Urine Color Chart: What Your Urine Color Tell About Health

Urine color holds valuable hints about our health, which reflects many factors like hydration levels, diet, medications, and other health conditions. Some changes in the color of urine may be a signal of health issues. The doctor refers to the standard color of urine as ‘urochrome’ which carries yellow pigment. For a well-hydrated body, urine color is light yellow. A dehydrated body turns urine color from light yellow to light brown, which may be a sign of liver disease. Clear urine color indicates an excess of drinking water. Sometimes it may be the result of a urine tract infection, which makes urine smell unusual, cloudiness, brown color, etc.

What Is the Urine Color Chart?

The NHS gives a urine color chart to determine how hydrated our body is. The various colors of urine shown in this chart, like pale yellow, brown, pink, murky, honey, transparent, dark yellow, red, etc., indicate different symptoms of unhealthiness.

What Are the Causes of Changes in Urine Color?

The changes observed in pee color show our body-related problems, which is due to dehydration, pigmented food, excess exercise, or any infections, and may be due to some diseases like Porphyria, Jaundice, Bilirubin, Hematuria, etc. Some major causes for changes in urine color are listed as below:

Dehydration

It occurs when a body loses more fluids than it takes in, which leads to an imbalance of electrolytes in our body and results to impairing of normal bodily function. Dehydration directly affects the concentration and color of urine, and urine output amount, and creates the risk of kidney stones, rapid heartbeat, headache, etc. The proper need for water should be fulfilled in our body for hydration from time to time.

Diet

The role of diet in urine color is significant, both foods and beverages can affect its color. Some pigmented foods like blackberries, beetroot, carrot, rhubarb, etc. cause different colors of pee, but these are generally harmless. Vitamins like vitamin B2 turn pee to a yellow color. Drinks like alcohol and caffeine increase urine production and make it lighter in color.

Medications

Certain medicines like Tagamet, phenazopyridine, etc. cause changes in the color of urine. Some medical conditions like kidney stones, liver problems, diabetes, metabolic disorders, cancer, etc. also influence urine color. Not only in color but some symptoms like painful urination, peeing more often, etc. are observed due to the effects of medicines on our body.

Detailed Breakdown of Urine Color Chart

Clear or Transparent

Urine color is turned into clear or transparent like water due to ‘excess of water intake and minimal waste products present in urine’ in our body. Clear color is usually a positive sign of hydration, but it’s essential to maintain a balance and not overhydrate, which can also have potential health risks.

Pale Yellow

Pale yellow is typically considered a sign of good ‘hydration and overall health’ in our body. This color shows adequate hydration, a balanced diet, effective functioning of kidneys, and efficient intake of vitamins and nutrients. Sometimes yellow color of urine is because of the rich B vitamins in the body.

Transparent Yellow

A change in the transparent yellow color of urine is a sign of ‘optimal hydration’ which indicates that the body’s intake of fluids is more than its need for basic function. This change is not harmful to the body. It can be the result of consuming food or drinks with natural diuretic properties, such as alcohol and it may be due to climate change, medication, and individual variations.

Dark Yellow

A dark yellow color indicates ‘moderate dehydration’ in our body. It shows that the need for water is more than the intake in our body for functioning well. It may be the result of environmental factors like hot weather, high altitudes, and intense physical activity, which turns urine color to dark yellow. To cure this a normal need of ‘8 glasses of water’ should be fulfilled to make the body properly hydrated.

Amber or Honey

The urine color of honey gives hints about ’moderate to severe dehydration’ in our body. It can be caused by loses of more fluid through sweating, breathing, and urination in our body than intake water. With honey urine color some other factors like extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and decreased urine output are observed in the body. It may be due to liver diseases, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.

Dark Yellow or Orange

The dark yellow or orange color of urine is sign of ‘dehydration to underlying health conditions’ in our body. Many factors are affecting pee color to orange like medication, dehydration, liver conditions, bile duct obstruction, urinary tract infections, hematuria, metabolic disorder, supplements of vitamins B etc. Sometimes it is result of certain food like carrots, beets, artificial food dyes etc. This change should be noticed and consulted to doctor before more severe problem in body.

Pink or Red

The pink or red color in urine can be alarming and should be investigated promptly. It can be caused by factors like blood in urine, medications (antibiotics or senna), beets or blackberries, menstruation in women, porphyria, kidney stones, injury, enlarged prostate, glomerulonephritis, cancer, and strenuous exercise. The effects of this change should be treated at the right time.

Blue or Green

Blue or green color in urine is less common than pink or red, but it can still be a cause for concern. Some reasons for this color are like food or medical tests dyes, bilirubin, genetic disorder, pseudomonas infection, methyl blue poisoning, altered Ph level, and due to supplements like vitamin B2. It is harmless and temporary but need to be proper evaluation and diagnosis. However, other symptoms are also detected with it like pain, fever, or change in urinary habits.

Dark Brown

The dark brown color in urine indicates various health issues. Caused factors are dehydration, liver disorder, bile duct obstruction, hematuria, Rhabdomyolysis, Hemolytic Anemia, infection diseases, Alkaptonuria, toxic injection, kidney stones, and Autoimmune disorders. Depending upon the suspected underlying cause, further testing, including urine analysis, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures.

Cloudy or Murky

Cloudy or murky urine may also indicate the presence of protein, blood, or pus in the urine, which could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or bladder infections. It is important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms like pain, burning, sensation during urination, fever, or frequent urination, and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any concerning changes in your urine.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Changes in urine color can sometimes be a sign of many health issues, it is generally a good idea to get your test done from a path lab if any changes in urine color are observed. Some major changes are listed below:

• Red, orange, blue, or milky color in urine observed.
• Foamy urine while urination.
• Changes in urine color after medication.
• Changes during pregnancy.
• History of kidney or liver problems.
• Change in urine odor with color.
• Changes in urinary habits.

Sometimes, a change in urine color is harmless and transient, but medicinal advice should be taken with regarding symptoms. If you are concerned about changes in urine color, you can consult a path lab in Jaipur for professional medical advice and testing.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Urine Color

Maintaining a healthy urine color reflects overall hydration and healthiness. Some suggested ideas for maintaining a healthy urine color are listed:

• Staying Hydrated by drinking proper water.
• Paying attention to the urine color.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Takes supplements wisely.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Practicing good hygiene.

The need for water in the body varies from individual to individual, so the need should be fulfilled as per demand for maintaining hydration and wellness in the body.

Conclusion

Changes in urine color can be signal of health issues or simply a reflection of hydration levels, diet, or medication use. While some changes may be harmless, proper hydration, diet, hygiene, and medication should be done. By staying mindful of these factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, optimal urinary health is ensured with the curing of change in color. For a comprehensive assessment of your health, consider scheduling a full body checkup in Jaipur from Precision Pathlab.