What the Color of Your Urine Says About Your Health

Everyone knows it. It's not a pleasant topic. But, at the end of the day, it's important to pay attention to the color of your urine. It's a clear sign of whether you're in good health or not.
What the Color of Your Urine Says About Your Health
Valeria Sabater

Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 09 October, 2022

You may be one of those people who goes to the bathroom and doesn’t focus too much on it. B ut, doctors say you need to to know the color of your urine because it actually says a lot about your health. It’s not just about whether it hurts when you pee. The color of your urine can show health problems like: poor diet, illness, dehydration…

Urine is made of water and other waste substances. If something isn’t working right in your body, your urine may change colors. Whether it’s due to your diet, inflammation, or even some kind of medication, it can cause changes that you need to keep in mind. Let’s look at all of the facts on your health.

The color of your urine and what it says about your health

Women's health

Firstly, urine starts with filtration in the kidneys. After that, a mixture of water and toxins that your body doesn’t need arrives at the bladder and must be eliminated. Depending on the food you eat and how your body works (sweating, breathing), you might expel more or less urine. Here’s what the color of your urine will tell you:

Clear

Clear colored urine is a good symptom. It means that you’re well hydrated. When you drink large amounts of water, the kidneys filter urine more easily and this gives it a much clearer tone. This is a healthy sign.

Bright yellow

kidney illustration

This is one to keep in mind. It means that you’re not drinking enough liquids and your kidneys have to work harder. More toxic elements are building up, which means you need more water to help your kidneys filter. This isn’t a terrible color. It can also happen from excessive sweating, exercising a lot, or overworking yourself.

Dark yellow

This color is even more serious. It is a clear sign that you need to go to the doctor. Intense yellow tells you that there is a problem in the liver and you may be experiencing jaundice. If this happens, look at your eyes. See if they also have a yellowish tone. You will feel tired and just bad in general. It is normally associated with other symptoms that you will be quickly conscious of.

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Reddish brown

Kidney stones

This is the most common if you have a kidney problem. Your urine takes a reddish brown color because of inflammation, and there are probably small traces of blood in it. 

It’s possible that you have a bladder stone and your urinary tracts are suffering because of the obstruction. Or, it could be a kidney stone. With both of these health issues, reddish brown is a characteristic urine color. They also tend to cause a lot of pain.

Orange

This isn’t as common, but it can happen. What causes urine to be orange? An excess of vitamin C. If there’s too much, your kidneys will filter the excess out and it will take on this color. If it happens to you one day, just reduce your intake of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C for at least five days. Reduce, but never eliminate.

Blue

medication-2

Surprised? As strange as it may sound, this is possible. It happens with an excess of calcium or some types of bacterial infection. It also tends to happen with people who take vitamin supplements.

It causes an excess or small contamination with other substances, which affects your body. So, be careful with the medications and vitamin supplements that you take. If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor.

Red

urinary-infection

Red urine is a sign of two possible things. The first can be serious, because it might mean there’s blood in your urine. If that’s the case, see your doctor immediately. You might have a problem in your bladder or kidneys. A proper diagnosis will always give you an answer.

The second cause of this symptom is completely harmless. If you’ve eaten a lot of beets, berries, blackberries, or even foods with a lot of coloring that day, your urine could turn this color. If it happens, just keep a closer watch. If it happens for a few days in a row, you should see your doctor.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.