Dehydration
When you're not drinking enough water, your urine becomes more concentrated, leading to a stronger ammonia smell. This is one of the most common and easily fixable causes.
5 Surprising Reasons Your Urine Has a Foul Odor
Dietary Factors
Certain foods like asparagus, coffee, and spicy dishes can give urine a distinct odor. Asparagus is notorious for causing a sulfur-like smell due to its breakdown products.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A UTI can cause urine to smell foul, often accompanied by a burning sensation during urination, cloudy urine, or pelvic pain. The odor is typically due to bacteria.
Medications and Supplements
Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or vitamin B6 supplements, can alter urine odor. This is usually harmless and resolves after stopping the medication.
Medical Conditions
Conditions like diabetes (sweet or fruity smell), liver disease (musty smell), or maple syrup urine disease (sweet smell) can cause unusual urine odors. These require medical attention.