What Urine Can Show You about Your Health

Written by Mat Lecompte
Published on

Female hands between legs in jeans close-up. Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases concept.You may not look at the urine you’ve just expelled before flushing it away; it’s not something most people really want to examine. But it can give you an idea about what’s happening inside your body.

Pee is your body’s liquid waste. It is mainly made of water, salt, electrolytes, and chemicals called urea and uric acid. It is made by your kidneys when they filter toxins and other things from your blood. Medication, food, illness, and mire can impact how it comes out.

If everything is healthy, the urine should be pale yellow to gold.

The shade can also change. If it has no color, it’s because you’ve been drinking a lot of water or taking a diuretic. Very dark or honey-brown urine could be a sign that you’re dehydrated and need more water. It could also signify liver problems, so if the colour remains after a few days and you’ve rehydrated, you should call a doctor.

Urine could also be pink or red. Some foods like beets, rhubarb, blackberries, or carrots can have this effect. It can also be from medications.

If you have pink or red urine and have not eaten one of the aforementioned foods, call your doctor. The color could be caused by blood in the urine, indicating kidney disease, a urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate issues, or a tumor.

When pee comes out orange, it could have something to do with medications like high-dose vitamin B2, phenazopyridine (for UTI), or antibiotics. It could also indicate dehydration or a problem with your liver. Ask your doctor.

Urine can also appear foamy. If it consistently looks foamy or frothy, regardless of the color, it could be a sign of protein in the urine, which may suggest kidney issues.

Pee can also have smells. It generally doesn’t have a strong smell, but some foods, like asparagus, can give it an odor. If you haven’t eaten asparagus and notice a strong smell before you flush, it could be a sign of UTI, diabetes, or a bladder infection.

So please take a look at your pee before you flush it down. It could let you know you need to take action.

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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