Bad breath is actually a common side effect of reaching full ketosis. 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. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. According to data, 40 percent of subjects firmly believed that they could detect a distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, whereas 60 percent could not and were labeled asparagus anosmic. The reasons why this happens are still being investigated. Drinking more water can often help. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Asparagus is the perfect springtime vegetable. The rest are unaware of the smell. Ah, the keto diet. Research Scientist in Epidemiology, T.H. Vitamins dissolve either in fat or water before they are absorbed by your body. 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!). That said, if youre losing weight, enjoying your keto diet, and feeling healthier, there is no need to worry about your ketone levels. This article, Breakfast cereals boast impressive health claims, but many are high in sugar and refined carbs. This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. If foods are responsible, the smell should go away after a few hours. But whether this is actually being caused by following the keto diet remains up for debate. It then disposes of the ketones through both exhalation and urination. Odd smells along with feeling sick, pain, orbloody urine are a sign you should see your doctor. If things just smell off, go see a doctor ASAP to make sure everything's OK. Pissing sugar may sound like an amusing Southern expression, but it could be a sign of diabetes. Renita White, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). Like not a nasty infectious smell, just like a stronger natural smell? How Do You Know If You Have A Hormonal Belly? 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. 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. The ketones themselves may also affect your brain, helping to reduce appetite (12) (13). 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. Sulfur, in general, is not very pleasant to smell, notes Dr. Bobart. Pee doesnt usually have a strong smell. B vitamins in your multivitamin are often the culprit of smelly urine. Too much vitamin B1 (thiamine) can make your pee smell like fish. Urine It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. Many long-term keto dieters report improved brain function and more stable energy levels, likely due to the rise in ketones and more stable blood sugar levels. Maybe I'm just a freak of nature!". It's one of the universally acknowledged food truths, like how coffee makes you poop and beans make you fart. Keto vs. Mediterranean: Which Diet Is Really Better for You? That may also raise your chances of getting a UTI. For this reason, most people will just perform one test per week or every other week. The ketone acetone is partly expelled via your breath. Discover signs and symptoms of ketosis, like changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). However, it was suggested that removing the tips of the head of the asparagus before consuming may reduce the intensity of the asparagus pee. PKU, short for phenylketonuria, is another inherited disorder where the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein. All rights reserved. Why does your pee smell after eating asparagus? Experts "Your urine isn't going to make your vagina smell," confirmed Dr. Streicher. Brushing your teeth several times per day or using sugar-free gum can resolve the issue. With WW And Walking, How To Lose Weight Fast Safely And Naturally. 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). This is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. 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!) Elevated ketone levels cause the bad breath. The enzymatic process breaks down distinct chemicals as your body digests meals. Why Does My Urine Smell Strong Like Ammonia. All rights reserved. Keto crotch sounds similar to the keto breath phenomenon. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. Tyrosinemia. If you have this condition, your urine might just smell like regular ol' pee (to you, at least) even if your urine contains post-asparagus sulfuric compounds. If asparagus is on the menu, it may rear its ugly smell as early as a mid-meal bathroom break. 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. People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. Its not dangerous at all. The human nose has about 10 million olfactory receptors that determine how you perceive smells. 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." You may need to take antibiotics to get better. You may notice the smell as the fluid mixes with your pee. Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. Wine and Cheeseburger: Harley and Lara Pair Falafel with Wine. The odor is caused by the buildup and release of toxins in your urine. Make sure you get some assistance.. More: 4 asparagus side dishes in under 30 minutes. Experts say the Mediterranean, DASH, and flexitarian diets have the best foundations and are among the easiest to follow. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine; however, not everyone can smell it. Any diet can change your vaginal pH, Dr. Shepherd says, which can then change the odor a bit. Terms of Use. Let your vagina clean itself. However, theyre not as accurate as a blood monitor. Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think. 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. With Walk At Home And MIRROR', This Mom Lost 95 Lbs. What Is Keto Crotch? - Health The smell of rotting fish is hard to ignore, and should especially be a red flag if you notice it in your pee. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University. Onions make you cry, and they also make your urine stinky. This chemical on its own smells like rotten eggs, rotting fish, or garbage. Ketones are chemical byproducts that provide a new fuel source for your cells. This odor has become so well known that post The rest are unaware of the smell. If your pee smells funny in a very distinct way, its time to drink up. Employer: "OP please contact your doctor to provide us with a doctor's note so we can properly file this. Amy Krambeck, MD, Michael O. Koch professor of urology, Indiana University School of Medicine. 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. Learn these things your poop can teach about your health. Urinary tract infections can cause a foul odour that some patients describe as rotten food or sweaty socks. B vitamins can also make your pee look a bright greenish-yellow. The 18th century French botanist Louis Lmery wrote that asparagus causes "a filthy and disagreeable smell in the urine, as everybody knows." Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Two hypotheses exist. Tbh, tons of totally harmless reasons could explain this. These are chemicals that are naturally produced by your body. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. Do All People's Pee Smell After Eating Asparagus? - MedicineNet 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. To reduce fatigue during this switch, you may want to take electrolyte supplements. 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. Sulfa is found in some diabetes medication, antibiotics, migraine medicine, anti-inflammatories, and (quite fittingly) diuretics. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. Lastly, theres the controversy. After several decades of running on a carb-heavy fuel system, your body is forced to adapt to a different system. 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. That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee - The Conversation Your pee smells funny (think old and smelly) when you frequently hold it in throughout the day. Nearly two weeks before being called in the office. Genes for Smelling Asparagus Metabolites Determine Urine In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). One is that some people simply dont produce the smell. Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. 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. As you pee, these aspargusic acid-turned sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to smell that distinctive asparagus pee scent. "Nobody knows if this is a real effect of the keto diet," Lauren Streicher, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University, told Health. They may give you antibiotics, special soap, or suggest eating certain foods. