Asparagus pee is not the only aroma that causes anosmia in some people. Unfortunately no, according to Smith. 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). You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine; however, not everyone can smell it. It causes symptoms like fruity breath, sweet-smelling urine, excessive thirst, and tiredness. Instead, a more plausible theory is that going on the keto diet impacts your vaginal pHand that changes your vaginal odor, she says. And remember to be gentle when washing this sensitive area. Any diet can change your vaginal pH, Dr. Shepherd says, which can then change the odor a bit. Tbh, tons of totally harmless reasons could explain this. He says that one cannot prevent the breakdown of asparagusic acid if they have the enzymes present in their body.. Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Its usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. It can take a few days or weeks for this to start working properly. When you pee, the sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. Douching with fluids or chemicals will kill the good bacteria and allow bad bacteria to move in instead. Everyone has their own individual scent sense of the environment. Let your vagina clean itself. The Ayurvedic diet is based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing different types of energy within your body. 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. And that means that even if your pee is the same, it may seem like the odor is weird or more intense. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. You may need to get the stones taken out at a hospital. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid The ketone acetone is partly expelled via your breath. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. 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. Asparagusic acid is only found in asparagus, though Smith says there are plenty of other foods that can change the smell of your urine. And if you've been swimming or wading in a river, lake, or chlorinated pool, it can also help to shower or rinse off after you've been in water. When you enter a state of ketosis, usually by purposely forgoing almost all carbs and going on a keto diet, your body releases ketones as it burns fat for fuel. Youll need another kind of medicine for viral infections. Onewarning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. The 18th century French botanist Louis Lmery wrote that asparagus causes "a filthy and disagreeable smell in the urine, as everybody knows." The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. Asparagusic acid is broken into volatile compounds that are discharged through the urine. Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. 2. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd, Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. These side effects are natural. Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. 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. Watch out for these clear signs youre not eating enough vegetables. Surgery can fix fistulas. 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. The release of ketones might also result in keto crotch, but it's never been researched. 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. 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. During the first few months there was some extra smell stuff happening all over - crotch and otherwise. According to one study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism in November 2016, these urine markers are highest in the morning and after dinner. An also take some bathroom spray with you/ spray before you go- it creates a film that traps odors. Medications. Keto flu, keto breath, keto diarrheait's no secret the keto diet comes with side effects. But, because your body produces more of them on the keto diet, the excess can make your poop, pee, and breath a little more smelly (again, like nail polish remover). 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. Its also packed with nutrients, including folic acid, calcium and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The only downside: Asparagus seems to cause an unpleasant smell in our urine. It was like a light switched one day I couldnt smell it, next time I ate asparagus the strong smell was there. Tyrosinemia is treated with medicine and a low-tyrosine diet. Some women on Reddit have reported the smell going away after a while, while others said it persisted. Drinkinglots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear. This may happen more often in children who dont pee when they feel the urge. 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. But that doesn't mean people aren't still experiencing some less-than-pleasant odors down there on the keto diet. The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a popular, effective way to lose weight and improve your health. Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine. That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. Sulfur, in general, is not very pleasant to smell, notes Dr. Bobart. These foods also produce methyl mercaptan, a gas that has a rotten cabbage odor and is released when peeing and breathing. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Ah, the keto diet. Pregnancy also raises your chances of urinary tract infections and ketonuria. Asking yourself, Why does my pee smell? I'm so glad to know im not crazy. "Anecdotally, there have been a lot of reports over the years that diet can influence vaginal odor, but it's never been studied.". 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. 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). 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. These products may raise your blood sugar levels and reduce your ketone levels. Garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, for example, all break down into sulfur compounds when digested. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. You can also use special indicator strips to measure the presence of ketones in your urine daily. The deficiency appears to be random, and up to 50 percent of people can sense the smell. "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. Affected by Urinary Infection. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. So when you catch a whiff of a not-so-usual odor, it can really freak you out. "Your urine isn't going to make your vagina smell," confirmed Dr. Streicher. Asparagus pee is something that cannot be controlled by anyone. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. Experts think hormones may change your perception of smells. The rest are unaware of the smell. WebWhat does ammonia smell like? When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. Researchers are skeptical of this finding because women are known to detect odors more precisely and consistently than men. Testing blood ketone levels with a monitor is the most accurate way to determine whether youre in ketosis. If you mess with the acidity, things dont work out very well. The lesson here is to just leave your vagina alone. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. Despite its unfavorable odor after you eat it, its still recommended to keep enjoying asparagus so you can reap all of its health benefits. It has been reported 62 percent of women were unable to smell the odor, whereas 58 percent of men reported being unable to smell the odor. In fact, a study my colleagues and I conducted in 2017 found that only 40 percent of those surveyed reported detecting the odor in their urine. noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. Sarah Coseo Markt receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. Overconsumption of coffee not only makes you wired; it could make your urine smell like a venti latte. