Im sorry they handled this so poorly, truly. After several decades of running on a carb-heavy fuel system, your body is forced to adapt to a different system. You can measure your ketone levels with a breath analyzer or urine strips. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. "Of course, having diabetes increases the chances of spilling glucose into the urine if blood glucose levels are too high." Hepatic steatosis (aka fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver), Hypoproteinemia (deficient levels of protein in the blood). Maybe you can conduct your own survey at the next family meal that includes a platter of asparagus or soon after. 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. Drinking more water can often help. 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. And that means that even if your pee is the same, it may seem like the odor is weird or more intense. 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. Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. What supplements should we really be taking? Why Does the Keto Diet Cause ConstipationAnd How Can You Stop It? Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. See additional information. But, the good news is that it settles down and goes away after you've been keto for awhile. Two hypotheses exist. Learn these things your poop can teach about your health. Keeping the vulvar and vaginal area dry is another way to keep unwanted odors down. Does Garlic Actually Treat Yeast Infections? Webketo crotch and the office. If you notice a new or strange scent, talk to your doctor. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. 'I Lost 50 Lbs. Check out more body parts youre not washing the right way. But some foods -- especially asparagus, which has a smelly sulfur compound -- can change the odor. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. If you follow keto and start noticing that your vagina smells bad, consider checking in with your OB-GYN. Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. That said, if youre losing weight, enjoying your keto diet, and feeling healthier, there is no need to worry about your ketone levels. 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. Thats called hyperosmia. Thomas Mayo, a physician in the 1670s, described the taste of diabetic urine as wonderfully sweet as if it were imbued with honey or sugar. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your body tries to get rid of extra blood sugar or glucose in the urine, creating the sweet smell, she says. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University. Odd smells along with feeling sick, pain, orbloody urine are a sign you should see your doctor. I have to think happy thoughts during squats," another woman posted on Reddit. There are also long-term effects of a keto diet. The group of peeps who have experienced smelling an off scent down below seems to be pretty large, at least on the Internet. Or your genitals may itch, and it might burn when you pee. One big issue for many keto dieters is sleep, especially when they first change their diet (14). The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. Check the nutrition label for carbs if youre using gum or other alternatives like sugar-free drinks. Medicines for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also can affect the way your pee smells. A problem with your liver can make yourskin and eyes yellow and your urine dark and smelly. UPDATE: For everyone saying asparagus, I just checked my food diary and I last ate asparagus on October 13th. If you have kidney failure, you may smell a lot of ammonia when you go to the bathroom. 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. Ketones are an extremely potent fuel source for your brain. In this day and age, urologists run blood tests, not taste tests, to check for diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Sometimes, unusual urine .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. Despite its unfavorable odor after you eat it, its still recommended to keep enjoying asparagus so you can reap all of its health benefits. Some people are hypersensitive (or hyposensitive) to androstenone, a component of sweat. The smell is present; you just can't detect it. Fluids help water down, or dilute, your pee. Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. About one-third of women over the age of 65 can have bacteria in the urine on and off, says Dr. Comiter. (Also, definitely don't douche. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. So can vitamin B-6 supplements. This is dangerous and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association warns. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). Were talking headaches, fatigue, body aches, dizziness, and nausea. Asparagus is notorious for making urine smelly. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. The 18th century French botanist Louis Lmery wrote that asparagus causes "a filthy and disagreeable smell in the urine, as everybody knows." 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. Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. Most importantly, dont make the mistake of eating a diet that lacks diversity. Medications. it is this increased ammonia But it can also be normal if eating this vegetable doesn't change the smell of your pee. However, long-term keto dieters often report increased focus and energy (14, 15). The study Once it gets there, it stays there. Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. But, it's important not to overdo it by washing excessively or using scented products like perfumes, powders, and deodorant sprays. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If you notice you have a weird odor going on down there right after you go keto, you may want to give it a few days to see if it goes away, says Dr. Greves. 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. Watch out for these clear signs youre not eating enough vegetables. However, theyre not considered very reliable. An also take some bathroom spray with you/ spray before you go- it creates a film that traps odors. The vegetable is still healthy and a good part of your diet, says Dr. Brant. Heres everything men need to know about bladder leakage. 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. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too. If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. This is when you begin to reap the benefits of a keto diet. These chemicals just happen to be things that we react to. Try drinking more water to mute 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. That bagged urine really smells because once its out of you, the bacteria flourish, says Dr. Comiter. noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. 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. However, not everyone can smell it. Some medicineslike antibiotics can make your urine stink. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. When your ketone levels are elevated, youre considered to be in ketosis. Your vagina and nose will thank you. On one hand, it's helped tons of people lose weight. If the Whats more, test kits can be expensive. Everyone has their own individual scent sense of the environment. Lycra or spandex is not very breathable, so it's better to go for cotton instead. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Theyll need to follow a special diet. Asparagus consumption provides a distinct odor to urine. While youre in there, you might get a whiff of something that doesnt smell good. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis. Garlic, onions and brussels sprouts, for example, all break down into sulfur compounds when digested. There are rare conditions that create a rotten Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. You know eating asparagus makes your pee smell weird. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. This is one of the primary ketones present in the bloodstream. Why Does My Urine Smell Strong Like Ammonia. Scientists believe the odor in question is due to two chemicals: methanethiol and S-methyl thioester. On the other? Unfortunately no, according to Smith. So why do only some people seem to experience this strong odor after eating asparagus? The more fat your body burns in ketosis, the more ketones, like acetone, your body produces as byproducts. Sometimes 2 days. NOT THIS YOU dont have them dead to right on this. 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). 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). Here is everything you need to know about these. It happens when your body cant break down trimethylamine. The short-term side effects of a keto diet are better known. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Though most everyone probably produces the scent to some degree, it seems not everyones noses pick up on it. Helping people with diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and a number of other issues, every day. B vitamins in your multivitamin are often the culprit of smelly urine. Keto vs. Mediterranean: Which Diet Is Really Better for You? It could, for example, be caused by urinary tract infection. It's one of the universally acknowledged food truths, like how coffee makes you poop and beans make you fart. And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. Asparagus is a delicious green vegetable that comes with one very noticeable side effectit makes your pee smell foul. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. How long does it take to go away? If asparagus is on the menu, it may rear its ugly smell as early as a mid-meal bathroom break. 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. 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. If youre female, it may happen after you give birth or have a certain kind of operation. 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. 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). Experts think hormones may change your perception of smells. Pee doesnt usually have a strong smell. The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. If you want a more accurate assessment, monitor ketone levels in your blood, urine, or breath every week. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. Just like how going super low-carb makes your breath reek, it can do the same to your pee. Vitamins dissolve either in fat or water before they are absorbed by your body. Most everyone knows about asparagus pee, but there are some other foods and medications that can also change the odor of the urine. 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. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine.