What’s that smell?
Q: Some days my urine smells like ammonia. Then it goes away for a few days; then it comes back. Should I get checked for bladder cancer? — Kelly-Ann C., Bethesda, Maryland
A: Well, if you go to your doc, he might check your kidney and liver function. But don’t panic. Unless there’s blood in your urine and it’s painful to urinate, you probably don’t have bladder or kidney issues. It’s more likely that the ammonia smell in your urine is caused by dehydration, medications or supplements, eating asparagus or a urinary tract infection. UTIs can be painful if untreated, but they’re usually effectively treated with antibiotics.
Dehydration can be a result of diarrhea, illnesses like cold or flu, or simply not drinking enough water (eight to 10 glasses a day).
Urine usually has a weak smell, but when the chemicals in your body’s liquid waste flow become more concentrated, so does both the color and the smell. That’s why deep-yellow urine is a sure sign that you need to drink more water; you want it pale or colorless. And as we said in “YOU: The Owner’s Manual,” you should be able to read a newspaper through it. (But don’t try that!)
Foods high in vitamin B-6 — like salmon or turkey, or veggies like asparagus or garlic that contain the sulfur compound methyl mercaptan — probably are the most common cause of stinky urine, but it also could be from starting or stopping medications and/or vitamins, or even stress! To determine the cause of your smell:
1. Keep a food and medication diary, recording all vitamin/ mineral/herbal supplements, alcohol and tobacco intake.
2. Keep track of your physical activity and exercise.
3. Note every time you urinate and every time you notice the smelly urine.
4. Examine your journal for patterns, and discuss with your doc.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Dr. Mike Roizen is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.