Your vagina and nose will thank you. 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. 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. However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. 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. Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of: Urinary tract infection. So while plenty of people are sure the keto diet is the cause of their odorous vagina, no science yet supports this. How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? Unfortunately no, according to Smith. pee smell If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. However, theyre not considered very reliable. 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. If youre female, it may happen after you give birth or have a certain kind of operation. When they follow up verbally--it will be verbal response--reply all on the same email chain and thank them for stopping by to confirm XYZ. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. WebThis smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. A quick search online will reveal several keto followers who complain about this particular effect. 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. Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. You might also feel sick, have pain that comes and goes, and have bloody urine. As you pee, these aspargusic acid-turned sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to smell that distinctive asparagus pee scent. That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee Like Brussels sprouts, methyl mercaptan occurs naturally in the vegetable. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. Keto (low-to-no carb, high-fat, protein-heavy diets) are all the rage for weight loss. It's true that if your vaginal pH is thrown off, you're at a higher risk for developing bacterial vaginosis (an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina), which can have a funky odor, said Dr. Streicher. 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. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. People often report brain fog, tiredness, and feeling sick when starting a very low carb diet. Some people avoid eating cilantro because they claim it has a soapy aftertaste. If you notice it's a common occurrence, definitely see your doctor. The inability to smell this asparagus pee is an example of. Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. The study How To Prevent an Unpleasant Vaginal Odor, Keto Breath Is a Common Problem for Low-carb Dieters, Why Does Sex Have a Smell? But don't let this freak you out too much -- PKU is usually diagnosed in infancy, so if you haven't developed it yet, you're probably good. or you can pee at home because your piss reeks. An also take some bathroom spray with you/ spray before you go- it creates a film that traps odors. If you notice a new or strange scent, talk to your doctor. It's best to avoid scented antibacterial soaps, which can affect the balance of natural bacteria in your vagina. The reasons why this happens are still being investigated. Skip the medical care point. When your body isnt getting the glucose it needs for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. Thank you", This! It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. 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. Some foods have compounds that naturally have astrong odor and can make your urine smell. The sweet smell is from ketonuria, or a buildup of ketones. It causes strong or sweet urine. A small 2010 study showed that about 8% of people have none or only small amounts of enzyme to break down asparagusic acid. 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. That's because, like coffee, alcohol is a diuretic that makes the bacteria in urine more concentrated as you pee more and become dehydrated. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. Terms of Use. When voided from the body, they become foul-smelling gas, wafting up from your asparagus pee. Nearly two weeks before being Lastly, theres the controversy. 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. These include: Vitamins. Thats why its always a good idea to remind kids to take bathroom breaks. The keto flu, or carb flu, is used to describe symptoms often experienced by those beginning a keto diet. But while theres no direct link, going keto could potentially have an indirect effect on whether you develop a rash. Is Keto Crotch Real? Doctors Explain The Keto Diet Side Effect 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.. These receptors are regulated by hundreds of genes. It's probably best to discuss with your doctor to see how best to manage it. Learn these things your poop can teach about your health. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too. Initially, you may suffer from tiredness and low energy. And in the meantime, invest in some Poo-Pourri. It's one of the universally acknowledged food truths, like how coffee makes you poop and beans make you fart. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Foods. It causes symptoms like fruity breath, sweet-smelling urine, excessive thirst, and tiredness. The rest are unaware of the smell. This process, the goal of a keto diet, is called ketosis. Asparagus isnt the only food that has genetically linked controversial smell or taste effects. Thus, they dont produce smelly urine, says Smith. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic Maybe you can conduct your own survey at the next family meal that includes a platter of asparagus or soon after. Theyll test your pee for ketones and help you manage your diabetes. Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for the distinctive scent in your urine. When adding these supplements, make sure to include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Whats the Ideal Ketosis Level for Weight Loss? Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. With WW And Walking, How To Lose Weight Fast Safely And Naturally. While theres always waste in your urine, like ammonia, the smell is stronger if youre dehydrated. WebWhat does ammonia smell like? NOT THIS YOU dont have them dead to right on this. If the odour persists or your urine becomes cloudy, seek a physicians care. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). Webketo crotch and the office. Unravel The Science Mysteries Of Asparagus Pee Onions make you cry, and they also make your urine stinky. Onewarning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. Why does your pee smell after eating asparagus? Experts You can measure your ketone levels with a breath analyzer or urine strips. The deficiency appears to be random, and up to 50 percent of people can sense the smell. Certainurine smells can be a sign of some conditions, but your doctor might not consider that to be the case unless you have other symptoms. Instead, a more plausible theory is that going on the keto diet impacts your vaginal pHand that changes your vaginal odor, she says. Or it could just be something you ate. Terms of Use. If you have more waste than water inyour urine, it can smell more strongly. 