You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. Eliminating carbs can also help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. He says that one cannot prevent the breakdown of asparagusic acid if they have the enzymes present in their body.. Douching with fluids or chemicals will kill the good bacteria and allow bad bacteria to move in instead. The Paleo Diet A Beginner's Guide Plus Meal Plan, What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? The vegetable is still healthy and a good part of your diet, says Dr. Brant. Asparagusic acid is only found in asparagus, though Smith says there are plenty of other foods that can change the smell of your urine. This odor has become so well known that post The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a popular, effective way to lose weight and improve your health. The inability to smell this asparagus pee is an example of. Affected by Urinary Infection. The most reliable and accurate method of measuring ketosis is to measure your blood ketone levels using a specialized meter. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for Bad breath is actually a common side effect of reaching full ketosis. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. Many creatures rely on their sense of smell to survive. Youll need another kind of medicine for viral infections. As trimethylamine collects in your body, your sweat, breath, and urine will smell rotten or fishy. Sarah Coseo Markt receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. A lot of people report insomnia or waking up at night when they first reduce their carbs drastically. They can tell you if its normal. How long does it take to go away? Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine. That doesnt mean youre unhealthy. The only thing you should be using to cleanse your vaginal area is water. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, blood in your pee, or if youre in a lot of pain. Some people can smell the characteristic odor that asparagus gives to their urine, while others cannot. Make sure you get some assistance.. According to some experts on the keto diet, nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketones equal to or above 0.5 millimolar (mM) (8). This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of: Urinary tract infection. If you feel full and dont need to eat as often as before, then you may be in ketosis. Here are the 6 best sweeteners for a keto diet. Some STIs can lead to a smelly discharge in males and females. Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. If the odour persists or your urine becomes cloudy, seek a physicians care. I'm about to ovulate so maybe that with keto makes things a little more potent. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? "Of course, having diabetes increases the chances of spilling glucose into the urine if blood glucose levels are too high." That said, if youre losing weight, enjoying your keto diet, and feeling healthier, there is no need to worry about your ketone levels. Helping people with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and a number of other issues, every day. Ammonia occurs naturally in water, soil, and the air, and is also found naturally in plants, animals, and the human body. If its dark yellow or an amber colour, theyre probably not drinking enough water.. The group of peeps who have experienced smelling an off scent down below seems to be pretty large, at least on the Internet. The more fat your body burns in ketosis, the more ketones, like acetone, your body produces as byproducts. Your genes affect whether you can Watch out for these clear signs youre not eating enough vegetables. Hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver), Hypoproteinemia (deficient levels of protein in the blood). When asparagus is digested, asparagusic acid gets broken down into sulfur containing byproducts. People who use catheters and urine drainage bags may complain of a stinky urine odour in their bags. B vitamins can also make your pee look a bright greenish-yellow. You might get this kind of fistula if you have cancer or an inflammatory condition, like Crohns disease or diverticulitis. Ah, the keto diet. Many people report decreased hunger while following a keto diet. During the metabolism of asparagus, sulfur compounds in the asparagus are eliminated from the body through urine, which results in the pungent smell of urine. Your body gets rid of nutrients you dont need through peeing. Your pee or breath may smell fruity if you dont treat high blood sugar. But a lack of fluids does raise your chances of getting kidney stones and urinary tract infections. And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. Does a Healthy Penis Smell BadAnd What About Semen? All rights reserved. It causes strong or sweet urine. Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. Some women on Reddit have reported the smell going away after a while, while others said it persisted. And in the meantime, invest in some Poo-Pourri. WebWhat does ammonia smell like? Yes, there's actually a disease for your pee named after the sweet breakfast condiment. The smell of rotting fish is hard to ignore, and should especially be a red flag if you notice it in your pee. The keto flu, or carb flu, is used to describe symptoms often experienced by those beginning a keto diet. "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. Keeping the vulvar and vaginal area dry is another way to keep unwanted odors down. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. Chief among these molecules is methanethiolone of the six to eight sulfur molecules researchers have identified as likely culprits of smelly asparagus 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. Here are the biggest culprits of why you're stinking up the toilet bowl. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, and get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. This is when you begin to reap the benefits of a keto diet. Nearly two weeks before being It also has its own odor profile that creates that familiar beer-pee smell. When in ketosis, your body converts the fatty acids into chemicals called ketones. These receptors are regulated by hundreds of genes. 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. Thank you", This! /r/keto is place to share thoughts, ideas, benefits, and experiences around eating within a Ketogenic lifestyle. They work by forcing your body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose from carbs for energy. And while asparagus itself doesnt have an odor, when it is digested, the sulfur bonds -- between the amino acids in People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. 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. Once theres a bacteria in the hospital or in the nursing home, it hangs around, says Craig Comiter, MD, a urologist for Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, CA. So why do only some people seem to experience this strong odor after eating asparagus? As for hours my pee smells more like days. 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. The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. 