At some point in your life you’ve heard, “Just pee in this little cup…” or some variation of this phrase and complied without question. Can the truth about your health really be revealed filling a cup up to that all-important line? Yes!
With just one sample, your doctor can check for high protein levels, an indication of inflamed kidneys and possibly multiple myeloma (a form of bone marrow cancer); sugar and keotone, signs of uncontrolled diabetes; and even red or white blood cells, which means there is blood in your urine and sign of a possible urinary tract infection or kidney disease.
Yellow is often the color associated with urine, but it isn’t the only shade. Certain medications and your diet can affect the color, but using the colors below will help you decode the message your body is trying to send and whether you need to seek a doctor’s care.
Transparent/No color
You are very well hydrated, maybe even TOO hydrated! There’s nothing wrong with being on your water game this much (you must be taking the Gallon Water Challenge, huh?), but you don’t have to be. It’s okay to cut back a little.
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Cloudy
Cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. It can also be a symptom of some chronic diseases and kidney conditions. Sometimes, cloudy urine can be yet another sign of being dehydrated.
Cloudy urine with foam or bubbles is called pneumaturia. This can be a symptom of serious health conditions (scroll down to foamy urine for further details).
Pale Straw Color/Transparent Yellow
This is a normal, healthy color for your urine and shows you’re getting enough water. Good job!
Dark Yellow
The color of “typical” urine falls on the spectrum of light yellow to a deeper yellow color. During this stage you may need to start drinking more water soon to ensure that you’re hydrated.
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Having a lot of B-vitamins in your bloodstream can cause urine to appear neon yellow.
Amber Or Honey
It could be something you ate that could be turning your urine this reddish-brown color.
While urine that’s this color might be from something you ate recently, there are sometimes other causes. Some health conditions can cause blood to appear in your urine, including:
– enlarged prostate
– kidney stones
– tumors in the bladder and kidney
Also, your body could be telling you it isn’t getting enough water. Increase your intake immediately.
Brown Ale Or Syrup
In most cases, urine that’s dark brown indicates dehydration. Dark brown urine can also be a side effect of certain medications.
A condition called porphyria can cause a buildup of the natural chemicals in your bloodstream and cause rusty or brown urine. Dark brown urine can also be an indicator of liver disease
Be sure to increase your water intake and…
