Tips and tricks to effectively manage and treat trimethylaminuria

You may have or believe that you have trimethylaminuria (TMAU), which is a rare disorder that causes the body to constantly emit a foul odor that cannot be stopped through maintaining good personal hygiene.[1] However, it may be possible to reduce the bad odor by taking different steps. Not all of these methods have worked for those with TMAU, as each person is different, but some have at least reduced the symptoms.

Steps

  1. 1
    Change your diet. Eliminate foods that are high in choline such as eggs, red meats, legumes.[2] You can find out the choline levels of food in choline with this food list.
  2. 2
    Take probiotics. Changing your gut culture to have healthy and beneficial bacteria is seen as a good way to improve the digestive enzymes and be able to detoxify trimethylamine in the system.[3]
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Take supplements. There has been mixed success at reducing TMAU symptoms by taking vitamin B2, zinc, kelp pills, or copper chlorophyllin.[4]
  4. 4
    Stay away from alcohol and caffeine.[5] Coffee and beer have been reported to increase the odor issues of those with TMAU.
  5. 5
    Wash with soaps that are low in acidity. Find soaps for the body that are have pH level of between 5.5-6.5 which should help to break down or wash away trimethylamine on the body's surface. Also use the same level detergents for washing clothes.[6]
  6. 6
    Try to avoid stressful things and sweating. Sweating too much doesn't help. Also staying calm is a good idea.[7]
  7. 7
    Try to stay fit. People who are overweight may have additional stress on their body which can make it more difficult for the body to work efficiently. For instance, a fatty liver will make it more difficult to eliminate waste/toxins from the system. A lighter person who follows a good diet also usually has a better digestive system and a lot more beneficial bacteria.
  8. 8
    Be patient. When deciding on a healthy lifestyle change, it may take time for it to have an impact on your body. Significant changes may not be noticed until 6 months later in some people taking action to reduce their systems.
  9. 9
    Find out if you have any food sensitivities. Everybody's body reacts differently according to what they eat. Some people may have more adverse reactions to milk products, wheat, beans, seafood etc. Try to eliminate what makes you stomach rumble and your body sweat more.[8]
  10. Advertisement

About This Article

David Nazarian, MD
Co-authored by:
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
This article was co-authored by David Nazarian, MD. Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 58,813 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: October 27, 2022
Views: 58,813
Categories: Coping with Illness

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Advertisement