Gross!Living With Trimethylaminuria Or TMAU

This is gross! Have you ever smelled someone that was fishy? well here is the explanation!

Living With Trimethylaminuria Or TMAU
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome, is a genetic condition that affects the production of the enzyme Flavin (FMO3).

When FMO3 is not working, the body has trouble breaking down Trimethylamine, a product of the decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Trimethylamine is ingested as part of the diet, and is the substance mainly responsible for the odor associated with fouling fish, bacterial vagina infections, and bad breath.

It is also associated with taking large doses of choline (an organic compound grouped within the vitamin B complex) and carnitine (an amino acid used by the body to digest and dispose of fat).

When trimethylamine isn’t broken down properly, it builds up and is excreted through sweat glands and the urinary tract.

People with the condition usually suffer from fishy body odors, and this can be socially debilitating.

While there are currently no known cures for the condition, the following can help to reduce symptoms:

Avoiding foods such as eggs, legumes, certain meats, fish, and foods that contain choline, nitrogen, and sulfur.
Taking low doses of antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in the stomach.
Using soaps with a moderate pH, between 5.5 and 6.5.
Some people have reported that drinking extra water, going on a liver cleansing diet and using charcoal tablets can help.

At this time I haven’t found any data or test results that back this up.

Soap and Ph Levels

Because human skin has a ph level of 5.5, it’s recommended that soaps and cleansers be as close as possible to that level.

Soap contains lye, which is an alkaline substance, and too much of it can damage your skin.

Litmus paper can give the exact ph level of soap.