In a previous post, I mentioned the importance of drinking water regularly and checking the colour of your urine, as a guide to seeing how hydrated you body is. Pale yellow, is the colour your urine should be, not clear, or colourless. Below is a list, of what differences in urine colour can mean. Bear in mind, that some foods and medication, can change the colour of your urine too.
- Completely clear - You've probably 'over diluted' your system, by drinking too much water (yes, you can drink too much water), or you may be on diuretics. Occasionally, it may be linked to a type of diabetes.
- Dark yellow/orange - You're body is dehydrated. It is also possible that you consume a lot of foods containing Beta carotene (found in carrots). In rare cases, it may be a sign of hepatitis.
- Bright yellow - Most likely cause, is vitamin supplement overuse, specifically vitamin B2. Once the body absorbs what it needs, the rest is excreted via urine.
- Green - This is usually caused by bacteria transferred to the urinary tract, when wiping the 'wrong' way in the bathroom. Other causes can be from consuming large amount of green tea. Medications and people with liver cancer, can also have green urine.
- Blue tinged - Most common cause, is the over consumption of artificial blue food colouring. On a rare note, medication for poisoning can also cause this.
- Pink/red tinged - Most common cause, is consuming vast amounts of beetroot. Other causes are kidney stones, which can cause bleeding into the urinary tract, as can taking hits to the kidneys. On a rare note, bladder or kidney cancer can also cause this.
- Dark brown/black - The Dopamine content of certain beans can cause this. Medications and laxatives like Senokot, can also cause this (due to the senna, which is made from the dried pods of the Cassia tree).
- Cloudy - Usually indicates a bacterial infection. For men, urine can be cloudy after intercourse, and from periods of celibacy.
- Foamy - Most common cause is bacterial infection , but can also be protein entering the urinary tract, from 'sick' kidneys.
So stay hydrated and make a habit, of having a quick peek regularly.