A gross question...kind of?!
Question: I read in some health fitness magazine that if your urine is bright yellow (or dark yellow) that it means you need to drink more water - given that you haven't altered your chemistry with medications. And, if your urine is reddish-orange or dark orange (almost brownish) that you have liver failure. Is this true?
Answers: I read in some health fitness magazine that if your urine is bright yellow (or dark yellow) that it means you need to drink more water - given that you haven't altered your chemistry with medications. And, if your urine is reddish-orange or dark orange (almost brownish) that you have liver failure. Is this true?
Any changes in urine color, or the presence of an abnormal urine color that cannot be linked to the consumption of a food or drug, should be reported to the doctor. This is particularly important if it happens for longer than a day or two, or if there are repeated episodes.
Some dyes used in candy may be excreted in the urine, and a wide variety of drugs can discolor the urine.
Cloudy, murky, or turbid (muddy) urine is characteristic of a urinary tract infection, which may also have an offensive smell. Murky urine may also be caused by the presence of bacteria, mucus, white blood cells or red blood cells, epithelial cells, fat, or phosphates.
Dark brown or clear urine is characteristic of a liver disorder such as acute viral hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Pink, red, or smoky brown urine can be a side effect of a medication or may be caused by the recent consumption of beets, blackberries or certain food colorings. It is also characteristic of a urinary tract disorder in which bleeding occurs such as cystitis, enlarged prostate, kidney cancer, bladder tumor, tuberculosis, bladder stones, kidney infection, Wilms' tumor (in children), or hypernephroma. Hemolytic anemia and porphyria can also cause urine to take on these colors. It may also occur after trauma to the kidneys or urinary tract.
Dark yellow or orange urine can be caused by recent use of laxatives or consumption of B complex vitamins or carotene.
Orange urine is often caused by pyridium (used in the treatment of urinary tract infections), rifampin, and warfarin.
Green or blue urine is due to the effect of artificial color in food or drug. It may also result from medications including amitriptyline, indomethacin, and doxorubicin.
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have:
Clear, dark-brown urine, particularly if accompanied by pale stools and yellow skin and eyes
Pink, red, or smoky-brown urine, and the color change was not expected (due to a medication)
Abnormal urine color that persists without explanation
The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal or pelvic exam. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
Time pattern
When did this begin?
Did this begin suddenly?
Quality
What color is the urine?
Is it consistently the same color throughout the day?
Do you have increased or decreased urination?
Can you see blood in the urine?
Is there an unusual odor?
Aggravating factors
What medicines do you take?
Have you eaten foods such as colored candy, beets, berries, or rhubarb?
Other
What other symptoms do you have? (For example,pain when urinating, abdominal pain,back pain or fever)
Are you drinking fewer fluids or have decreased thirst?
Do you have a decreased appetite?
Have you had any previous urinary problems or kidney problems?
Do you have any allergies?
So generally, a lot of factors have to be considered to evaluate the abnormal color of urine - i.e., from meds or foods consumed. Other symptoms have to be evaluated for ex; -accompanying pain with the micturation. Past hx. All of these variables have to be considered to determine if it is normal. If there are reasons enough to cause alarm ; then other tests have to be done to come to a more definitive diagnosis.
Only, your PCP is in a good position to do that. Textbook knowledge including magazines and internet is not sufficient. And instead of reassurances it will only tend to raise more doubts and unnecessary panic.
i have heard of the dark yellow meaning you are needing more water and that your body is dehyrdrated.
but i haven't heard of the reddish orange one.
I think so
As I understand it if your urine is reddish-orange or dark orange that is when you need to drink more water, also medications can cause that, but you often need more water with medications too.
The bright yellow to clear means that you are properly hydrated.
Consistent reddish-orange or dark urine can indicate a problem with liver.
I had several talks with my doctor about urine. I had a period of time that I was having liver problems. It has cleared up for now. ( a doctor can order a liver function blood test to tell the condition of your liver ).
Not to be gross myself, but I urinate into a container and look at my urine. I take a lot of medications, I need to drink more water and by checking the color of my urine I know when to increase my water consumption.
Hope this helps.
If you are having problems...great concerns....go to your doctor.
GOOD LUCK
Yes, if your urine is dark yellow it usually means that you are a little dehydrated and need to drink more water. When the liver isn't working right your body spills bilirubin into your urine which turns it an orange/brownish color. There are other conditions that can cause your urine to be very dark as well, not just liver failure.
You should be drinking enough water that by the end of the day your pee is almost clear.
Don't know about the liver stuff.
I do not know if reddish orange or dark brown means liver failure, what I do know is that you do need to drink more water and if the condition persists go see a doctor.
The liver is our body's filter. When it is not working correctly it shows in urine.
If you feel pain on either side of your lower waistline towards the rear it could be kidney problems.
going to the doctor involves a simple urine test and quick results.
Liver and Kidney function are very important to our general health, take care of them and drink lots of water every day which is hard for me because I do not love water.
i personally wouldnt know.
but the light yellow means that you are dehydrated.