Urine Shade Guide: Normal Hues and When to Request Assistance
In our daily lives, we often pay little attention to the colour of our urine. However, changes in urine colour can provide valuable insights into our health and hydration levels. This article aims to help you understand the significance of urine colour and when to seek medical advice.
A normal urine colour ranges from clear to light yellow, with darker yellow or amber suggesting dehydration [1][3][4]. However, unusual colours such as orange, red, pink, blue, green, dark brown, or cloudy urine may indicate specific causes.
For instance, pink or red urine can be caused by eating certain foods or blood in the urine [1][3][4]. Pregnancy can also lead to dehydration due to morning sickness, which may cause darker urine [2]. On the other hand, frothy or foamy urine may be a sign of a kidney problem [1][3].
While blue or green urine is not a common occurrence, it may be due to consuming food dye or certain medications [1]. Purple urine, however, may occur due to bacterial urinary infections in very rare cases [1].
Dark urine may be a sign of a liver problem, such as liver disease or high levels of bilirubin [1]. Laxatives that contain senna and phenazopyridine can cause urine to turn reddish-orange [1]. Eating large amounts of fava beans can turn urine a dark brown color [1].
If you notice blood in the urine (pink, red, or cola-colored), persistent dark, red, or foamy urine lasting several days, sudden, unexplained changes in urine colour, pain or discomfort during urination, swelling, or other symptoms of kidney stress, cloudy or murky urine, or an urgent or frequent need to urinate, pain or a burning sensation when urinating, or excessive bubbles in urine that are hard to flush, it is essential to contact a doctor promptly [2][4].
These symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate infection, kidney stones, urinary tract cancer, kidney disease, or cancer [2]. A healthcare professional can carry out a urine test to identify any abnormal substances in the urine and determine the underlying cause of changes in the urine [1].
In some cases, adjusting fluid intake and diet may normalize urine colour [1][2]. For instance, pregnant individuals are recommended to drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water every day according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) [2].
However, clear or colorless urine can be a sign of excessive water intake, which can alter the balance of electrolytes in the blood [1]. Diabetes does not typically cause unusual urine colour changes, but it can increase the risk of UTIs, which can cause cloudy urine [1].
In summary, monitoring urine colour as an indicator of hydration and overall health is important. Seek medical advice if unusual colours persist or are accompanied by other symptoms of illness [1][2][4]. It is crucial to address any concerns promptly to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Abnormal urine colors, such as dark brown due to excessive fava bean consumption, may not necessarily indicate a health issue, but it is still important to monitor them.
- If you experience persistent dark, red, or foamy urine for several days, or notice blood in the urine (pink, red, or cola-colored), it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition like a urinary tract infection, prostate infection, kidney stones, or kidney disease, and prompt medical attention is advised.
- In the context of health-and-wellness and nutrition, maintaining proper hydration levels, as suggested by the normal urine range from clear to light yellow, plays a significant role in overall health, and adjusting fluid intake can help normalize urine color.