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. This is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. While youre in there, you might get a whiff of something that doesnt smell good. These infections are commonly found in hospital or nursing home patients because the bacteria that causes it (and also gives your pee a metallic scent) thrives in those environments. "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. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Despite the nutritional benefits of asparagus, many are opposed to eating the vegetable due to its pungent aftereffects. 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. The 6 Biggest Keto Diet Mistakes Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. You could just be super sensitive to scents. 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. OtherUTI symptoms include: Liver disease. Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. One is that some people simply dont produce the smell. 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. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis. 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. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage. You can lessen these symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough electrolytes. Its found in some stinky cheeses, bad breath, and farts, but you most likely know it as the molecule you're smelling when the stove burner doesnt light or there's a gas leak. That's the odor you'll notice as the chemical leaves your body. 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. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. Dont miss the 13 sexual health tips your urologist wants you to know. Here is everything you need to know about these. Yes, volunteers sniffed samples of other peoples asparagus pee. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. 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). Terms of Use. You may not have other symptoms. However, its been suggested that this hunger reduction may be due to alterations to your bodys hunger hormones, along with an increased intake of proteins (11, 12). Asparagus pee is not the only aroma that causes anosmia in some people. A different Reddit user agreed, responding: "Oh boy, yes. However, not everyone can smell it. They say their vagina has a more pungent smell since they've gone keto. 'I Lost 50 Lbs. Douching can open you up to a whole host of other issues and increase your risk of infection.) However, send an email with your understanding of the situation. The measurement of breath acetones has been used since the 1960s to judge the level of ketosis that occurs in the body, according to a November 2015 article published in Obesity. Thats why its always a good idea to remind kids to take bathroom breaks. If the stinky scent bothers you, tell your doctor about it. Ever settle into the restroom to do your business and, amid the calming sound of your yellow stream, notice an awful smell? This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. Some of the common ones are: Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, and salmon. Sick or elderly people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. 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. It's probably best to discuss with your doctor to see how best to manage it. With Walk At Home And MIRROR', This Mom Lost 95 Lbs. Drinkinglots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear. According to one study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism in November 2016, these urine markers are highest in the morning and after dinner. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Trimethylaminuria. 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). Terms of Use. 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. Several key signs and symptoms can help you identify whether youre in ketosis. These compounds are passed into the urine, giving it a peculiar smell. Wearing breathable fabrics can also help prevent unwanted moisture and scents from building up. If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. When voided from the body, they become foul-smelling gas, wafting up from your asparagus pee. 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. 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. Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning (14). When you pee, the sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to Washing inside of it could upset the balance of good and bad bacteria. Its part of the flora bacterial environment.. Atkins Vs. 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. It causes symptoms like fruity breath, sweet-smelling urine, excessive thirst, and tiredness. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. Health issues linked to douching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. The 18th century French botanist Louis Lmery wrote that asparagus causes "a filthy and disagreeable smell in the urine, as everybody knows." 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. Another way to measure blood ketone levels is a breath analyzer. 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. If youre holding on to it, you will get extra pungent urine.. "Alcohol ferments and causes the odor of the urine to be like rotting greens," Dr. Gupta says. 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However, this particular side effect of eating asparagus doesnt happen to everyone, and some 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. This will pass once your body becomes adapted to running on fat and ketones. 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). The meter measures your ketone levels by calculating the amount of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in your blood. 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. More: 4 asparagus side dishes in under 30 minutes. Tyrosinemia. As you pee, these aspargusic acid-turned sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to smell that distinctive asparagus pee scent. Researchers are skeptical of this finding because women are known to detect odors more precisely and consistently than men. Its entirely possible that you were just unlucky enough to develop an infection or other gynecological issue at the same time as you went keto, and that it has nothing to do with your diet, says Dr. Greves. Dr. Ellerkmann has described it as smelling like maple syrup, burned sugar, or malt. As you progress into a keto diet, youll start to burn fat and ketones as your main fuel sources. It then disposes of the ketones through both exhalation and urination. Staying in the metabolic state of ketosis on a low carb keto diet requires reducing sugar consumption. If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Medications. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. Not everybody, Louis. Studies report that 22 to 50 percent of the population have smelly urine following consumption of asparagus. In this condition, your body cant break down acompound called trimethylamine. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.