Dehydration: Does Your Urine Have An Odor?

While it is very natural for urine to have an odor, it should not be strong. Though it may not be a big issue, urine that has strong smell can be due to medical issues. Healthy urine is clear and the color of straw, and it should not smell strong.

Some people may find that their urine has a strong smell and is darker, especially during the morning or when a lot of water has been lost from the body. There are also some foods and drinks which can cause urine to have a temporary strong smell which may include beer, coffee, garlic, and asparagus.

The smell of urine can also be altered by some vitamins, mineral supplements and medicines. It is not, however, advisable to stop taking medicine without the directions of a physician. If you drink plenty of fluids, the smell of urine can improve, and that is why it is advisable to keep yourself hydrated, especially when exercising.

Water is Essential

Water is necessary for our bodies. Muscles which facilitate our movement are made of 75% water; blood helps in transporting nutrients and is 82% water. On the other hand, the lungs - essential for oxygen provision - contain 90% water while the brain has 76%; bones are made of a water concentration of 25%. Meanwhile, 70% of the earth is covered with water, and it is crucial to our bodies since a person without water cannot survive.

Without a proper supply of water in the body, you would not have a proper functioning brain. Those who drink a lot of soda and other energy drinks do harm to their bodies. It can lead to dehydration, which leads to symptoms such as depression, headaches, and hunger.

Some beverages can lead to the dehydration of your body. They include tea that contains caffeine, coffee, and alcohol. Some sports drinks and fake fruit juices can also have detrimental effects. Other things that can contribute to dehydration of the body include low blood sugar, warm climates, vomiting and diarrhea.

It is a tendency of many people to think that one should only drink water once he/she starts feeling thirsty. However, this is not the case, since you have already lost some amount of water which is significant to your body. To confirm your dehydration, just have a look at your urine and the color will only tell. For instance, if it is just light in color then all is well, but if it has a strong smell and dark color, then you are dehydrated.

Urine Smell and Diet

There are some foods which can make the urine have a strong smell. For example, asparagus can lead to a strong odor in the urine. Others such as coffee, onions, and garlic can also contribute to the strong smell.

If you have a feeling that the strong smell is due to foods that you consume then you only need to stop consuming the food and then wait for about 12 hours. The smell should fade, but if it does not, there could be another cause for concern.

The GP Case

It is not crucial that you see your GP if you have smelly urine, but the following situations necessitate a consultation:

If you are experiencing pain during urination, this can be a sign of infection of the urinary tract.

If you are suffering from diabetes and you are not able to manage it well.