What is asparagusic acid and how does it affect urine smell?
Asparagusic acid is a nontoxic, sulfur-containing compound that may cause your pee to have a distinct odor after eating asparagus. How does it affect urine smell? Once your body metabolizes asparagusic acid, it produces several sulfurous byproducts that are highly volatile — meaning that they vaporize easily ( 3 ).
What foods make your Pee smell?
Brussels sprouts, onions and garlic have also been linked to odd smelling pee in some people. Asparagus pee usually shows up between 15 and 30 minutes after eating the vegetable and can last for several hours. One study found that the smell could last for up to 14 hours!
Is it normal to Pee asparagus?
So before you start wondering if something is wrong with you, rest assured asparagus pee is a totally normal bodily reaction. Depending on what study you read, it’s estimated that between 20% to 50% of people experience it. For those who don’t get to encounter the joy of asparagus pee, researchers believe the reason might be two-fold:
Does everyone's pee stink after asparagus?
Anyone eating asparagus has the potential to produce pungent-smelling urine. However, not everyone can smell it. It is a normal phenomenon and is not related to the overall health of the individual. Studies report that 22 to 50 percent of the population have smelly urine following consumption of asparagus.
How do you get rid of smelly urine after eating asparagus?
Drinking more fluids and, potentially, drinking cranberry juice can counteract the effects, but usually the odor goes away within 24 to 48 hours.
Does asparagus detox your body?
Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. It is also a good source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as being beneficial to those with high blood pressure. Asparagus is also known to help the kidney and bladder cleanse itself.
Does asparagus remove toxins from your body?
Asparagus can act as a natural diuretic, according to a 2010 study published in the West Indian Medical Journal. This can help rid the body of excess salt and fluid, making it especially good for people suffering from edema and high blood pressure. It also helps flush out toxins in kidneys and prevent kidney stones.
How long does your pee smell after eating asparagus?
Asparagus pee usually shows up between 15 and 30 minutes after eating the vegetable and can last for several hours. One study found that the smell could last for up to 14 hours!
Why does my pee smell like asparagus when I haven't eaten any?
Asparagus might be the most common reason for stinky pee. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. Your genes affect whether you can smell these sulfur byproducts. If you can't, that's called asparagus anosmia.
How does asparagus affect urine so quickly?
When your digestive system breaks down mercaptan, by-products are released that cause the strange smell. The process is so quick that your urine can develop the distinctive smell within 15 to 30 minutes of eating asparagus.
Why does my pee have a funky smell?
Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates a medical condition or disease, such as: Cystitis (bladder inflammation) Dehydration.