The color of urine can tell you a lot about your body. Here’s a chart of urine colors and what they indicate.
You’re drinking a lot of water.
You can consider cutting back.
You’re normal, healthy and
well-hydrated.
You’re normal.
Normal, but drink some water soon.
Your body isn’t getting enough water. Drink some now.
You could be severely dehydrated.
Or have liver disease. Drink water and see your doctor if your urine continues to be this color.
Have you eaten beets, blueberries or rhubarb within the last day or so? If not, you may have blood in your urine. This could be a sign of kidney disease, cancers of the kidney or bladder, kidney stones, a urinary tract infection, prostate problems or something else. Maybe even lead or mercury poisoning. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.
You may not be drinking enough water. Or you could have a liver or bile duct condition. Or it could be food dye or medications. Contact your doctor.
Okay, this is different. There is a rare genetic disease that can turn your urine blue or green. Certain bacteria can also infect the urinary tract. But it’s probably a food dye in something you ate. Or a medication. See your doctor if you continue to urinate this color.
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones can cause urine to become cloudy. Drink plenty of water and call your doctor if you have bothersome symptoms like fever or chills.
A harmless hydraulic effect, if occasional. But it could indicate excess protein in your diet or a kidney problem. See a doctor if foaming happens all the time.
You can tell a lot from looking at your urine. But you can tell a lot more from the kind of sophisticated urinalysis you should be getting along with a regular physical examination from your doctor. So don’t be afraid to pee in the cup at your next doctor’s appointment. It’s one of the best things you can do for your health.
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