Asparagus!

[ICchell]

Does anyone ever eat asparagus???
Have you ever noticed that it makes your urine smell weird???
I dont know what it is but it gives urine a distinct smell.
Has anyone ever noticed this?Or know what causes this smell/Im thinking of asking my URO on Friday when I see him.
I dont eat asparagus often but I have noticed this years ago and always wondered about it:confused:
michelle:

[poetgirl]

I cannot eat asparagus at all, which is too bad, because I really love it. However, if I do, it sends me into a terrible flare that lasts for several days.

And yes, I think we all have strong-smelling urine after we eat it. I forget what causes that. :toilet:

[ICNDonna]

I can eat it occasionally, but definitely not several days in a row. I do love it and have to have some when the growing season gets here.

:)
Donna

[jaime15]

Well...I don't eat it...bladder doesn't approve.:(
So I just decorate with it instead. It is actually pretty with tulips.:hi:

[PikkuMyy]

I call it "Asparagus Pee". Here's what causes it, from WebMD:

Asparagus contains a sulfur compound called mercaptan. (It's also found in rotten eggs, onions, garlic, and in the secretions of skunks.) When your digestive tract breaks down this substance, by-products are released that cause the funny scent. The process is so quick that your urine can develop the distinctive smell within 15 to 30 minutes of eating asparagus.

But not everyone has this experience. Your genetic makeup may determine whether your urine has the odor -- or whether you can actually smell it. Only some people appear to have the gene for the enzyme that breaks down mercaptan into its more pungent parts. A study published in the May 1989 British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that 46% of 115 people tested produced the odor in one group of British citizens, while 100% of 103 people produced it in a group of French citizens. The ability to smell the by-products may also be genetic. Another study published in the same journal found that 10% of a group of 300 Israeli Jews could not detect the odor. In other words, a person's urine could smell, but he or she might not know it. Judging from your question, you can do both. But that's nothing to worry about.

While eating asparagus may make your urine smell strange, it won't harm you. Actually, asparagus -- a member of the lily family along with garlic, onions, and leeks -- is a powerhouse of nutrients. It's an excellent source of folic acid (a B vitamin that may help protect against birth defects, heart disease, and cancer), a significant source of vitamin C (an antioxidant that may protect tissues against damage), and a good source of vitamin A (an antioxidant). Not to mention that asparagus contains 3 grams of fiber per 3.5-ounce serving and a host of health-enhancing plant chemicals, or phytonutrients, that may protect against disease.

[felineperson3]

PikkuMyy,
The article you posted was very interesting--I had noticed that distinctive smell also when I ate asparagus, but had not bothered to research for the answer. Although I don't eat asparagus often, I do love it! Thanks for the info--
Hugs & blessings to all-

[Audrey Rose]

Interesting article, Pikkumyy!! Thanks for sharing. :D
At work we did a little study (people in health care are a little strange) and it seemed that less than half the people noticed the asparagus smell and the rest said they didn't notice any strange smell. I don't notice it myself, but it may be that I can't smell it. I had sinus surgery years ago and since then there are a lot of smells I can't smell anymore. :confused: I haven't tried asparagus since I got IC, so I don't know what my now sick bladder thinks of it yet.

[ICchell]

PikkuMYY,
THank you for posting all that info...that is very interesting...i had seriously always wondered what caused that...I m surprised:yikes: that you even found that on the web!
Michelle



Jaime,"I dont eat it,bladder doesnt approve":biglaugh:

[lauraads]

Has anyone been successful with asparagus? I haven't had it in a few years and miss it so much. I have been meaning to try it again, but this isn't too optimistic so far!

Laura D in Florida

Share you poetry and art about living with IC at www.art4ic.com

[Kara Isabel]

I am scared to death to try asparagus! I'm about as afraid of it as cranberries! yikes.

[windwalker]

I had asparagus twice last week, did fine, however I remember responding to an asparagus thread a while back and another gal did have trouble w/it, so, its going to depend on you, just try a small am't w/nothing else new so you know if its good or owie. Good luck if u try it.

[TabbiH]

I've had asparagus a number of times, and it's always been okay for me. The smell is from the aspartic acid, but I think it's a more intense smell since I've had IC. Maybe from the Elmiron? Good thing I can eat it, because we have about 10 pounds of it leftover from the American Legion.

[Silverfern]

I LOVE it, but my bladder HATES it! :mad:

[trytosmile]

I don't have a problem with it, that been said I had it twice last week and a day later my pain increased. Hum, there are foods that sometimes I can eat and sometimes I can. Hearing all of you say you can't eat it has me wondering if it is now one of those can one day/can't the next food.

Very interesting article, thanks for sharing.