A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. That's because, like coffee, alcohol is a diuretic that makes the bacteria in urine more concentrated as you pee more and become dehydrated. The most reliable and accurate method of measuring ketosis is to measure your blood ketone levels using a specialized meter. Its part of the flora bacterial environment.. I'm drinking water like a fish and peeing like it's going out of style. Nearly two weeks before being If you want a more accurate assessment, monitor ketone levels in your blood, urine, or breath every week. Affected by Urinary Infection. The soap you use is also important. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. The good news is that these vitamin-induced urine smells are harmless, so you can keep taking your daily vitamin supplements. You might get this kind of fistula if you have cancer or an inflammatory condition, like Crohns disease or diverticulitis. Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? - Healthline But that doesn't mean people aren't still experiencing some less-than-pleasant odors down there on the keto diet. 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. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Pee Smell Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. But whether this is actually being caused by following the keto diet remains up for debate. 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!) Discover signs and symptoms of ketosis, like changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. The symptoms resemble those of the actual flu, but with a different cause. "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. Sarah Coseo Markt receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. 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. Some stones are made from cystine, a substance with sulfur in it. It's pretty rare, and since it's genetic you'll see it in infants and other young kids. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication of diabetes that happens when ketones build up in your blood. Washing inside of it could upset the balance of good and bad bacteria. Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. It happens when your body cant break down trimethylamine. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You end up getting rid of the compound through your pee, sweat, breath, and other fluids. There are also long-term effects of a keto diet. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. Your food, vitamins, and medications are the most common cause of a badurine smell. As discussed above, removing carbs can lead to general tiredness at first. If you follow keto and start noticing that your vagina smells bad, consider checking in with your OB-GYN. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. 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). Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. 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. Sulfa is found in some diabetes medication, antibiotics, migraine medicine, anti-inflammatories, and (quite fittingly) diuretics. After the initial rapid drop in water weight, you should continue to lose body fat consistently as long as you stick to the diet and remain in a calorie deficit. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. Whats more, test kits can be expensive. Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of: Urinary tract infection. It causes symptoms like fruity breath, sweet-smelling urine, excessive thirst, and tiredness. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. Any diet can change your vaginal pH, Dr. Shepherd says, which can then change the odor a bit. Another way to measure ketosis is by testing urine for other byproducts, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate. A different Reddit user agreed, responding: "Oh boy, yes. But theres no particular reason the keto diet would cause you to break out only around your crotchat least, none that the scientific community has found a direct link to, says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. 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. Pee doesnt usually have a strong smell. I have no idea! They can be a quick and cheap method to assess your ketone levels each day. More research still needs to be done on metabolism and genetics to determine exact causes of these differences. In addition to having an unfamiliar smell down there, some women are also reporting that theyve noticed a rash in their crotch area on the keto diet (fun!). Unravel The Science Mysteries Of Asparagus Pee Urine smells like fish The stinky pee smell might not be related to your keto diet at all. Many long-term keto dieters claim that they sleep better than before after adapting to the diet (25). Extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can give it a strong odor. That's the odor you'll notice as the chemical leaves your body. Certain foods, including asparagus and fish, can make the urine smell. "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. 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. However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. Your vagina and nose will thank you. It's actually an inflammatory disease called prurigo pigmentosa thats often characterized by red, itchy bumps on the neck, back, and stomachand the keto diet can potentially trigger it. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, send an email with your understanding of the situation. They can tell you if its normal. Thats called hyperosmia. You could just be super sensitive to scents. Find out the diseases you can prevent just by washing your hands. 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. And then theres keto diarrhea, which is about as fun as it sounds. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. You could have a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. The reasons why this happens are still being investigated. That doesnt mean youre unhealthy. 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). Eliminating carbs can also help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. 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. It goes from being mild and lovely to being forceful and pretty terrible. We asked almost 7,000 participants from two large cohort studies to respond to the prompt After eating asparagus, you notice a strong characteristic odor in your urine. By linking the questionnaire data with genetic data, we were able to show that the ability to smell or not to smell depends on a persons genetic makeup. So can vitamin B-6 supplements. However, it was suggested that removing the tips of the head of the asparagus before consuming may reduce the intensity of the asparagus pee. Or it could just be something you ate. Most everyone knows about asparagus pee, but there are some other foods and medications that can also change the odor of the urine. Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. When you start a low carb diet, your body must adapt to burning more fat for fuel instead of carbs. This article tells you how long it takes to enter. The culprit of that asparagus pee smell is a particular sulfur compound found only in that vegetable. And while asparagus itself doesnt have an odor, when it is digested, the sulfur bonds -- between the amino acids in But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. Foods. Ah, the keto diet. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? Just like how going super low-carb makes your breath reek, it can do the same to your pee. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine. Some people avoid eating cilantro because they claim it has a soapy aftertaste. Pee Smell It's one of the universally acknowledged food truths, like how coffee makes you poop and beans make you fart. Theyre responsible for most of the unique health benefits of the keto diet. It's much stronger than 'musk' for me :/)," one Reddit user posted. 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. Some of the common ones are: Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, curry, and salmon. Tyrosinemia is treated with medicine and a low-tyrosine diet. All rights reserved. Theyre commonly used to treat UTIs and other infections. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You may start producing smelly urine to the earliest as 15 minutes after eating asparagus, and the effects may last up to 14 hours. Hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver), Hypoproteinemia (deficient levels of protein in the blood). Testing blood ketone levels with a monitor is the most accurate way to determine whether youre in ketosis. Sometimes 2 days. A fistula is an extra opening that forms between two organs. An also take some bathroom spray with you/ spray before you go- it creates a film that traps odors. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, blood in your pee, or if youre in a lot of pain. This will pass once your body becomes adapted to running on fat and ketones. The ketone acetone is partly expelled via your breath. Some women on Reddit have reported the smell going away after a while, while others said it persisted. Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? Cleveland Clinic pee smells Vitamins dissolve either in fat or water before they are absorbed by your body. And some say another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet exists: "keto crotch," or a foul-smelling vagina. A keto diet induces ketosis which is a metabolic state where your body uses fat for energy, says Dr. Kielb.During this state, your urine and breath may both have an odour. This high-fat, low-carb eating plan has its fansand detractors. Why does your pee smell after eating asparagus? Experts Surgery can fix fistulas. 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. Health issues linked to douching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Several key signs and symptoms can help you identify whether youre in ketosis. Urine is mostly waste products and water and normally has a mild smell and a light yellow color. Some people can smell the characteristic odor that asparagus gives to their urine, while others cannot. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. It doesnt mean youre unhealthy. People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. While theres always waste in your urine, like ammonia, the smell is stronger if youre dehydrated. It was like a light switched one day I couldnt smell it, next time I ate asparagus the strong smell was there. Webketo crotch and the office. 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. Asparagus is a delicious green vegetable that comes with one very noticeable side effectit makes your pee smell foul. Gail L. Nunlee-Bland, MD, chief of endocrinology and director, Diabetes Treatment Center, Howard University. Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. Onions. Her areas of expertise include fibroids, irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, infertility and menopause. Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle dehydrated. Its usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. 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. After several decades of running on a carb-heavy fuel system, your body is forced to adapt to a different system. Now, people are talking about another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet: keto crotch. Scientists believe the odor in question is due to two chemicals: methanethiol and S-methyl thioester. Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. Although the correlation isn't strong or that widely understood, Dr. Ellerkmann says taking a medication that contains sulfa might make your pee smell funky. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. That bagged urine really smells because once its out of you, the bacteria flourish, says Dr. Comiter. I'm so glad to know im not crazy. Trimethylaminuria. You might also feel sick, have pain that comes and goes, and have bloody urine. This process, the goal of a keto diet, is called ketosis. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you need to go, let it flow. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. It causes strong or sweet urine. Thank you", This! Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. Talk to your doctor if it hurts to pee and you have a fever. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. Too much of this compound can give body fluids, like urine, a rotten odor. 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. 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. Why Does My Child Have Stinky Pee Maxine Yeung is a registered dietitian and personal trainer. What does pee smell like when in ketosis? - Quora Your genes affect whether you can smell these sulfur byproducts. Sulfur, in general, is not very pleasant to smell, notes Dr. Bobart. Yes, volunteers sniffed samples of other peoples asparagus pee. Ammonia occurs naturally in water, soil, and the air, and is also found naturally in plants, animals, and the human body. Keeping the vulvar and vaginal area dry is another way to keep unwanted odors down. Some people are hypersensitive (or hyposensitive) to androstenone, a component of sweat. Keto crotch sounds similar to the keto breath phenomenon. Lycra or spandex is not very breathable, so it's better to go for cotton instead. The study In this day and age, urologists run blood tests, not taste tests, to check for diabetes. Cleveland Clinic: Urine Smell: What Does It Mean?, Colorado State University: Water-Soluble Vitamins: B-Complex and Vitamin C 9.312., Journal of the American Medical Directors Association: Cloudy, Foul Smelling Urine Not a Criteria for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Older Adults., Mayo Clinic: Diabetic ketoacidosis. Urinary tract infection (UTI), Urine odor., Merck Manual Consumer Version: Tyrosinemia., Metabolites: Quantitative Determination of Common Urinary Odorants and Their Glucuronide Conjugates in Human Urine., National Health Service: Kidney stones, Smelly urine., National Organization for Rare Disorders: Maple Syrup Urine Disease., Pacific Mens Health: Men's Health 6 Reasons Your Pee Stinks., U.S National Library of Medicine: Trimethylaminuria.. Studies report that 22 to 50 percent of the population have smelly urine following consumption of asparagus. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. If your baby has the disease, you may notice this syrupy odor a day or two after theyre born. Asparagus isnt the only food that has genetically linked controversial smell or taste effects. It can cause bad or fruity-smelling breath for people on a keto diet. On a keto diet, your body undergoes many biological adaptations. Heres everything men need to know about bladder leakage. This issue does go away over time though. During the first few months there was some extra smell stuff happening all over - crotch and otherwise.