What The Color of Your Urine Says About Your Health

We think of the urine as just a common fluid that extracts from our bodies after drinking. However, do not think that this is not a vital part of health, because it is. 

As an Individual who was once worried about her own well-being, I encourage you to take your health very seriously. Thankfully, nothing was wrong but my doctor did advise me how vital it was to drink plenty of water and to seek medical help when there is a sign of something being wrong. Water is not only important for hydration, but for survival as well. Let’s get into this more as we go into the story and learn more about our urine and how it’s different shades of color affects our health.

Urine is a mixture of water, waste and electrolytes that is filtered out from your blood through your kidneys. It can tell a lot about what is going on inside your body from your hydration level to whether you may have a urinary tract infection. Certain foods, food dyes, medical conditions, antibiotics and laxatives can temporarily change your urine into a different shade. 

The intensity of your excrement says a lot about the status of your well-being. It is essential to know whether or not you should consult your doctor. Here’s what you should know about your bladder and how it affects your health.

Below is a condensed version of the Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials webpage on urine shades and what they mean for your health.

• Clear (Transparent) – You are drinking enough water.

Tip: Although it is okay to cut back, continue to drink plenty of water.

• Pale Yellow – You are well-hydrated, normal, and healthy.

Tip: Keep drinking plenty of fluid.

• Transparent Yellow – All’s  normal.

Tip: Although this is ordinary, be aware of your body’s sugar level. Drink some H2O to keep yourself healthy and hydrated.

• Dark Yellow – You are normal, but your body needs more water

Tip: Just as with transparent yellow, keep in mind with the amount of carbohydrate you’re putting in your body. Drink plenty of water to bring the substance level down to increase your health.

• Amber or Honey – Your body is not getting enough water.

Tip: Drink water now!

• Brown or Syrup-Like – You could possibly have liver disease or be severely dehydrated.

Tip: Drink some water as soon as possible. See your doctor if your urine continues to be this shade.

• Pink to Reddish – In case you have not eaten any embayments, rhubarb or beets lately, then your urine may contain blood. This might be a hint of a urinary tract infection, prostate issues, kidney stones, kidney disease or cancers within the loins or bladder. It might even be a sign of lead or mercury contamination.

Tip: Cut back from beets, blueberries, and rhubarb. If your secretion continues to be this tone, reach out to your doctor immediately.

• Orange – You may not be consuming enough water or, more seriously, you could have a bile duct or liver condition. It could also be a result of a medication or food dye. 

Tip: Reduce use of Vitamin C and Antibiotics. Also, cut back eating carrots as this causes this to happen as well. See your physical expert if your excrement continues to be this shade.

• Blue or Green – This can be caused by a rare genetic disease that can turn your urine either of these colors. The urinary tract can also be infected by certain bacteria. Another thing that can make this happen is a medication or the food dye in something that you ate.

Tip: Subside any food colorings, Vitamin B or medications. Wait twenty hours to see if urine color changes. If there is no change in the color, see your doctor urgently.

• Cloudy – This could be caused by kidney stones and urinary tract infections. It is essential to drink plenty of water.

Tip: Drink plenty of water immediately. Call your medical specialist if shade doesn’t change and  you begin to have a fever or chill.

• Fizzing or Foaming – If occasional, this is a harmless hydraulic effect. However, it could also indicate a kidney problem or excessive protein in your diet.

Tip: Drink some water right away. If foaming continues to happen, see your doctor instantly.

Dr. Bilal Kaaki explained to the Cleveland Clinic that one thing that is essential when it comes to the shading of urine is “a pigment called urochrome, or urobilin.The more fluids you consume, the lighter the color of your urine. The less you drink, the stronger the color will be.” Dr. Kaaki also advises you to get “a sophisticated urinalysis along with a regular physical exam”. 

Again, the color of your urine says a lot about the inside of your body. You can learn so much by paying attention to this. Even if you don’t think anything is wrong, still consult with your doctor. A second opinion is always helpful especially when it comes to potential health issues.

Remember, to stay healthy, drink plenty of water. 

Source:1, 2

Photos: Her Campus Media

• American University
• hercampus au