What Urine Color Can Tell You About Your Health
Color can indicate wellness, dehydration or illness
Color can indicate wellness, dehydration or illness
The color of your urine may not be something you like to talk about. But sometimes, it’s worth bringing it up with your doctor.
Changes in urine color — as well as smell — can sometimes signal dehydration or potential health problems. It’s something you should discuss with your doctor, especially if it seems abnormal.
“Most of the time, urine color changes are temporary and harmless, maybe the result of not drinking enough water, something you ate or a side effect of medications you’re taking,” says Katherine Siroky, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside “But in some cases, a change of color could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones or a more serious condition and requires medical attention.”
What does urine color mean for your health?
Urine is made when your kidneys filter waste products and extra water from your blood. Its main job is to help your body get rid of waste, but the color of your urine can also reveal how hydrated you are and sometimes point to possible health problems.
The color of your urine can change from pale yellow to dark amber. It can also be other colors like pink, red, orange, brown, green or blue. These changes can happen for many reasons. Certain foods, food dyes, medications and illnesses can affect urine color. Fluid balance can also play a role. Some colors should not be ignored.
“One of the things to watch for is blood in your urine, in case it is due to an underlying condition,” Dr. Siroky says. “If it continues or you have additional symptoms, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to see your doctor. You may be asked to take a urine test to check for infection or any early signs of a chronic illness.”
What is normal urine color?
Pale yellow to amber
Normal urine is typically pale yellow to amber in color depending on hydration level. This color comes from a pigment called urochrome, which is excreted by the kidneys. Well-hydrated individuals tend to have clear, light yellow urine.
Dehydration leads to darker yellow or amber shades. If your urine is dark yellow, make sure to drink more water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration.
If your urine is very clear, you may be drinking too much water. This can cause an imbalance in electrolytes. However, clear urine is usually not a problem if you have no other symptoms.
Red or pink
Red or pink urine, called hematuria, is often due to blood in the urine. This can be a sign of a mild or serious condition, including:
UTIs or kidney stones: Blood in the urine can mean a UTI or kidney stones. This is especially true if there is pain in the lower abdomen or back.
Bladder or kidney cancer: While less common, blood in the urine without pain may indicate a more serious issue like bladder or kidney cancer. “Make sure to bring up any of these symptoms with your doctor to rule out any serious problems,” Dr. Siroky says.
A simple urine test can help detect any underlying infections, stones or blood in the urine.
Red urine doesn’t always mean there is a problem. Foods like beets, blackberries and rhubarb can make urine pink or red. Strenuous exercise, like long-distance running, can also cause this. Some medications can have the same effect.
Dark brown or orange
Dark brown or orange urine can often be a sign of dehydration. It could also indicate more serious underlying issues, such as liver or kidney conditions.
Each of these potential causes can affect urine color in different ways:
Dehydration: When you’re severely dehydrated, your urine becomes darker as the kidneys concentrate urine to conserve water.
Liver disease: Dark brown or orange urine, especially when accompanied by light-colored stools, could be a sign of liver or bile duct issues. Diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, may cause this discoloration.
Foods and medications: Certain foods like fava beans, as well as medications like rifampin (used to treat tuberculosis), can also cause dark urine.
Blue or green urine
While less common, blue or green urine can result from medications, food dyes or medical conditions.
Each of these can change urine color for different reasons:
Food dyes and medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat UTIs, can cause your urine to appear blue or green. Artificial food dyes, such as those found in certain drinks or processed foods, can have the same effect.
UTIs: Green urine can sometimes happen with a UTI. This is especially true if certain bacteria cause the infection.
Rare genetic disorder: A rare genetic disorder called familial benign hypercalcemia, also known as blue diaper syndrome, has been known to cause blue urine stains in diapers.
What to do if you notice changes in your urine
Paying attention to your urine color — and other symptoms that may come with it — can give you valuable insight into your health. Some changes, like darker yellow urine after exercise or a pink tint after eating beets, are usually harmless. But when changes persist, come with pain, fever or other unusual signs, it’s time to schedule a visit with your health care provider.
Staying well-hydrated is a simple step you can take every day to help keep your urine a healthy color. If you notice it becoming consistently darker, make sure you’re drinking enough water.
When something doesn’t seem right — such as urine that stays red, brown or another unusual color without explanation — don’t wait to seek medical advice. A quick urine test can often identify what’s going on, and early diagnosis can make treatment easier and more effective.
As Dr. Siroky reminds us, “Changes in urine color can sometimes be the first sign of a health problem. Pay attention and talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.”