Most of us don’t think too much about it, but the color of our urine can give us important information about our health.
Firstly, what color should urine be? Urochrome is a chemical that is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin; this gives urine its yellow color. The higher the concentration of water in urine, the paler the yellow color is. Therefore, urine color can be a good basic indicator of general hydration. Urine that is pale yellow is considered normal. If urine is clear, that can indicate that hydration is greater than normal. On the other side of the spectrum, urine that is dark yellow or amber can indicate that you are dehydrated; your kidneys are unable to absorb enough water to dilute the waste products and urochrome.
Urine can also take on different colors, usually due to items you eat and drink. However, it can also indicate a more serious health issue, and you should contact your doctor if you have any concerns. Here is a short list of urine color and possible causes:
- Neon yellow: B vitamins
- Red/pink: rhubarb, beets, blueberries
- Orange: dehydration, liver issues including jaundice
- Blue, green: food coloring
- Dark brown: rhubarb, aloe, fava beans, dehydration
Urine can also be cloudy, which can indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection, or dehydration.
Ideally, urine should be a pale yellow; this indicates proper hydration levels. However, if you have underlying medical issues that may require closer monitoring of fluid intake, hydration requirements might be different for you. Be sure to check with your doctor, and happy hydrating!
Watson, K (2018, October 25). Is Blue Urine Normal? Urine Colors Explained. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-color-chart