How to Stop Urine from Smelling Like Ammonia
Are you struggling with the unpleasant smell of ammonia in your urine? Worry no more! This article will help you understand what causes urine to have an ammonia smell and provide you with practical, actionable advice on how to tackle this problem. Let’s dive in!
What Causes Ammonia-Smelling Urine?
Before we jump into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes your urine to smell like ammonia.
The most common cause is dehydration, which leads to concentrated urine with a higher amount of waste products like urea, giving off an ammonia-like odor. Other factors include diet, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like urinary tract infections or metabolic disorders.
Further Reading: 10 Reasons for Smelly Urine (Why Is My Pee Smelling Bad?)
Here’s How to Stop Urine from Smelling Like Ammonia
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the easiest ways to stop your urine from smelling like ammonia is to stay hydrated. Drinking sufficient water helps dilute the concentration of waste products in your urine. Thereby reducing the likelihood of a strong ammonia odor.
To be specific, aim for at least 8 to 10 cups of water per day, and if you are physically active or reside in a warm environment, you may require more.
Practice Good Hygiene
Generally speaking, proper hygiene is crucial in preventing ammonia-smelling urine. Ensure that you clean your genital area daily with mild soap and water, and for females, always wipe front to back after using the toilet.
Indeed, this helps prevent bacteria from entering the urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections and contribute to the ammonia odor.
Monitor Your Protein Intake
A high-protein diet can cause your urine to smell like ammonia. This is because protein metabolism produces ammonia as a waste product, which is then excreted in your urine.
In other words, if you consume excessive amounts of protein, your body may struggle to eliminate all the ammonia, resulting in a strong odor. Therefore, to avoid this, balance your protein intake with carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Nevertheless, consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized advice on your protein needs.
Add Citrus Fruits to Your Diet
Consuming citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can help neutralize the ammonia smell in your urine. These fruits contain citric acid, which can help reduce the odor by increasing the acidity of your urine.
Try adding a squeeze of lemon to your water or enjoying a glass of orange juice to reap these benefits.
Limit Strong-Smelling Foods
Some foods, like asparagus, garlic, and certain spices, can cause your urine to have a more pungent odor. Thus, limiting these foods may help to stop urine from smelling like ammonia.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Maintaining good personal hygiene could help reduce the ammonia smell in your urine. Make sure to clean your genital area daily with mild soap and water, and change your underwear regularly.
If you’re prone to sweating, consider using a gentle, unscented body powder to help absorb moisture and reduce odor.
Don’t Hold Your Pee
Another important tip to prevent ammonia-smelling urine is not to hold your pee for extended periods. When you hold your urine, it becomes more concentrated, leading to a stronger ammonia odor.
Furthermore, holding your pee can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, as it allows bacteria to multiply in the bladder. To maintain good urinary health and prevent unpleasant odors, make sure to empty your bladder regularly and avoid holding your urine for too long.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried the above remedies and your urine still smells like ammonia, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent ammonia-smelling urine could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or a metabolic disorder.
Or if you experience additional symptoms such as pain, fever, or changes in urine color, it’s important to seek professional medical help. Your healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, provide a diagnosis, and also recommend appropriate treatment options.
Further reading: What The Color of Your Pee Says About You
