Noticed changes in the colour and state of your pee? The cause could be as simple as new supplements or eating a lot of carrots – but it might also signal health issues that need urgent attention.
Urine and your organs
Keeping an eye on your urine has the potential to help identify a medical condition. Often, diseases and disorders of the kidneys, liver, bladder, gallbladder and prostate manifest symptoms that alter urine.
Over time, autoimmune disorders and diseases can also lead to complications that impact organ health. If you have a pre-existing condition, pay attention to changes in your pee and report them to your GP.
Professional advice
Healthy urine is generally pale yellow, and non-cloudy. Have alterations in colour, smell, or frequency emerged? Experiencing pain or burning? Reach out to your doctor, who will likely begin with an easy urine test.
The treatment may be as straightforward as increased water intake. If uncertain, your GP will request further tests to pinpoint the cause. In some cases, being proactive early on can make a huge difference.
Changes in colour
Take care to note if changing your diet affects the shade of your urine. Yes, various foods can impact urine colour—but aren’t always the explanation. While beetroot can turn pee reddish, so can blood.
Causes of orange urine range from certain vitamin supplements, medications and cancer treatments to bacteria and various diseases. Don’t be quick to dismiss colour changes, and share any concerns with your doctor.
Presence of blood
When not generated by food, blood in your urine can add a red, brown or pink tinge. Possible causes include kidney and prostate problems or, more rarely, tumours and cancers. Seeking a medical opinion is best.
UTIs may result in symptoms ranging from colour changes to a strong scent, pain when peeing, fatigue and fever. Urinary tract infections are bacterial and require antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Hydration
Dark pee is often a sign of dehydration. Being dehydrated can make you sick, so water and electrolytes are needed as soon as possible. If urine stays dark, seek medical care. Discolouration is linked to a number of conditions.
Did you know that it’s possible to drink too much water? Transparent pee means you’re likely overhydrated, upsetting the body’s electrolyte balance. Try reducing your water intake, and aim for healthy pale yellow pee.
Scent
Aside from colour, take note if the scent of your urine changes. While a strong smell may be caused by dehydration, food you ate or medication, it’s also possible bacteria, kidney stones or disease are to blame.
Does your urine smell sweet or fruity? Pee offers indicators of high blood sugar associated with pre-diabetes, diabetes and diabetic complications. Watch for cloudy urine, increased peeing and excessive thirst.
Clouding and foaming
Yes, cloudy pee can be produced by what you eat altering PH levels. But it’s also linked to a range of issues, from dehydration and bacterial infections (UTIs and vaginitis) to STIs or an inflamed prostate.
Foaming urine indicates the presence of protein. Your kidneys are experiencing filtering issues, requiring a GP visit. Other symptoms such as swelling around the ankles and eyes may signify a serious disease.
Take note of symptoms
Alongside changes in urine, recording other symptoms increases the chance of a faster diagnosis. Be sure to mention any fever, tiredness, body aches and yellowing of skin and eyes to your GP as well.
Symptoms that don’t seem linked to you, could help your doctor see the bigger picture. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, pain, confusion, swelling and increased heart rate are among signs you can’t afford to ignore.
Urinary retention
Ageing alters the urinary tract and weakens bladder muscles. Unable to empty your bladder? Urinary retention takes a chronic or acute form, and may be a sign of developing or established health problems.
Talk to your GP if you experience a full sensation after urinating, lower abdominal pain, cannot urinate or suffer incontinence. These symptoms may be a side-effect of medication or indicate a serious condition such as prolapse.
What colour is your urine at the moment? Have you been drinking enough water? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Foods to avoid if you have a leaky bladder
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
Saw blood in urine on a Sunday. Was at a doctor on Monday, by the end of the work I found I had kidney cancer. Always check your pee and worth investing in urine analysis strips from a pharmacist that can show you everything you need to know about your urine so you can get early treatment not just for cancer but other health issues. Pee on them and different colours can help Doctor give you the right test immediately, like me.
That should have read by the end of the week not end of work, sorry.