr. Bobart. Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. 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. 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. Tough Journeys: When Cancer Strikes People Living With Dementia, Sea Spray Can Waft Polluted Coastal Water Inland, Cats, Dogs 'Part of the Family' for Most American Pet Owners: Poll, Dozens of Medical Groups Launch Effort to Battle Health Misinformation. Ever settle into the restroom to do your business and, amid the calming sound of your yellow stream, notice an awful smell? What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Most everyone knows about asparagus pee, but there are some other foods and medications that can also change the odor of the urine. The Keto Diet: What's The Difference? But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. The rest are unaware of the smell. Why Asparagus Makes Pee Smell But your doctor can help you manage the smell. Here are the biggest culprits of why you're stinking up the toilet bowl. Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. Either way, you need to get it looked at. A fistula is an extra opening that forms between two organs. WebNo one really pays that much attention during a quick bathroom break. You may lose a noticeable amount of weight as early as your first week on the keto diet. 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. I'm so glad to know im not crazy. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. 13. They work by forcing your body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose from carbs for energy. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. As many weight loss studies have shown, youll likely experience both short- and long-term weight loss when switching to a keto diet (2, 6). 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. You end up getting rid of the compound through your pee, sweat, breath, and other fluids. Learn these things your poop can teach about your health. You can lessen these symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough electrolytes. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. A problem with your liver can make yourskin and eyes yellow and your urine dark and smelly. Keeping the vulvar and vaginal area dry is another way to keep unwanted odors down. The keto flu, or carb flu, is used to describe symptoms often experienced by those beginning a keto diet. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine. Asparagus pee is something that cannot be controlled by anyone. Asparagus Pee That doesnt mean youre unhealthy. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. About one-third of women over the age of 65 can have bacteria in the urine on and off, says Dr. Comiter. According to one study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism in November 2016, these urine markers are highest in the morning and after dinner. Initially, you may suffer from tiredness and low energy. In this day and age, urologists run blood tests, not taste tests, to check for diabetes. What does pee smell like when in ketosis? - Quora It also has its own odor profile that creates that familiar beer-pee smell. However, long-term keto dieters often report increased focus and energy (14, 15). During the first few months there was some extra smell stuff happening all over - crotch and otherwise. Two hypotheses exist. Things That Can Affect the Smell of Your Pee - WebMD The odor is caused by the buildup and release of toxins in your urine. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. keto crotch and the office : r/keto - reddit.com When voided from the body, they become foul-smelling gas, wafting up from your asparagus pee. So keto rash is a real thing. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. The sweet smell is from ketonuria, or a buildup of ketones. So can vitamin B-6 supplements. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? Asparagus Pee A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes.