This simple and helpful diagnostic tool was used since ancient times.
Human urine comes in a different color, smell, and density and these characteristics can tell us a lot about our current health condition. In this article, we will share some things that can help you determine whether you are healthy or not just by looking at your urine.
Color of The Urine
As we said, urine comes in many different colors. Some urine has deep amber color while other people might notice honey color and even golden shades.
1. Transparent (colorless)
This is a clear sign that your body has water in abundance. You are drinking more water than you actually need, so reduce the intake of water.
2. Pale Straw Color
Pale straw color is actually a normal color for human urine. You are well hydrated and healthy. Continue with your daily routine.
3. Transparent Yellow
This is another sign that you are healthy. Continue what you are doing.
4. Dark Yellow
More or less normal condition, but you need to improve hydration. Remember to drink larger quantities of water or healthy fluids.
5. Honey or amber
Urine with this color occurs in people with low energy levels and the urine signals that you must increase the intake of water and liquids. Drink water as soon as possible because you will dehydrate and this is a serious condition.
6. Brown Ale or Syrup
Many scientists claim that this color is an indicator that you have certain liver problems. You might be suffering from liver disease or you are dehydrated.
7. Pink To Reddish
This is a typical color of urine in people who have just taken some blueberries, beets, or rhubarb. But, if you have not eaten these veggies and fruits, there is blood in your urine. This is not something very unusual, but it can also indicate that you are suffering from tumors, bladder stones, kidney disease, prostate issues, UTI or some other disease or disorder. Mercury or lead poisoning also results in blood in the urine, so it is better to check your condition.
8. Orange
This might be a sign that you need to drink more water or maybe you have some problem with the bile or liver. Sometimes food dye results in orange urine.
9. Blue Or Green
Although it sounds odd, there are people with green or blue urine. Most of them are suffering from genetic diseases that change the color of their urine. In addition, some bacteria can cause infection in the urinary tract. In most cases, this urine color is a result of food dye used in the food or a drug. It is probably nothing serious, but consult your doctor if the urine doesn’t change its color after some period of time.
10. Foaming Or Fizzing
This is a benign hydraulic effect in cases it doesn’t happen too often. If it is frequent, it might suggest excess protein in the system or certain kidney problems. Visit your doctor if the foaming is persistent.
What Can Cause Smelly Urine?
Urine odor can be caused by foods, medications, vitamins, and medical conditions.
Asparagus is the food most commonly associated with changing the smell of your urine; eating the green stalks frequently results in “asparagus pee.” According to a study published in the journal BMJ in December 2016, 40% of the population has a gene that allows them to detect a change in their urine after eating asparagus.
Because the artificial coatings on capsules, medications, supplements, and vitamins can alter urine odor. If you’re taking vitamin B6 pills, you’re also more likely to notice a change in your urine.
Smelly urine can also indicate that you have a medical problem that needs to be addressed. These are some examples:
- Urinary tract infection
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cystitis
- Gastrointestinal-bladder fistula
- Dehydration
- Maple syrup urine disease
- Metabolic disorder
- Liver failure
- Ketonuria
Dehydration can result in a strong, ammonia-like odor, indicating the need to rehydrate. If your urine smells sweet or like ammonia, this could be an indication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). (4) A yeasty odor may indicate bacteria from a yeast infection. Urine that smells bad can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia or trichomoniasis.
If your urine smells fruity and you’ve been going to the bathroom more frequently, you could have type 2 diabetes.
Some people may be born with a genetic disorder that affects the smell of their urine. Trimethylaminuria occurs when the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound with a strong odor similar to rotting eggs that can also be found in urine.
Ovulating women do not experience a change in urine odor, but hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can give them a super sense of smell, making them more sensitive to odor. (7) When you become pregnant, your urine odor may change due to pregnancy hormones. A strong urine odor could also be an indication of a urinary tract infection, which pregnant women are more likely to develop.
Via Web MD, Everyday Health
