The meter measures your ketone levels by calculating the amount of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in your blood. The Paleo Diet A Beginner's Guide Plus Meal Plan, What Is the Ayurvedic Diet? What supplements should we really be taking? That's also why your pee becomes dark and bad-smelling, she adds, because as your body gets dehydrated from drinking too much coffee, the bacteria become more concentrated in your waste. But that doesn't mean people aren't still experiencing some less-than-pleasant odors down there on the keto diet. 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. If your baby has the disease, you may notice this syrupy odor a day or two after theyre born. A lot of people report insomnia or waking up at night when they first reduce their carbs drastically. Your genes affect whether you can smell these sulfur byproducts. Check out more body parts youre not washing the right way. You may need to take antibiotics to get better. But whether this is actually being caused by following the keto diet remains up for debate. Tyrosinemia is treated with medicine and a low-tyrosine diet. Health posed that question to an OB-GYN, who said keto crotch has never been scientifically investigated. This smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. With WW And Walking, How To Lose Weight Fast Safely And Naturally. Wine and Cheeseburger: Harley and Lara Pair Falafel with Wine. Webketo crotch and the office. 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. If you cant, thats called asparagus anosmia. During the first few months there was some extra smell stuff happening all over - crotch and otherwise. . Any diet can change your vaginal pH, Dr. Shepherd says, which can then change the odor a bit. Trimethylaminuria. Affected by Urinary Infection. 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. Despite its unfavorable odor after you eat it, its still recommended to keep enjoying asparagus so you can reap all of its health benefits. While youre in there, you might get a whiff of something that doesnt smell good. The good news is that these vitamin-induced urine smells are harmless, so you can keep taking your daily vitamin supplements. Many creatures rely on their sense of smell to survive. or you can pee at home because your piss reeks. They provide the main and most efficient fuel source for all forms of high intensity exercise. Sometimes 2 days. Discover signs and symptoms of ketosis, like changes to your breath, appetite, or energy levels. Last medically reviewed on October 30, 2022. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine. Experts say the Mediterranean, DASH, and flexitarian diets have the best foundations and are among the easiest to follow. The keto flu, or carb flu, is used to describe symptoms often experienced by those beginning a keto diet. The vagina, the urine, a lot of your body is supposed to have a certain type of acidity, says Brant. Ketones are chemical byproducts that provide a new fuel source for your cells. This gives you an idea of your bodys ketone levels since more acetone leaves the body when youre in nutritional ketosis (9). Your vagina and nose will thank you. "Too much coffee will make your urine concentrated, and hence will impart a foul odor to your urine," internist Dr. Aditi Gupta, head of the doctor's panel at JustDoc, says. 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. 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. Tough Journeys: When Cancer Strikes People Living With Dementia, Sea Spray Can Waft Polluted Coastal Water Inland, Cats, Dogs 'Part of the Family' for Most American Pet Owners: Poll, Dozens of Medical Groups Launch Effort to Battle Health Misinformation. As you might expect, this switch doesnt happen overnight. Bacterial infections like chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If the stinky scent bothers you, tell your doctor about it. If you feel full and dont need to eat as often as before, then you may be in ketosis. Some STIs can lead to a smelly discharge in males and females. When these amino acids build up, their pee or earwax starts to smell sweet. Does Tiger urine smell like popcorn? You may lose a noticeable amount of weight as early as your first week on the keto diet. Renita White, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Here's what the keto flu is, why it happens. More research still needs to be done on metabolism and genetics to determine exact causes of these differences. 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. This issue does go away over time though. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesnt store them, and whatever you dont need is removed in your urine. So when you catch a whiff of a not-so-usual odor, it can really freak you out. As for hours my pee smells more like days. When you start a low carb diet, your body must adapt to burning more fat for fuel instead of carbs. But unfortunately, no research exists showing that diet alone can alter vaginal pH. Your pee may also have a strong smell after you drink coffee, or eat fish, onions, or garlic. The rest are unaware of the smell. As discussed above, removing carbs can lead to general tiredness at first. If you want a more accurate assessment, monitor ketone levels in your blood, urine, or breath every week. While theres always waste in your urine, like ammonia, the smell is stronger if youre dehydrated. They can also make infections more likely. Asking yourself, Why does my pee smell? When you pee, the sulfur byproducts evaporate almost immediately, causing you to All rights reserved. ", On a separate thread, another user slash keto dieter wondered: "Does anyone else's lady bits smell different too? Its crunchy yet tender and can be used in everything from salads and soups to pasta dishes. 