Most people don’t think twice about going to the toilet for a moment.
But, sometimes funny-smelling urine can make you feel panicked and question what’s behind the smell.
Here, MailOnline reveals the top three foods that a doctor says could be causing you to pee.
London-based GP Dr Semia Aziz says while unusually smelling wee is usually harmless, you should consult your doctor if you notice persistent changes.
Coffee compounds and antioxidants are absorbed by the digestive system, broken down into waste products called metabolites, then excreted in the urine, which can cause urine odor.
Coffee
It’s bad news for coffee lovers. Coffee is a common trigger of foul-smelling urine.
The compounds and antioxidants inside the beans are absorbed by the digestive system, broken down into waste products called metabolites, then excreted in the urine, which can cause urine odor.
On top of that, caffeine is a diuretic – meaning it increases urine production.
As a result, people who drink a lot of coffee can become dehydrated, causing their urine to have higher concentrations of metabolites and a stronger odor.
Dr Aziz said: ‘Compounds found in coffee can give urine a stronger and more distinctive smell.
‘While it can act as a diuretic, it can also cause dehydration, leading to concentrated urine and a more noticeable odor.’
While the average person in the UK and US drinks around two cups a day, many rely on five cups to get through a working day.
Smelly urine isn’t the only downside to consuming such a hot beverage. Too much caffeine can have serious effects on your heart.
High doses (more than 500 mg, about five cups of coffee) can cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
One cup can contain 80 to 100 mg.
Asparagus, garlic and onion
It’s not surprising that bitter foods can lead to smelly urine.
Sulfur-containing foods such as asparagus, garlic, and onions can greatly affect not only the smell, but also the color of your wee.
Methyl mercaptan is a sulfur-based compound in these foods that is absorbed into the bloodstream and passes through the body’s kidneys, ureters, and urinary tract.
Sulfur-containing foods such as asparagus, garlic, and onions can greatly affect not only the smell, but also the color of your wee.
This is a common cause of foul-smelling urine described as rotten cabbage.
However, not everyone can detect the stench.
It’s estimated that less than 50 percent of people can smell changes in urine after eating sulfur-containing foods like asparagus.
Some break down the sulfur byproducts quickly, so the body doesn’t pass enough through the renal system to have any effect.
Dr Aziz said: ‘Asparagus is a vegetable that contains a compound called aspartic acid, which breaks down in the body to produce a sulphurous smell.
‘Fortunately not everyone can detect this smell, but those who do may notice a strong, pungent smell immediately after eating asparagus.’
spices
The ingredients that give your curry its flavor can leave your urine smelling weird.
Spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander are well-known culprits of smelly weevils.
The aromatic chemicals that give these delicacies their enticing flavor are retained as they pass through the body.
Even after all your food has been digested, foul-smelling compounds can still pass through your kidneys and become noticeable in your poo.
What should a balanced diet look like?
According to the NHS, meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains.
• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Count all fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables
• Foods based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and a large baked potato with skin.
• Choose low-fat and low-sugar options with some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks).
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily).
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should have 6 grams of salt a day and 20 grams of saturated fat for women or 30 grams for men.
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide