Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. There are rare conditions that create a rotten 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. The smell of rotting fish is hard to ignore, and should especially be a red flag if you notice it in your pee. On the other? Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2022. This article, Breakfast cereals boast impressive health claims, but many are high in sugar and refined carbs. The quick evaporation of those asparagus metabolites when peeing causes your urine to have a sulfurous odor, like rotten eggs or cooked cabbage. However, they tend to improve again after the initial adaptation phase is over. When adding these supplements, make sure to include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Coffee is also a diuretic, which doesn't help things. Sulfur, in general, is not very pleasant to smell, notes Dr. Bobart. It has a strong odor that smells like urine or sweat. The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. And consider speaking to a doctor or nutritionist you trust about whether keto is a good fit for your health and lifestyleand definitely chat them up about any questionable symptoms you experience if and when you do. That's the odor you'll notice as the chemical leaves your body. They can tell you if its normal. "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. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. Keto Crotch Is A Thing You Should Know About, The Real Difference Between Keto And Low-Carb. Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. She was previously an assistant editor at Health before moving over to Travel + Leisure as a social media editor. PKU, short for phenylketonuria, is another inherited disorder where the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein. Brushing your teeth several times per day or using sugar-free gum can resolve the issue. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Many creatures rely on their sense of smell to survive. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. Once it gets there, it stays there. Youll need another kind of medicine for viral infections. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for weight loss (4, 5). The vegetable is still healthy and a good part of your diet, says Dr. Brant. Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. Research Scientist in Epidemiology, T.H. This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. Unfortunately no, according to Smith. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine. Leslie, S.W., Sajjad, H., Nazzal, L. Renal Calculi (Cystinuria, Cystine Stones). StatPearls Publishing, 2020. 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. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Your genes affect whether you can This may be water weight, but fat loss may soon follow. Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. When you get into ketosis, a large part of the brain starts burning ketones instead of glucose. The Ketogenic Diet is a low carbohydrate method of eating. Ammonia occurs naturally in water, soil, and the air, and is also found naturally in plants, animals, and the human body. Some people can smell the characteristic odor that asparagus gives to their urine, while others cannot. Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. Initially used to treat epilepsy in children in 1921, this high-fat, very low-carb diet grew to become a tool for weight loss, according to the National Library of Medicine's StatPearls. Sick or elderly people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. It monitors acetone, one of the three main ketones in your blood during ketosis (3). It comes with a whole slew of pretty gnarly side effects like the keto flu, keto breath, and keto diarrhea. If the odour persists or your urine becomes cloudy, seek a physicians care. 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. 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. A small 2010 study showed that about 8% of people have none or only small amounts of enzyme to break down asparagusic acid. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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). While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). Heres everything men need to know about bladder leakage. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says. People who use catheters and urine drainage bags may complain of a stinky urine odour in their bags. The deficiency appears to be random, and up to 50 percent of people can sense the smell. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). This odor has become so well known that post This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. These often cause people to quit the diet before they get into full ketosis and reap many of the long-term benefits. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? Like any other body part, your vagina needs to be kept clean. 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. Some people avoid eating cilantro because they claim it has a soapy aftertaste. This unpleasant smell is from the buildup of phenylalanine in the body, and if untreated, could lead to serious health complications such as intellectual disability, seizures, and brain damage. Im sorry they handled this so poorly, truly. 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. Skip the medical care point. That can lead to infections and discharge, which can smell bad when you pee. A study using data from almost 30,000 users of 23andMe found genetic variants in olfactory receptors linked to peoples perception of this adverse taste. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis. What is the role of sex in smelling asparagus pee? Some of the common ones are: Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, and salmon. I'm eating leafy greens. You could just be super sensitive to scents. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Go see your doctor right away. It's best to avoid scented antibacterial soaps, which can affect the balance of natural bacteria in your vagina. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for the distinctive scent in your urine. If this sounds horrible, it is. Yes. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd, Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. I'm drinking water like a fish and peeing like it's going out of style. 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. But a lack of fluids does raise your chances of getting kidney stones and urinary tract infections. The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a popular, effective way to lose weight and improve your health. Morning sickness may leave you dehydrated. If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. 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. Here are the vitamins and supplements doctors take every day. MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. "Your urine isn't going to make your vagina smell," confirmed Dr. Streicher. But it can also be normal if eating this vegetable doesn't change the smell of your pee. 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. Many people on keto and similar diets, like the Atkins diet, report that their breath takes on an unusual, fruity smell. 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). Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. To make one thing super-clear first, there's no research confirming that keto crotch is, in fact, a legit side effect of the keto diet. While its unlikely that a keto diet can maximize performance for elite athletes, once you become fat-adapted, it should be sufficient for general exercise and recreational sports (24). 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. More research still needs to be done on metabolism and genetics to determine exact causes of these differences. Kidney stones. it is this increased ammonia Find out the diseases you can prevent just by washing your hands. Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. Ultimately, if you are following the guidelines of a keto diet and staying consistent, you should be in some form of ketosis. 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. If you notice a new or strange scent, talk to your doctor. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. "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. Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. 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). Another way to measure ketosis is by testing urine for other byproducts, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate. 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). A quick search online will reveal several keto followers who complain about this particular effect. Other foods, including Brussels The Keto Diet: What's The Difference? One big issue for many keto dieters is sleep, especially when they first change their diet (14). If you're a parent and your kid's pee starts smelling extra syrupy, get it checked out, because untreated, it could lead to seizures, coma, and death. Onions make you cry, and they also make your urine stinky. It means they dont have the right enzyme to break down the amino acid tyrosine. These side effects are natural. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. Some stones are made from cystine, a substance with sulfur in it. Sign up for Yahoo Lifes daily newsletter, Women who had ovarian cysts share their stories, A sugar replacement may be linked to heart attacks and strokes, but don't throw it out yet. If cystine is in your urine, it may smell like rotten eggs. However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. It causes strong or sweet urine. Elevated ketone levels cause the bad breath. You may notice the smell as the fluid mixes with your pee. This chemical on its own smells like rotten eggs, rotting fish, or garbage. If asparagus is on the menu, it may rear its ugly smell as early as a mid-meal bathroom break. A change in vaginal smell could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or an STD. The short-term side effects of a keto diet are better known. Thats called hyperosmia. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. Vaginal odor can be caused by these other factors as well: If changes in vaginal odor are accompanied by itching, burning, redness, or swelling, you'll want to see your healthcare provider to nail down the exact cause. 2023 Readers Digest Magazines Ltd. - All rights reserved, Photo: Dutourdumonde Photography/Shutterstock, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Washing inside of it could upset the balance of good and bad bacteria. The other hypothesis is that everyone produces the odor, but they may not actually smell anything. Experts say the Mediterranean, DASH, and flexitarian diets have the best foundations and are among the easiest to follow. Overconsumption of coffee not only makes you wired; it could make your urine smell like a venti latte. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. .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. 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. The group of peeps who have experienced smelling an off scent down below seems to be pretty large, at least on the Internet. Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. You can measure your ketone levels with a breath analyzer or urine strips. However, not everyone can smell it. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. 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?. 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Although, many do not consider doing this just for the sake of smelly urine. If foods are responsible, the smell should go away after a few hours. Talk to your doctor if it hurts to pee and you have a fever.