7 Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy As You Age. Poor sleep and insomnia are common symptoms during the initial stages of ketosis. Douching with fluids or chemicals will kill the good bacteria and allow bad bacteria to move in instead. Here are 12 fast foods you can eat on a low carb diet. There's actually a scientific explanation, though; asparagus has asparagusic acid, which is responsible for 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. When your body reaches ketosis on a ketogenic diet, it uses ketones as an alternative energy source. This odor has become so well known that post Yes, volunteers sniffed samples of other peoples asparagus pee. However, this usually improves in a matter of weeks. 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. 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. As Benjamin Franklin wrote in 1781, A few stems of asparagus eaten, shall give our urine a disagreable odour.. This includes a reduction in insulin levels and the increased breakdown of fat (1, 2). Since women are generally better able to detect smells, its possible some women were either too polite to mention the smell or didnt pick up on it due to their position while peeing. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. OtherUTI symptoms include: Liver disease. Your body needs water to dilute waste products in your urine. If the odour persists or your urine becomes cloudy, seek a physicians care. When enzymes in the human digestive tract break down the asparagusic acid thats naturally present in the vegetable, these volatile compounds are created. noticed that their vaginas started to emit an intense order after going on the low-carb diet. 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. Employer: "OP please contact your doctor to provide us with a doctor's note so we can properly file this. You may need to get the stones taken out at a hospital. I have to think happy thoughts during squats," another woman posted on Reddit. During the metabolism of asparagus, sulfur compounds in the asparagus are eliminated from the body through urine, which results in the pungent smell of urine. Liver disease can make your pee and breath smell musty. What it is, how it works, what to eat, what to avoid and a sample paleo meal plan for one week. Thats why its important to drink water when youre thirsty. Press J to jump to the feed. 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). If you have more waste than water inyour urine, it can smell more strongly. 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 is great for weight loss, but not so great for your body odor. And in the meantime, invest in some Poo-Pourri. Your pee smells funny (think old and smelly) when you frequently hold it in throughout the day. You end up getting rid of the compound through your pee, sweat, breath, and other fluids. You might also feel sick, have pain that comes and goes, and have bloody urine. This is because your sense of scent, like your perception of color, is determined by your genes. WebThis smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. The most reliable and accurate method of measuring ketosis is to measure your blood ketone levels using a specialized meter. 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. But, scientifically speaking, why would a diet high in fat and very low in carbs change the scent of your vagina? "Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose," Dr. Ellerkmann says. Vegetables are good for your body, but dont be alarmed if they make your urine smell like rotten cabbage. Sarah Coseo Markt receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. The sweet smell is from ketonuria, or a buildup of ketones. Whats more, there are further benefits primarily an increased ability to burn more fat during exercise. Watch out for these clear signs youre not eating enough vegetables. Denying bathroom use is a violation of basic workplace rights. Tell your doctor if you have a fever, blood in your pee, or if youre in a lot of pain. Its usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. 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. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Come along for the ride! Yes, there's actually a disease for your pee named after the sweet breakfast condiment. When followed correctly, this low carb, high fat diet will raise your blood levels of ketones. Doing so may increase your risk of digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. Here are the vitamins and supplements doctors take every day. The ketones themselves may also affect your brain, helping to reduce appetite (12) (13). Okay, so people are definitely experiencing something funky going on with their vaginal scents. 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. We recommend our users to update the browser. 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. it is this increased ammonia Just say you want their outrageous demand in writing. With Walk At Home And MIRROR', This Mom Lost 95 Lbs. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too. Asparagus is a big culprit for smelly urine; in fact, your pee can start smelling like asparagus just 20 minutes after you eat it. Well-known side effects can include weakness and fatigue (15). Despite the nutritional benefits of asparagus, many are opposed to eating the vegetable due to its pungent aftereffects. But back in the 17th century, urologists would analyze urine samples for diabetes by using three of their senses: sight, smell and taste. Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. 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). Medicines for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also can affect the way your pee smells. In most cases, a strong smell isnt a sign of disease. It causes strong or sweet urine. 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. Vitamins dissolve either in fat or water before they are absorbed by your body. In most cases, a strong urine smell is caused by your food or is a sign that youneed more fluids. 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). You dont need to say anything about being under medical care. Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. The sweetness comes from sugar in your urine and is a sign your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood. /r/keto is place to share thoughts, ideas, benefits, and experiences around eating within a Ketogenic lifestyle. Asparagus contains sulfur-like compounds. In certain types of ultra-endurance sports and events, a keto diet could even be beneficial (22). It goes from being mild and lovely to being forceful and pretty terrible. Heres how much water you really need to drink to stay hydrated. Instead, a more plausible theory is that going on the keto diet impacts your vaginal pHand that changes your vaginal odor, she says. Weight loss. 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. Theyll need to follow a special diet. This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. She was previously an assistant editor at Health before moving over to Travel + Leisure as a social media editor. Its part of the flora bacterial environment.. This chemical on its own smells like rotten eggs, rotting fish, or garbage. Your body gets rid of nutrients you dont need through peeing. The digestion of asparagus produces methanethiol and S-methyl thioesters, chemical compounds containing stinky sulfur, also known as brimstone. 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. If your urine smells like metal, you might have a pseudomonas infection. It's much stronger than 'musk' for me :/)," one Reddit user posted. Brushing your teeth several times per day or using sugar-free gum can resolve the issue. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It can take a few days or weeks for this to start working properly. Medications. Maple syrup urine disease. But some foods -- especially asparagus, which has a smelly sulfur compound -- can change the odor. The inability to smell this asparagus pee is an example of. If cystine is in your urine, it may smell like rotten eggs. 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. 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. After several decades of running on a carb-heavy fuel system, your body is forced to adapt to a different system. And prenatal vitamins might change the way your pee smells. Most importantly, dont make the mistake of eating a diet that lacks diversity. They may give you antibiotics, special soap, or suggest eating certain foods. Sulfa drugs can give your pee a bit of stench. Keto flu, keto breath, keto diarrheait's no secret the keto diet comes with side effects. MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. 2. Also called trimethylaminuria, this genetic condition can give your pee a fishy smell. Make sure you get some assistance.. It comes with a whole slew of pretty gnarly side effects like the keto flu, keto breath, and keto diarrhea. And some say another unpleasant side effect of the keto diet exists: "keto crotch," or a foul-smelling vagina. Yes. Testing blood ketone levels with a monitor is the most accurate way to determine whether youre in ketosis. They work by forcing your body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose from carbs for energy. Keto (low-to-no carb, high-fat, protein-heavy diets) are all the rage for weight loss. This one's also a rare genetic disorder, but for those afflicted, the odor can also impact breath and sweat, according to Dr. Ellerkmann, so it's hard to get away from. The truth is, going on a high-fat, low-carb diet can be a little rough on your body at first. I'm drinking water like a fish and peeing like it's going out of style. People who use catheters and urine drainage bags may complain of a stinky urine odour in their bags. 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. 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. However, long-term keto dieters often report increased focus and energy (14, 15). There are also long-term effects of a keto diet. 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. "Oh thank God I am not the only one with a stinky vajayjay. If youre female, it may happen after you give birth or have a certain kind of operation. Many people on keto and similar diets, like the Atkins diet, report that their breath takes on an unusual, fruity smell. 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. Two studies have shown that people who are unable to smell the odor in their own urine also dont detect it in the urine of known producers. What is asparagus pee? You can measure your ketone levels with a breath analyzer or urine strips. 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). Morning sickness may leave you dehydrated. Yet, science does show that going keto can change the odor of your breath and urine, making both smell like nail polish remover. Sometimes, unusual urine When voided from the body, they become foul-smelling gas, wafting up from your asparagus pee. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, F/65/5'8" SD:1/18 SW:170ish CW:130ish Goal:healthy/happy/wellfed. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding. Gail L. Nunlee-Bland, MD, chief of endocrinology and director, Diabetes Treatment Center, Howard University. Scientists believe the odor in question is due to two chemicals: methanethiol and S-methyl thioester. If they are really that stupid to go that far, you'll at least have them dead to rights if you do decide to get an attorney. Maybe you can conduct your own survey at the next family meal that includes a platter of asparagus or soon after. One of the hallmarks of a keto diet is a reduction in blood sugar levels and an increase in ketones. It then disposes of the ketones through both exhalation and urination. Thats because bacteria can build up in your urine and make it stink. Nearly two weeks before being And if you're noticing you have to pee much more frequently, that could be another sign of diabetes. The vegetable is still healthy and a good part of your diet, says Dr. Brant. Bad breath is actually a common side effect of reaching full ketosis. The other hypothesis is that everyone produces the odor, but they may not actually smell anything. So while plenty of people are sure the keto diet is the cause of their odorous vagina, no science yet supports this. People often report brain fog, tiredness, and feeling sick when starting a very low carb diet. It turns out there are lots of things that affect the smell of your pee. There are some common foods and medications that can change the odor of urine. (Also, definitely don't douche. Urine is mostly waste products and water and normally has a mild smell and a light yellow color. He says that one cannot prevent the breakdown of asparagusic acid if they have the enzymes present in their body.. Your food, vitamins, and medications are the most common cause of a badurine smell. 