You might be surprised to learn how much your urine's color might reveal about your health. The colors in your toilet bowl can provide important information about your internal health, ranging from hydration levels to significant medical issues.
In an interview with india Herald, aster Hospitals' Dr. Sundar shankar discussed how urine color might be a sign of several medical conditions. Dr. shankar made the point that one should pay attention to the color of their urine by citing many instances. According to him, the general guideline is to investigate the 4Ds, which can alter the urine's color. "Diet, Drugs, Disease, and dehydration are the 4Ds to remember when you are checking the color of your urine since all of these can change the color," he said.
Urine and illness diagnosis
Dr. shankar described the fascinating history of uroscopy, the process of detecting illnesses by examining the color of urine, stating that it began in antiquity and peaked in the Middle Ages.
The significance of this procedure in early medicine is symbolized by the many depictions of Theophilus, a Greek physician, accepting flasks of urine for study. To determine a patient's health, doctors would look at the urine's color, clarity, sediment, and even scent.
Theophilus is shown in a photograph getting a flask of urine together with twenty-one additional flasks that contain urines that change color over time. From lighter yellow, which denoted excellent health, to deeper or redder tones, which suggested fever, dehydration, or other diseases, this chart showed a range of possible medical issues. Medieval physicians believed urine served as a "window" to the body's internal state, as it was considered a filtered product of the blood.
Pale yellow: Sign of good hydration
"Generally speaking, pale yellow or straw-colored urine is an indication of adequate hydration," Dr. shankar clarified. "Urochrome, a pigment your body creates when hemoglobin is broken down, is the source of this color."
Knowing the typical color of urine is crucial since it makes any irregularities easy to see.
Extreme heat increases the risk of dehydration. In a previous interview with South First, Dr. Sudhir Kumar stated that consuming water, electrolytes, or fresh fruit juices will help one stay well hydrated. Sodas, energy drinks, and excessive coffee use should be avoided.
Clear urine: Overhydration
Your urine may be a sign of overhydration if it is clear. "While not as dangerous as dehydration, overhydration can dilute essential electrolytes in the body, potentially leading to issues," said Dr. Shankar.
Doctors warn that excessive hydration may lower salt levels, which are necessary for preserving cellular, muscular, and nerve function. It can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and in extreme situations, seizures or even coma when its concentration declines.
Additionally, excessive hydration strains the kidneys. It may also cause complications for those who have renal problems.
Dark yellow or amber: Drink more
Mild dehydration is frequently indicated by dark yellow urine. According to medical practitioner Dr. Gopalakrishnan S., "your body is telling you to drink more water if you notice darker urine."
According to him, a deeper tone results from an increase in waste products including urea and urochrome, the pigment that gives urine its yellow hue. Urine that is dark yellow can also be caused by some drugs.
Additionally, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, it may indicate underlying health concerns such as liver disorders or bile duct obstructions.
Red or pink: A warning sign
Seeing red or pink in your urine can be alarming. While foods like beetroot or berries can lead to such colors in urine, doctors warned that "Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is a potential sign of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even more serious conditions like bladder cancer. Always consult a doctor if this happens," Dr shankar recommended.
Some medications, especially cancer drugs can also turn urine into a reddish or pink hue. Dr shankar referred to a recent study that mentioned that a woman's lipstick obsession resulted in red urine.
A 28-year-old woman in Srinagar, india presented with a five-day history of red-coloured urine without any pain, rigors, or chills. The woman had denied any history of recent exposure to medication or beetroot intake or coloring agents in food. The only feature they noted was her bright red lipstick.
Interestingly, her blood count, serum creatinine, liver sterile, and other tests were all normal. She said that she would apply her lipstick 20 to 25 times a day and was finding it difficult to get rid of this obsession.
The doctors then asked her to replace her bright lipstick with colorless lip balm for a few days. Interestingly, in just two days her urine became clear. A week later, the doctors asked her to restart the same red lipstick and the urine showed a red color.
After “diagnosing” her “ailment”, the doctors referred her to a psychiatrist and also asked her to change the brand of lipstick.
Dr. shankar said oral absorption of the coloring agent in sufficient amounts changed the color of the urine.
Orange: Medications or liver problems
Medication such as rifampin or certain laxatives may cause orange-colored urine. According to medical professionals, orange urine frequently happens after taking vitamins or certain medications, particularly when those medications are used to treat infections.
It's interesting to note that consuming too many carrots can also result in orange urine. Gallbladder or liver issues might be the cause.
Brown or tea-colored urine: dehydration or more serious issues
Urine that is brown or cola-colored may indicate extreme dehydration or the presence of myoglobin, a protein generated when muscles are injured.
According to Dr. Shankar, nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, maybe the cause of dark brown urine.
Black urine : Alkaptonuria
Tyrosine and phenylalanine, two protein building blocks (amino acids), are not completely broken down by the body in people with a rare hereditary illness, which is indicated by black urine.
Urine and other bodily parts may turn black as a result of the chemical homogentisic acid that is deposited in the body. The dark-stained diapers are among the first indicators in youngsters. When exposed to air for a few hours, this turns urine black.
Green or Blue: Rare but noteworthy
Unusual colors like green or blue can occur due to specific medications, dyes used in medical tests, or rare genetic conditions.
A condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU) can turn urine blue-green when ferric chloride is added to it, Dr shankar said. He added that this happens because of the presence of phenylpyruvate in the urine, which reacts with the ferric chloride to form a complex.
In an interview with india Herald, aster Hospitals' Dr. Sundar shankar discussed how urine color might be a sign of several medical conditions. Dr. shankar made the point that one should pay attention to the color of their urine by citing many instances. According to him, the general guideline is to investigate the 4Ds, which can alter the urine's color. "Diet, Drugs, Disease, and dehydration are the 4Ds to remember when you are checking the color of your urine since all of these can change the color," he said.
Urine and illness diagnosis
Dr. shankar described the fascinating history of uroscopy, the process of detecting illnesses by examining the color of urine, stating that it began in antiquity and peaked in the Middle Ages.
The significance of this procedure in early medicine is symbolized by the many depictions of Theophilus, a Greek physician, accepting flasks of urine for study. To determine a patient's health, doctors would look at the urine's color, clarity, sediment, and even scent.
Theophilus is shown in a photograph getting a flask of urine together with twenty-one additional flasks that contain urines that change color over time. From lighter yellow, which denoted excellent health, to deeper or redder tones, which suggested fever, dehydration, or other diseases, this chart showed a range of possible medical issues. Medieval physicians believed urine served as a "window" to the body's internal state, as it was considered a filtered product of the blood.
Pale yellow: Sign of good hydration
"Generally speaking, pale yellow or straw-colored urine is an indication of adequate hydration," Dr. shankar clarified. "Urochrome, a pigment your body creates when hemoglobin is broken down, is the source of this color."
Knowing the typical color of urine is crucial since it makes any irregularities easy to see.
Extreme heat increases the risk of dehydration. In a previous interview with South First, Dr. Sudhir Kumar stated that consuming water, electrolytes, or fresh fruit juices will help one stay well hydrated. Sodas, energy drinks, and excessive coffee use should be avoided.
Clear urine: Overhydration
Your urine may be a sign of overhydration if it is clear. "While not as dangerous as dehydration, overhydration can dilute essential electrolytes in the body, potentially leading to issues," said Dr. Shankar.
Doctors warn that excessive hydration may lower salt levels, which are necessary for preserving cellular, muscular, and nerve function. It can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and in extreme situations, seizures or even coma when its concentration declines.
Additionally, excessive hydration strains the kidneys. It may also cause complications for those who have renal problems.
Dark yellow or amber: Drink more
Mild dehydration is frequently indicated by dark yellow urine. According to medical practitioner Dr. Gopalakrishnan S., "your body is telling you to drink more water if you notice darker urine."
According to him, a deeper tone results from an increase in waste products including urea and urochrome, the pigment that gives urine its yellow hue. Urine that is dark yellow can also be caused by some drugs.
Additionally, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, it may indicate underlying health concerns such as liver disorders or bile duct obstructions.
Red or pink: A warning sign
Seeing red or pink in your urine can be alarming. While foods like beetroot or berries can lead to such colors in urine, doctors warned that "Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is a potential sign of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even more serious conditions like bladder cancer. Always consult a doctor if this happens," Dr shankar recommended.
Some medications, especially cancer drugs can also turn urine into a reddish or pink hue. Dr shankar referred to a recent study that mentioned that a woman's lipstick obsession resulted in red urine.
A 28-year-old woman in Srinagar, india presented with a five-day history of red-coloured urine without any pain, rigors, or chills. The woman had denied any history of recent exposure to medication or beetroot intake or coloring agents in food. The only feature they noted was her bright red lipstick.
Interestingly, her blood count, serum creatinine, liver sterile, and other tests were all normal. She said that she would apply her lipstick 20 to 25 times a day and was finding it difficult to get rid of this obsession.
The doctors then asked her to replace her bright lipstick with colorless lip balm for a few days. Interestingly, in just two days her urine became clear. A week later, the doctors asked her to restart the same red lipstick and the urine showed a red color.
After “diagnosing” her “ailment”, the doctors referred her to a psychiatrist and also asked her to change the brand of lipstick.
Dr. shankar said oral absorption of the coloring agent in sufficient amounts changed the color of the urine.
Orange: Medications or liver problems
Medication such as rifampin or certain laxatives may cause orange-colored urine. According to medical professionals, orange urine frequently happens after taking vitamins or certain medications, particularly when those medications are used to treat infections.
It's interesting to note that consuming too many carrots can also result in orange urine. Gallbladder or liver issues might be the cause.
Brown or tea-colored urine: dehydration or more serious issues
Urine that is brown or cola-colored may indicate extreme dehydration or the presence of myoglobin, a protein generated when muscles are injured.
According to Dr. Shankar, nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, maybe the cause of dark brown urine.
Black urine : Alkaptonuria
Tyrosine and phenylalanine, two protein building blocks (amino acids), are not completely broken down by the body in people with a rare hereditary illness, which is indicated by black urine.
Urine and other bodily parts may turn black as a result of the chemical homogentisic acid that is deposited in the body. The dark-stained diapers are among the first indicators in youngsters. When exposed to air for a few hours, this turns urine black.
Green or Blue: Rare but noteworthy
Unusual colors like green or blue can occur due to specific medications, dyes used in medical tests, or rare genetic conditions.
A condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU) can turn urine blue-green when ferric chloride is added to it, Dr shankar said. He added that this happens because of the presence of phenylpyruvate in the urine, which reacts with the ferric chloride to form a complex.
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