Urine smell can be an important indicator of your overall health. Normally urine doesn’t smell very strong, but there are certain circumstances where the smell of urine can become unpleasant or strong.

While not always a cause for concern, strong or unpleasant urine smell can be an indication of underlying health issues. Here are 8 reasons that could be causing an unpleasant urine smell:.

1. Dehydration

One of the most common reasons for strong urine smell is dehydration. When you are dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated and can have a strong ammonia-like smell.

This is because your kidneys are conserving water and holding on to more waste to prevent dehydration. If you notice your urine is dark yellow or amber in color, this could be a sign you need to drink more fluids.

2. Eating Certain Foods

Some foods and drinks can cause your urine to have a strong smell, even hours after consumption. For instance, consuming foods like garlic, onion, spices, asparagus and alcohol can change the smell of your urine.

These foods are known to contain compounds that your body releases through your urine, causing it to have a strong odor. However, the odor should dissipate within a few hours after your last meal.

3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause a strong odor in urine, along with other symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine.

When bacteria enters your urinary tract, it can cause an infection that can affect your bladder, urethra, kidneys or even the prostate gland. If you suspect you have a UTI, you should seek medical treatment as the infection can spread and cause further complications.

4. Certain Medications

Some medications can cause a change in urine odor. For example, antibiotics can cause a strong smell in urine, as can some vitamins and supplements.

If you notice an unusual smell in your urine after starting a new medication, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss the side effects.

5. Liver Disease

Liver disease can cause the urine to have a strong odor. The liver is responsible for filtering out toxins in the bloodstream, and if it’s not functioning properly, those toxins can accumulate in your urine and cause an unpleasant smell.

Other symptoms of liver disease include yellowing of the skin or eyes, fatigue, and nausea. If you suspect you have liver disease, you should seek medical attention immediately.

6. Diabetes

People with diabetes may also notice a strong odor in their urine, especially if their blood sugar levels are not well controlled.

High blood sugar levels can cause a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can result in fruity or sweet-smelling urine. Other symptoms of DKA include fatigue, increased thirst and urination, and abdominal pain. If you suspect you have DKA, you should seek medical attention immediately as it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

7. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause a strong odor in urine, as well as other symptoms such as pain in the abdomen or back, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine.

Kidney stones are formed when mineral deposits build up in the kidneys and can cause blockages in the urinary tract. If you suspect you have kidney stones, you should seek medical attention as they can cause further complications if left untreated, such as kidney damage.

8. Prostate Issues

In men, an unpleasant odor in urine could be a sign of prostate issues such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate. These conditions can cause a buildup of bacteria in the urinary tract, leading to an unpleasant odor.

Other symptoms of prostate issues include pain or difficulty urinating, pain in the lower back or abdomen, and frequent urination. If you suspect you have prostate issues, you should seek medical attention.