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). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. "Anecdotally, there have been a lot of reports over the years that diet can influence vaginal odor, but it's never been studied.". Another way to measure ketosis is by testing urine for other byproducts, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate. Your urine can get super concentrated and take on a pungent urine smell similar to ammonia if you dont drink the recommended seven to eight glasses of water a day. Keto diets, along with other low carb diets, are highly effective for 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. These often cause people to quit the diet before they get into full ketosis and reap many of the long-term benefits. How long does it take to go away? You may not have other symptoms. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. What To Know About Pilates And Weight Loss, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that youre alittle dehydrated. That's because your body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbs. Ever settle into the restroom to do your business and, amid the calming sound of your yellow stream, notice an awful smell? 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. But while theres no direct link, going keto could potentially have an indirect effect on whether you develop a rash. Webketo crotch and the office. Onions. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. People born with this condition cant break down certain amino acids. If you get one between your bladder and bowels, poop or gas may come out when you pee. This content is imported from poll. Theyre commonly used to treat UTIs and other infections. Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine; however, not everyone can smell it. This is a detailed beginner's guide to the paleo diet. Your perception of diverse odors is absolutely distinct. However, it can often be hard to know whether youre in ketosis or not. Onions make you cry, and they also make your urine stinky. And then theres keto diarrhea, which is about as fun as it sounds. WebAnswer (1 of 16): I did all of that for quite some time and didnt notice a different smell to my pee. Elevated ketone levels cause the bad breath. If you've been working out or sweating, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. However, it was suggested that removing the tips of the head of the asparagus before consuming may reduce the intensity of the asparagus pee. These chemicals just happen to be things that we react to. Try drinking more water to mute the smell of your urine. Many people report decreased hunger while following a keto diet. 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. Does a Healthy Penis Smell BadAnd What About Semen? Its primarily caused by the reduction in your muscles glycogen stores. Its found in some stinky cheeses, bad breath, and farts, but you most likely know it as the molecule you're smelling when the stove burner doesnt light or there's a gas leak. You may go to the bathroom a lot if you have a UTI. Does Garlic Actually Treat Yeast Infections? Keeping the vulvar and vaginal area dry is another way to keep unwanted odors down. 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. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ultimately, going on the keto diet is entirely your choice, and you should see how your mind and body feel after you start to help you gauge whether it's a way of eating that works for you. You might experience digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, when you first switch to a keto diet. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. Extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can give it a strong odor. You could just be super sensitive to scents. On one hand, it's helped tons of people lose weight. It just absolutely shifted my whole mood for my job. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. When adding these supplements, make sure to include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Fun! I now dread coming in. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage. Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. Health issues linked to douching include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. This is termed the low carb flu or keto flu.. 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). If you have kidney failure, you may smell a lot of ammonia when you go to the bathroom. The Keto Diet: What's The Difference? But, it's important not to overdo it by washing excessively or using scented products like perfumes, powders, and deodorant sprays. See additional information. Theres no need to erase your vaginas natural odor. That doesnt mean youre unhealthy. That includes sulfonamide antibiotics. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis. 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. 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. On the other? 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. The enzymatic process breaks down distinct chemicals as your body digests meals.