Urine color

The color of the urine is in many cases essential to diagnose a wide selection of disorders and diseases. And it is that, any type of alteration both in its color, its density or its smell can be key to determine that something in the body is not working as well as it should.

The body expels through the urine a wide variety of toxins and wastes, which come from both food and beverages, and are not necessary for it. Thus, when there is a certain disorder, the color and smell of urine may vary, thus alerting it.

Urine color

Below we point out the different tones that urine can take and what each of them implies.

Light yellow

This is the color of the urine of a person who is in good health ; light yellow, almost transparent in some cases. The color is due to a pigment called urobilin. Urine serves as a means of transport for this substance; Thus, the pigment is diluted in water, creating that color, which indicates that the hydration of the body is correct.

Transparent yellow

In those cases in which the color of the urine is yellow, although excessively light, one of the most likely causes is overhydration , that is, the consumption of excess fluids. This urine color is also typical of those who suffer from certain diseases such as diabetes .

Orange

Orange urine is due in the vast majority of cases to the consumption of certain foods such as carrots or beets, among others. Another cause that explains this tonality of urine is the consumption of certain medications, or a dehydration process .

In those cases in which the urine has a very dark orange tone, practically brown, it indicates that the person may have gallbladder problems . It is an organ that is located just below the liver. In it, bile is stored, a liquid produced by the liver to allow the body to digest fat.

Greenish blue

It is one of the types of urine that occurs less frequently, both in men and women. It is generally due to the consumption of a certain food or drink with green or blue coloring . For example, asparagus can cause urine to turn green.

Brown

Brown urine can be caused by eating foods such as lima beans, as well as certain medical treatments.

In the most serious cases, urine of this color can indicate a disorder in the liver , or a situation of extreme dehydration that requires urgent medical assistance.

Reddish

Certain foods can alter the color of urine, such as blueberries for example. However, reddish urine can be due to many other causes, such as the consumption of certain medications. It can also originate from the presence of blood in the urine, or from an infection in the urinary system.

Appearance and odor of urine

As we have pointed out, urine can change its appearance if there is a health problem.

Cloudy

Cloudy urine is one that contains phosphate, which is a clear indication of the presence of stones in the kidney . If the urine is cloudy for several days, it may indicate that there is a urinary tract infection , so it is advisable to see a doctor.

In a high percentage of cases, cloudy urine gives off a very strong and unpleasant odor. Another indication is the constant need to urinate.

Sparkling

In some cases, the urine may appear foamy, although usually its normal color does not change. It indicates that there is an excess of proteins in the body , so it is advisable to go to the doctor to perform a blood test and evaluate this condition.

Strong smell

Assuming that the origin usually does not have a pleasant smell, it is easy to differentiate the smell that urine usually has from that that is too strong. In some cases, the unpleasant smell of urine can be explained by the consumption of certain foods such as asparagus. However, the causes can also be other, so it is advisable to go to the doctor.

Risk factor’s

The change in both the color and the appearance of the urine, as we have pointed out in the previous section, is in many cases related to the consumption of certain foods, or to various medications. Thus, there are a series of risk factors that increase the chances of suffering from certain diseases that somehow affect the color of the urine.

• Age: generally, diseases that affect the urinary system in some way are more common in older people. For example, it is common for men over 50 years of age to have blood in their urine due to an enlarged prostate.
• Family history: a family history of kidney disorders also increases the risk of problems such as kidney stones, for example.
• Physical exercise: professional athletes also have a higher risk of urinary bleeding due to the high intensity of the activities they carry out.

Conclution

In short, it is very important to pay special attention to both the color and the consistency of the urine itself. As we have pointed out, both factors can reveal very important health facts. In the event that the color of the urine changes due to causes other than the consumption of certain medications or foods, it is important to see a doctor, especially when this abnormal color and appearance does not disappear over time.