Smelly Urine – Causes and Home Remedies
Similar to urine color, urine odor can provide indications about the health of your body. Dehydration, particular foods, coffee, different illnesses (like yeast infections), kidney stones, diabetes, and vitamins can all result in stinky urine. While odorous urine may be frightening, it probably isn’t a reason for worry. It could be corrected by following suitable home remedies for smelly urine, and if they don’t work or the issue worsens, consult a healthcare professional.
Common causes for smelly urine
Water makes up the majority of urine composition. Smelly urine is caused by the quantity and percentage of waste products the kidneys excrete. Urine with a high water content and little waste has less odor. Individuals’ urine might smell strongly of ammonia if it becomes highly concentrated—a high amount of waste products with little water.
Some substances, such as asparagus or specific vitamins – can produce a detectable pee odor, even in small amounts. Unusual urine odor can occasionally be a sign of an illness or medical issue, such as:
- Cystitis (bladder inflammation)
- Dehydration
- Ketoacidosis in diabetics
- Bladder-intestinal anastomosis (an abnormal connection between the intestines and bladder)
- Maple sugar urinary infection (a rare genetic condition that becomes apparent during infancy)
- Metabolic syndrome (a problem with the way your body converts the foods you eat into energy)
- Type-2 diabetes
- Infection of the urinary system (UTI)
General home remedies for smelly urine
One need not worry much about common causes for smelly urine following a few tips suggested below can reverse the condition:
Drink a lot of water
Drinking plenty of fluids, mainly plain water, can eliminate urine odor. Studies suggest that a person should consume at least 7-8 cups of water each day. Increasing water consumption can aid in their removal if there are any infections. Dehydration, one of the most typical reasons for less or odorous urine, is also addressed.
Consume probiotics
Probiotics can aid in eliminating bad pee odor. Probiotics are living bacteria that benefit your health and can be found in some foods. Some microbes have positive effects on health and should be consumed regularly. Probiotics are good bacteria that support a healthy body and brain performance.
Drink cranberry juice
Cranberry juice is effective if a urinary tract illness is the source of odorous urine. It is one of the best natural remedies for clearing your urinary system and eliminating the bad urine smell. Proanthocyanidins (PACs), found in cranberries, have been shown to aid in preventing the growth of bacteria on the lining of the urinary system. If you want to avoid consuming additional sugar, it is best to choose plain cranberry juice.
Avoid meals that produce odors
Even though you might enjoy eating sauteed onions on your risotto or Brussels sprouts alongside a few dishes, these foods can affect your sinuses. If you think one or more foods contribute to the odor in your urine, consider taking a break from them.
Add vitamin C to your diet
The increased toxins in your body are the primary reason for smelly urine. You can try adding vitamin C to your food to help you strengthen your immunity and flush toxins from your system. Including foods like peppers, oranges, and kiwis in your diet is the best way to incorporate them. However, peppers must be avoided if you have a UTI.
Avoid asparagus
Although highly nutritious and good for your health, asparagus can cause a strong urine odor. Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable; you can substitute it with other foods like cranberries and bananas, which will also help to calm your urinary system and treat odorous urine.
Drink green tea
Due to its high antioxidant content, green tea is a great way to cleanse your body of any pollutants. Additionally, it has a decent amount of caffeine, which tightens nephrons and causes more frequent urination, though remember also to consume enough water to top off the water level. One of the best natural treatments for odorous urine is drinking green tea.
Include garlic in the diet
If urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are what’s causing your urine to smell bad, garlic’s antibacterial properties may help you combat them to some degree. When you have a persistent infection, you should avoid strong spices so that you can season your food with garlic and delicate plants like coriander. Again, though be mindful of your everyday caloric intake.
Treatment options for smelly urine
If home remedies for smelly urine don’t work, you might have an underlying problem that needs to be treated by a medical expert. Some treatments advised by doctors are:
Antibiotics
Bacteria that may be causing UTIs can be eradicated by antibiotics. Additionally, they might cure some STIs. For example, a yeast infection might require antifungal therapy.
New supplements or medicines
Your doctor might be able to find a suitable substitute if a medication you’ve been given is making you pee that smells bad.
Medicines for diabetes
Your doctor might suggest several medications and lifestyle modifications to help manage your blood sugar levels if it is not correctly managed.
Takeaway
Even if it occurs frequently, most variations in pee odor are only temporary. A lot of water consumption can aid in the dilution of odor-producing substances. A perceptive sniffer, though, might always detect them. Urine frequently has a faint smell, so modifications are frequently normal. You should see a doctor if the smell persists for longer, even following the home remedies for smelly urine suggested above.