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. Terms of Use. .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 study looked at nearly 7,000 European American participants and found that about 62% of women and 58% of men had asparagus anosmia, a genetic modification that means they could not perceive or smell the noxious urine, notes Smith. Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? - Healthline A 2016 study found that whether or not someone could smell asparagus pee is associated with a genetic variation near multiple olfactory receptor genes. During the first few months there was some extra smell stuff happening all over - crotch and otherwise. But, it's important not to overdo it by washing excessively or using scented products like perfumes, powders, and deodorant sprays. keto crotch and the office : r/keto - reddit.com It can take a few days or weeks for this to start working properly. According to one study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism in November 2016, these urine markers are highest in the morning and after dinner. This odor is because of the breakdown of a substance called asparagusic acid Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. 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. I have to think happy thoughts during squats," another woman posted on Reddit. Webketo crotch and the office. Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic 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). Those are chemicals your body makes when you burn fat, instead of glucose, for energy. 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 Asparagus Pee Keto (low-to-no carb, high-fat, protein-heavy diets) are all the rage for weight loss. When your ketone levels are elevated, youre considered to be in ketosis. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. She was previously an assistant editor at Health before moving over to Travel + Leisure as a social media editor. 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). The deficiency appears to be random, and up to 50 percent of people can sense the smell. This article tells you how long it takes to enter. Given that the keto diet is high in fat, it can end up making your poop a little more liquidy than usual, Barbie Boules, RDN, founder of Nyoutrition previously told WH. And while asparagus itself doesnt have an odor, when it is digested, the sulfur bonds -- between the amino acids in Certain foods, including asparagus and fish, can make the urine smell. Scientists believe the odor in question is due to two chemicals: methanethiol and S-methyl thioester. Asparagus isnt the only food that has genetically linked controversial smell or taste effects. Heres everything men need to know about bladder leakage. I'm so glad to know im not crazy. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. That bagged urine really smells because once its out of you, the bacteria flourish, says Dr. Comiter. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for weight loss (4, 5). If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. When you start a low carb diet, your body must adapt to burning more fat for fuel instead of carbs. The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a popular, effective way to lose weight and improve your health. It's probably best to discuss with your doctor to see how best to manage it. Does a Healthy Penis Smell BadAnd What About Semen? 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. After several weeks, many keto dieters report that their performance returns to normal. However, not everyone can smell it. And in the meantime, invest in some Poo-Pourri. 7 Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy As You Age. Keto Crotch Is A Thing You Should Know About, The Real Difference Between Keto And Low-Carb. There are many fast food options available that are low in carbs. Some people avoid eating cilantro because they claim it has a soapy aftertaste. And just because you dont smell it doesnt mean youre not making it. When in ketosis, your body converts the fatty acids into chemicals called ketones. 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. 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 eating leafy greens. And remember to be gentle when washing this sensitive area. How long does it take to go away? 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. It goes from being mild and lovely to being forceful and pretty terrible. Despite the nutritional benefits of asparagus, many are opposed to eating the vegetable due to its pungent aftereffects. These include: Vitamins. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. 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. Im sorry they handled this so poorly, truly. 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. About one-third of women over the age of 65 can have bacteria in the urine on and off, says Dr. Comiter. More research still needs to be done on metabolism and genetics to determine exact causes of these differences. Nearly two weeks before being noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If youre prone to infections or bacteria, then the bacteria will grow and grow until you pee them out, says Dr. Comiter. Also, make sure to eat plenty of healthy low carb veggies, which still contain plenty of fiber. 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. Couple that with the fact that a lot of people on keto tend to use artificial sweeteners, which also can cause stomach issues, and you might set yourself up for some serious bathroom sprints. Your food, vitamins, and medications are the most common cause of a badurine smell. Now, people are talking about another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet: keto crotch. However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. The good news is that these vitamin-induced urine smells are harmless, so you can keep taking your daily vitamin supplements. If you notice a new or strange scent, talk to your doctor. These side effects are natural. 'I Lost 50 Lbs. While this breath may be less than ideal for your social life, it can be a positive sign for your diet. 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. Asparagus pee is something that cannot be controlled by anyone. Does Tiger urine smell like popcorn? If you're on the keto diet and develop a rash, dont just blame it on the diet, she says. They work by forcing your body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose from carbs for energy. I'm five weeks on keto and I work in a leasing office. Asking yourself, Why does my pee smell? This smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. 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. Instead, a more plausible theory is that going on the keto diet impacts your vaginal pHand that changes your vaginal odor, she says. Some babies are born with a condition called tyrosinemia type 1. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for I have no idea! 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. When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? Medicines for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also can affect the way your pee smells. Health issues linked to douching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Like Brussels sprouts, methyl mercaptan occurs naturally in the vegetable. Some antibiotics are made from mold and can make your urine smell yeasty. However, this particular side effect of eating asparagus doesnt happen to everyone, and some keto But the food isnt the only one to cause a switch in urine odor, Dr. Movassaghi says. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Drinkinglots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. You may go to the bathroom a lot if you have a UTI. Atkins Vs. 9 Causes of Smelly Urineand What To Do About It - Health 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.. Your vagina and nose will thank you. Though most everyone probably produces the scent to some degree, it seems not everyones noses pick up on it. However, its been suggested that this hunger reduction may be due to alterations to your bodys hunger hormones, along with an increased intake of proteins (11, 12).