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). 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!) 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. keto crotch and the office : r/keto - reddit.com Weight loss. 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. It comes with a whole slew of pretty gnarly side effects like the keto flu, keto breath, and keto diarrhea. We recommend our users to update the browser. Coffee is also a diuretic, which doesn't help things. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. This includes an initial decrease in exercise performance. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You can lessen these symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough electrolytes. Douching can open you up to a whole host of other issues and increase your risk of infection.) Pee Smell Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. 10 Signs and Symptoms That You're in Ketosis - Healthline What is asparagus pee? Theres also another condition called asymptomatic bacteria that can cause your pee to smell but doesnt necessarily mean you have a UTI. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. 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." 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. Foods that convert tosulfur compounds in your body can make your urine smell rotten. If there is such a thing, that is. However, theyre not as accurate as a blood monitor. On a keto diet, your body undergoes many biological adaptations. Asparagus Pee A keto diet generally involves a major change in the foods you eat. Ammonia occurs naturally in water, soil, and the air, and is also found naturally in plants, animals, and the human body. Some STIs can lead to a smelly discharge in males and females. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. I have to think happy thoughts during squats," another woman posted on Reddit. But the food isnt the only one to cause a switch in urine odor, Dr. Movassaghi says. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Were talking headaches, fatigue, body aches, dizziness, and nausea. Thats called hyperosmia. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your diet. If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. If you mess with the acidity, things dont work out very well. The lesson here is to just leave your vagina alone. Research Scientist in Epidemiology, T.H. If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Not everybody, Louis. Maple syrup urine disease. A keto diet can significantly reduce appetite and hunger. 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 Asparagus Makes Pee Smell Fruits and vegetables can help hydrate you, too. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. She was previously an assistant editor at Health before moving over to Travel + Leisure as a social media editor. In this day and age, urologists run blood tests, not taste tests, to check for diabetes. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Most everyone knows about asparagus pee, but there are some other foods and medications that can also change the odor of the urine. While some people believe this to be fat loss, its primarily water weight (2). If you need to go, let it flow. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. More: 4 asparagus side dishes in under 30 minutes. Your doctor can help you figure out ways to manage your childs condition. "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. According to Smith, the odor can begin as early as 15 minutes after ingestion and last up to 14 hours. But the exact compound or how many are causing it is still unknown. Despite its unfavorable odor after you eat it, its still recommended to keep enjoying asparagus so you can reap all of its health benefits. That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee - The Conversation 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!). You may lose a noticeable amount of weight as early as your first week on the keto diet. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. The Paleo Diet A Beginner's Guide Plus Meal Plan, What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? It's pretty rare, and since it's genetic you'll see it in infants and other young kids. You dont need to say anything about being under medical care. The symptoms resemble those of the actual flu, but with a different cause. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. 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). I'm diabetic and thinking about starting keto again but I smelled sooooo bad. That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. It was darker in colour but it didnt smell the way asparagus infused pee does. Eliminating carbs can also help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. Sometimes your pee smells funny when you take certain kinds of multivitamins. If your pee smells funny in a very distinct way, its time to drink up. . 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 rest are unaware of the smell. The odor is caused by the buildup and release of toxins in your urine. This usually improves after a few weeks. Maxine Yeung is a registered dietitian and personal trainer. Though most everyone probably produces the scent to some degree, it seems not everyones noses pick up on it. Bad bacteria that snuck its way into your bladder through your urethra often causes these strange odorous smells. Things That Can Affect the Smell of Your Pee - WebMD 'I Lost 50 Lbs. 8 Things That Can Cause Odor, 5 Things That Can Change the Way Your Vagina Smells, Assessing Vaginal Health: 5 Clues From Your Vagina, Keto Flu Explained: Why Low-Carb Diets Can Make You Feel Sick and Tired, How to Start the Keto Dietand Ways to Stick With It. Too much of this compound can give body fluids, like urine, a rotten odor. Doing so may increase your risk of digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. Your pee may also have a strong smell after you drink coffee, or eat fish, onions, or garlic. 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. They provide the main and most efficient fuel source for all forms of high intensity exercise. Sometimes 2 days. The specific culprit is acetone, a ketone that exits the body in your urine and breath (3). Drinkinglots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear. 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. To reduce fatigue during this switch, you may want to take electrolyte supplements. Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. If this sounds horrible, it is. 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. But it doesnt represent a risky infection because its just bacteria that flourishes in the urine and then disappears. If you experience other symptoms like a burning sensation while peeing or a fever, see a doctor. 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. Hundreds of variants in the DNA sequence across multiple genes involved in sense of smell are strongly associated with the ability to detect asparagus metabolites in urine.