It may smell like cabbage. Pregnancy also raises your chances of urinary tract infections and ketonuria. With WW And Walking, How To Lose Weight Fast Safely And Naturally. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. A keto diet generally involves a major change in the foods you eat. Its not dangerous at all. The other hypothesis is that everyone produces the odor, but they may not actually smell anything. However, they tend to improve again after the initial adaptation phase is over. 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. PKU, short for phenylketonuria, is another inherited disorder where the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein. Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. After several weeks, many keto dieters report that their performance returns to normal. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. On one hand, it's helped tons of people lose weight. Your pee smells funny (think old and smelly) when you frequently hold it in throughout the day. So can vitamin B-6 supplements. 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.. As you progress into a keto diet, youll start to burn fat and ketones as your main fuel sources. Tyrosinemia is treated with medicine and a low-tyrosine diet. Ketones are an extremely potent fuel source for your brain. 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. OtherUTI symptoms include: Liver disease. They provide the main and most efficient fuel source for all forms of high intensity exercise. Atkins Vs. 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. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. What is the link between genetics and asparagus pee? 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. It happens when your body cant break down trimethylamine. It's best to avoid scented antibacterial soaps, which can affect the balance of natural bacteria in your vagina. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. Webketo crotch and the office. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. As discussed above, removing carbs can lead to general tiredness at first. Experts think hormones may change your perception of smells. Doing so may increase your risk of digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. If you notice your pee is smelling really foul (not just strong, like when you're a little dehydrated), it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, says Dr. Mark Ellerkmann, director of urogynecology at the Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine in Baltimore. When in ketosis, your body converts the fatty acids into chemicals called ketones. 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." Bad breath is actually a common side effect of reaching full ketosis. Make sure you get some assistance.. Too much vitamin B1 (thiamine) can make your pee smell like fish. Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited condition in which the body can't break down certain amino acids properly, and creates a sweet smell in the urine. That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. WebThis smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. Eliminating carbs can also help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. 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. The enzymatic process breaks down distinct chemicals as your body digests meals. One big issue for many keto dieters is sleep, especially when they first change their diet (14). And prenatal vitamins might change the way your pee smells. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Dont miss the 13 sexual health tips your urologist wants you to know. (Also, definitely don't douche. Asparagus is notorious for making urine smelly. "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. Short-term decreases in performance can occur. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis. If youre female, it may happen after you give birth or have a certain kind of operation. Like any other body part, your vagina needs to be kept clean. This is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. While theres always waste in your urine, like ammonia, the smell is stronger if youre dehydrated. But some foods -- especially asparagus, which has a smelly sulfur compound -- can change the odor. The Paleo Diet A Beginner's Guide Plus Meal Plan, What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? There are many fast food options available that are low in carbs. 7 Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy As You Age. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). This may happen more often in children who dont pee when they feel the urge. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. Why Do I Feel So Crappy On The Keto Diet? Douching can open you up to a whole host of other issues and increase your risk of infection.) Why Does My Urine Smell Strong Like Ammonia. Many people on keto and similar diets, like the Atkins diet, report that their breath takes on an unusual, fruity smell. When asparagus is digested, asparagusic acid gets broken down into sulfur containing byproducts. The keto flu, or carb flu, is used to describe symptoms often experienced by those beginning a keto diet. Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. The vegetable is still healthy and a good part of your diet, says Dr. Brant. 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. But your doctor can help you manage the smell. Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid They may give you antibiotics, special soap, or suggest eating certain foods. Im sorry they handled this so poorly, truly. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. The odor is caused by the buildup and release of toxins in your urine. You can also use special indicator strips to measure the presence of ketones in your urine daily. When you start a low carb diet, your body must adapt to burning more fat for fuel instead of carbs. If you have kidney failure, you may smell a lot of ammonia when you go to the bathroom. Skip the medical care point. I now dread coming in. "Anecdotally, there have been a lot of reports over the years that diet can influence vaginal odor, but it's never been studied.". Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. I have no idea! This odor has become so well known that post Here is everything you need to know about these. 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. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. However, send an email with your understanding of the situation. "Breaking the seal" isn't a thing, but drinking alcohol definitely makes you have to pee more. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). 