We frequently check our phones as soon as we get up in the morning, but we rarely remember to check our pee, which is something our bodies tell us every day. Strange as it may seem, a short glance into the toilet bowl might reveal a lot about what's going on within. Urine color is a natural health signal that most of us overlook, from adequate hydration to early warning signs of liver or kidney problems.
Urine color changes can be early signs of dehydration, infections, liver or kidney problems, and it's crucial to pay attention to these subtle physiological signals, according to Dr. Sanjay Garg, Consultant-Urology and Andrology, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad.
What Different Colours May Be Telling You
Urine gets its well-known yellow hue from a pigment called urochrome, which is found naturally in urine. The color often indicates the amount of water consumed, but occasionally it can indicate more:
Clear or slightly yellow
This indicates that you are either properly hydrated or perhaps a bit too much. Excessive water consumption may cause your body to lose essential salts.
Amber or dark yellow
This is typically a sign that you need to drink more water. This color serves as a reminder from your body if you have been abstaining from alcohol.
Brownish or orange
This color is occasionally observed when bile juice is not being correctly digested or when liver function is out of balance. Additionally, several drugs or vitamin supplements may produce this color.
Pink or reddish in hue
This color, which is typically benign, develops when you eat too many berries or beets. However, prompt consultation is recommended if discomfort is not related to eating and if blood may be present.
Greenish or Bluish Tone
Although this color is quite uncommon, it can occasionally be brought on by specific drugs or food colors. However, in certain instances, it may be connected to an infection or hereditary illness.
Foamy or cloudy appearance
This color may be a sign of renal strain or an infection of the urinary tract or an overabundance of protein.
When Is It Time to Get Worried?
You shouldn't be concerned about a brief change in color after eating or taking supplements. However, it's best to see a doctor if the color lasts more than a day or two, especially if there is discomfort, an unpleasant odor, or weakness. Early warning indicators can be found with a simple urine test before they become problematic.
What Can You Do to Stay on Track?
How to keep your body on the right track to stay healthy, and keep your urine in a healthy condition as well? Here are the top 5 things to keep in mind to keep your urine healthy:
Keep Yourself Hydrated: Depending on your activity level and the weather, aim for 8 to 10 glasses each day.
Eat Wisely: Avoid processed foods, too much salt, and too much caffeine as these might cause your urinary system to become overstimulated.
Listen to Your Body: Resisting the urge to urinate increases your risk of infection.
Be mindful when taking medications: Abuse of several over-the-counter drugs and supplements can impair kidney and liver function.
Frequent checkups with your doctor are especially important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of urinary issues.
It's easy to overlook things that seem little in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, you can keep yourself healthy by paying attention to your body's cues, especially when it comes to something as basic as your pee. The biggest effects can be avoided with even the smallest signs.
Urine color changes can be early signs of dehydration, infections, liver or kidney problems, and it's crucial to pay attention to these subtle physiological signals, according to Dr. Sanjay Garg, Consultant-Urology and Andrology, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad.
What Different Colours May Be Telling You
Urine gets its well-known yellow hue from a pigment called urochrome, which is found naturally in urine. The color often indicates the amount of water consumed, but occasionally it can indicate more:
Clear or slightly yellow
This indicates that you are either properly hydrated or perhaps a bit too much. Excessive water consumption may cause your body to lose essential salts.
Amber or dark yellow
This is typically a sign that you need to drink more water. This color serves as a reminder from your body if you have been abstaining from alcohol.
Brownish or orange
This color is occasionally observed when bile juice is not being correctly digested or when liver function is out of balance. Additionally, several drugs or vitamin supplements may produce this color.
Pink or reddish in hue
This color, which is typically benign, develops when you eat too many berries or beets. However, prompt consultation is recommended if discomfort is not related to eating and if blood may be present.
Greenish or Bluish Tone
Although this color is quite uncommon, it can occasionally be brought on by specific drugs or food colors. However, in certain instances, it may be connected to an infection or hereditary illness.
Foamy or cloudy appearance
This color may be a sign of renal strain or an infection of the urinary tract or an overabundance of protein.
When Is It Time to Get Worried?
You shouldn't be concerned about a brief change in color after eating or taking supplements. However, it's best to see a doctor if the color lasts more than a day or two, especially if there is discomfort, an unpleasant odor, or weakness. Early warning indicators can be found with a simple urine test before they become problematic.
What Can You Do to Stay on Track?
How to keep your body on the right track to stay healthy, and keep your urine in a healthy condition as well? Here are the top 5 things to keep in mind to keep your urine healthy:
Keep Yourself Hydrated: Depending on your activity level and the weather, aim for 8 to 10 glasses each day.
Eat Wisely: Avoid processed foods, too much salt, and too much caffeine as these might cause your urinary system to become overstimulated.
Listen to Your Body: Resisting the urge to urinate increases your risk of infection.
Be mindful when taking medications: Abuse of several over-the-counter drugs and supplements can impair kidney and liver function.
Frequent checkups with your doctor are especially important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of urinary issues.
It's easy to overlook things that seem little in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, you can keep yourself healthy by paying attention to your body's cues, especially when it comes to something as basic as your pee. The biggest effects can be avoided with even the smallest signs.
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