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. Health issues linked to douching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Keto (low-to-no carb, high-fat, protein-heavy diets) are all the rage for weight loss. Does Garlic Actually Treat Yeast Infections? Fluids help water down, or dilute, your pee. They say their vagina has a more pungent smell since they've gone keto. We recommend our users to update the browser. Changes in diet can lead to potential changes in vaginal health, which could mean more rashes, says Dr. Shepherd. "It's never normal for your vagina to have an odor," said Dr. Streicher. The quick evaporation of those asparagus metabolites when peeing causes your urine to have a sulfurous odor, like rotten eggs or cooked cabbage. Fruits and vegetables can help hydrate you, too. Health posed that question to an OB-GYN, who said keto crotch has never been scientifically investigated. Thus, they dont produce smelly urine, says Smith. Yes, volunteers sniffed samples of other peoples asparagus pee. 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. 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. Terms of Use. However, send an email with your understanding of the situation. If cystine is in your urine, it may smell like rotten eggs. So why do only some people seem to experience this strong odor after eating asparagus? Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. health & living health center/do all people's pee smell after eating asparagus article. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? Why Does My Urine Smell Strong Like Ammonia. A keto diet can significantly reduce appetite and hunger. Odd smells along with feeling sick, pain, orbloody urine are a sign you should see your doctor. Morning sickness may leave you dehydrated. WebThis smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. 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. Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. 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. 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). It may smell like cabbage. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. It was darker in colour but it didnt smell the way asparagus infused pee does. A problem with your liver can make yourskin and eyes yellow and your urine dark and smelly. This content is imported from poll. As trimethylamine collects in your body, your sweat, breath, and urine will smell rotten or fishy. A change in vaginal smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or an STD. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. You might also feel sick, have pain that comes and goes, and have bloody urine. 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). However, not everyone can smell it. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? 13. Yes, there's actually a disease for your pee named after the sweet breakfast condiment. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. Here are the biggest culprits of why you're stinking up the toilet bowl. If you really cant take the smell, then Smith recommends either eating less asparagus or drinking plenty of water to try to dilute your urine and therefore the smell. I'm about to ovulate so maybe that with keto makes things a little more potent. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. Come along for the ride! When you get into ketosis, a large part of the brain starts burning ketones instead of glucose. Like any other body part, your vagina needs to be kept clean. I'm eating leafy greens. 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. Vanillin, the primary chemical present in vanilla, is difficult to identify in two or three people out of a hundred. About one-third of women over the age of 65 can have bacteria in the urine on and off, says Dr. Comiter. This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. 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. Webketo crotch and the office. 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). Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of: Urinary tract infection. "One type of ketone, acetone, is an ingredient in some nail polish removers, which is why your breath may smell like this familiar scent," said Cynthia Sass, RD, Health contributing nutrition editor. On a keto diet, your body undergoes many biological adaptations. Thats called hyperosmia. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. But whether this is actually being caused by following the keto diet remains up for debate. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage. You may go to the bathroom a lot if you have a UTI. Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. There are rare conditions that create a rotten Maybe I'm just a freak of nature!". Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Poor sleep and insomnia are common symptoms during the initial stages of ketosis. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. According to some experts on the keto diet, nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketones equal to or above 0.5 millimolar (mM) (8). You may not have other symptoms. 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. Medicines for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also can affect the way your pee smells. Atkins Vs. Ketones are chemical byproducts that provide a new fuel source for your cells. 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. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). Studies report that 22 to 50 percent of the population have smelly urine following consumption of asparagus. Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. When this happens, your liver starts producing high numbers of ketones to supply energy for your brain. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. Keto crotch sounds similar to the keto breath phenomenon. If anything, it's something to be aware of if you notice a change in pee smell with no other explanation. 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. One big issue for many keto dieters is sleep, especially when they first change their diet (14). But, scientifically speaking, why would a diet high in fat and very low in carbs change the scent of your vagina? 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. Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. 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. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. If you get one between your bladder and bowels, poop or gas may come out when you pee. A small 2010 study showed that about 8% of people have none or only small amounts of enzyme to break down asparagusic acid. They can be a quick and cheap method to assess your ketone levels each day. 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. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. If its dark yellow or an amber colour, theyre probably not drinking enough water.. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. If this sounds horrible, it is. Sulfa is found in some diabetes medication, antibiotics, migraine medicine, anti-inflammatories, and (quite fittingly) diuretics. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it.