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. Two studies have shown that people who are unable to smell the odor in their own urine also dont detect it in the urine of known producers. In most cases, a strong urine smell is caused by your food or is a sign that youneed more fluids. You could have a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. 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. Despite the nutritional benefits of asparagus, many are opposed to eating the vegetable due to its pungent aftereffects. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Your pee or breath may smell fruity if you dont treat high blood sugar. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Its usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. Some people can smell the characteristic odor that asparagus gives to their urine, while others cannot. However, theyre not as accurate as a blood monitor. 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. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of: Urinary tract infection. 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. Dr. Comiter refers to this condition as teachers bladder or truckers bladder because those are the people who tend to hold it in a lot since they dont have as much time in the day to go to the bathroom due to their hectic schedules. What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Wearing breathable fabrics can also help prevent unwanted moisture and scents from building up. Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? Youll need another kind of medicine for viral infections. The rest are unaware of the smell. Asparagus isnt the only food that has genetically linked controversial smell or taste effects. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for When this happens, your liver starts producing high numbers of ketones to supply energy for your brain. Just like how going super low-carb makes your breath reek, it can do the same to your pee. A change in vaginal smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or an STD. 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). Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. Watch out for these clear signs youre not eating enough vegetables. 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). Not everybody, Louis. 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 smell of rotting fish is hard to ignore, and should especially be a red flag if you notice it in your pee. These chemicals just happen to be things that we react to. Try drinking more water to mute the smell of your urine. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. You could just be super sensitive to scents. 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. When you pee, the sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. Your genes affect whether you can smell these sulfur byproducts. Staying in the metabolic state of ketosis on a low carb keto diet requires reducing sugar consumption. B vitamins in your multivitamin are often the culprit of smelly urine. Webketo crotch and the office. A quick search online will reveal several keto followers who complain about this particular effect. Nearly two weeks before being If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle dehydrated. 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. 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. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. So while plenty of people are sure the keto diet is the cause of their odorous vagina, no science yet supports this. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. Terms of Use. 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. Lycra or spandex is not very breathable, so it's better to go for cotton instead. I'm five weeks on keto and I work in a leasing office. /r/keto is place to share thoughts, ideas, benefits, and experiences around eating within a Ketogenic lifestyle. Several key signs and symptoms can help you identify whether youre in ketosis. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea are common side effects in the beginning (14). As you might expect, this switch doesnt happen overnight. They say their vagina has a more pungent smell since they've gone keto. .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. 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. Leslie, S.W., Sajjad, H., Nazzal, L. Renal Calculi (Cystinuria, Cystine Stones). StatPearls Publishing, 2020. Experts say the Mediterranean, DASH, and flexitarian diets have the best foundations and are among the easiest to follow. Or it could just be something you ate. There are rare conditions that create a rotten You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. Here are the vitamins and supplements doctors take every day. Drinkinglots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear. One is that some people simply dont produce the smell. If you get one between your bladder and bowels, poop or gas may come out when you pee. Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. Discover signs and symptoms of ketosis, like changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. I'm so glad to know im not crazy. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. When followed correctly, this low carb, high fat diet will raise your blood levels of ketones. Your urine can get super concentrated and take on a pungent urine smell similar to ammonia if you dont drink the recommended seven to eight glasses of water a day. Fast weight loss can occur during the first week. As you pee, these aspargusic acid-turned sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to smell that distinctive asparagus pee scent. Ketones can give your urine a sulfur smell.. About one-third of women over the age of 65 can have bacteria in the urine on and off, says Dr. Comiter. Ultimately, if you are following the guidelines of a keto diet and staying consistent, you should be in some form of ketosis. They might want to make sure nothing else is causing the odor. And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. If you mess with the acidity, things dont work out very well. The lesson here is to just leave your vagina alone. 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. 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. Next, discover the bathroom mistakes you never knew you made. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. 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. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. If you follow keto and start noticing that your vagina smells bad, consider checking in with your OB-GYN. 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. It just absolutely shifted my whole mood for my job. "Oh thank God I am not the only one with a stinky vajayjay. If you cant, thats called asparagus anosmia. 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.