Photo: Jeff Vinluan

What does fat in urine smell like?

When a person eats a lot of protein instead of carbohydrates, their body uses protein and stored fat for energy instead of using carbohydrates as it would usually do. As a result, the ketone level in the blood will rise. When these ketones leave the body in the urine, the urine may smell sweet or similar to popcorn.

medicalnewstoday.com - Urine smells like popcorn: Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor

Does the boiled egg diet work?

BOTTOM LINE: Although the boiled egg diet encourages eating healthy food groups and may promote short-term weight loss, it's overly restrictive and...

Last updated Jul 22, 2020

How long does it take to lose weight with Garcinia?

(4) Researchers were able to assess data from nine of these studies and found that garcinia cambogia, taken in doses of 1,000 to 2,800 milligrams...

Last updated Nov 30, 2020

Promotion

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. This article discusses some of the reasons why a person’s urine may smell like popcorn and explains when to see a doctor about changes in urine odor. The common causes of urine having a popcorn-like smell include diabetes , pregnancy, and a diet high in protein. Urine usually smells mild, but various factors can cause it to have a different odor than usual. A person may be concerned if their urine smells like popcorn. However, this can occur for several reasons, most of which are no cause for concern. People may worry if their urine smells like popcorn, but this is not uncommon, and in most cases, the odor change is temporary. However, if the unusual smell persists, it is worth seeing a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Urine consists mainly of water. When it looks or smells different than usual, this is due to waste products that come from the body. Therefore, the look and smell of urine can tell doctors a lot about a person’s health.

Common reasons for urine to smell like popcorn include:

Diabetes

People with diabetes may have a very high level of ketones in their bloodstream. When the body excretes these in the urine, they can make the urine smell like popcorn. A high level of ketones in the urine or blood occurs when a person enters ketosis. The body will produce ketones when it does not have enough sugar or glucose for fuel. This might happen overnight or when a person is fasting. Having a small number of ketones in the bloodstream is normal, especially for people who exercise a lot or do other activities that encourage the body to burn fat. However, if a person with diabetes does not control their condition, a dangerously high level of ketones can build in their blood. This life threatening metabolic state is called ketoacidosis, and it requires immediate medical attention. For some people, it is the first sign that they have diabetes. In most cases, people with ketoacidosis have sweet, strong-smelling urine. Ketoacidosis can develop within 24 hours of having consistently high blood glucose levels, called hyperglycemia.

Is Saxenda the same drug as Ozempic?

Both drugs are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, administered by injection and have similar gastrointestinal side effects. However, they...

Last updated May 18, 2021

What can I drink to flatten my stomach?

Green tea which is packed with antioxidants known as catechins . Photo Credit: Istock. ... Cinnamon increases your metabolic rate . Photo Credit:...

Last updated Oct 25, 2021

Promotion

It is possible to measure urinary ketones using ketone strips, which are available in drugstores or online.

increased urination

dehydration

excessive, unquenchable thirst

sweet-smelling, or “fruity,” breath

rapid heartbeat

vomiting

diarrhea

confusion and disorientation

hyperventilating or Kussmaul breathing, which is deep, labored breathing

fainting

Ketoacidosis constitutes a medical emergency, so if anyone suspects this condition, they should call the emergency services immediately. Other than diabetes, the most common causes of ketoacidosis are starvation and chronic, excessive alcohol use.

Eating a lot of protein

Another way to enter ketosis is by eating a lot of protein. When a person eats a lot of protein instead of carbohydrates, their body uses protein and stored fat for energy instead of using carbohydrates as it would usually do. As a result, the ketone level in the blood will rise. When these ketones leave the body in the urine, the urine may smell sweet or similar to popcorn.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the smell of urine may change for a few reasons, including: Altered sense of smell: As a person’s sense of smell changes slightly during pregnancy, everyday scents may smell different than usual. As a person’s sense of smell changes slightly during pregnancy, everyday scents may smell different than usual. Hormonal changes: In the very early stages of pregnancy, increased levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) circulate in the blood, which can cause urine to smell different or more strongly. In the very early stages of pregnancy, increased levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) circulate in the blood, which can cause urine to smell different or more strongly. Gestational diabetes: Research suggests that in the United States, about 1 in 13 pregnant people over the age of 20 years develop a form of temporary diabetes known as gestational diabetes. Ketoacidosis is a serious but rare complication in those with gestational diabetes.

Dehydration

When someone is dehydrated, the body excretes less water in the urine. As a result, the urine is more concentrated, darker, and stronger smelling than usual. If the waste products in urine have a popcorn smell, the urine may also smell like popcorn once it is more concentrated.

Aside from strong-smelling urine, additional symptoms of dehydration include:

medicalnewstoday.com - Urine smells like popcorn: Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor

What juice is good for acid reflux?

carrot juice. aloe vera juice. cabbage juice. freshly juiced drinks made with less acidic foods, such as beets, watermelon, spinach, cucumber, or...

Last updated Jul 29, 2019

Why do warts turn black with apple cider vinegar?

Some people may leave it on for up to 24 hours. Replace the cotton ball with a fresh one dipped in apple cider vinegar each night. The wart may...

Last updated Apr 22, 2020

Promotion

How do I get rid of my stubborn mom pouch?

In order to actually lose the pouch, you must burn the fat on top of your abs. This means you need to do Fat burning workouts that will target all...

Last updated Sep 25, 2022

Promotion

How much lemon in water for weight loss?

Q. How much lemon juice should I put in my water to lose weight? A. You will need more than one wedge or slice to have an effect, 3-4 slices of...

Last updated Nov 2, 2019