What the color of your urine says about your health

From clear to deep amber – the color spectrum of urine can be surprisingly varied. In everyday life, we often pay little attention to the color of our urine, even though it can provide important clues about our health, including hydration levels, diet, and even possible medical conditions. This article explains what the different colors of urine mean, which factors influence these changes, and when it’s time to consult a doctor.

Table of Contents

• How are fluids transported through the body?
• Why is urine yellowish?
• Urine color chart
• How much fluid should you drink per day?
• How often should you urinate per day?
• Tips for a healthy bladder
• When should I see a doctor?
• Summary

How are fluids transported through the body?

The urinary system is an essential part of our body and plays a central role in regulating fluid balance and eliminating waste products. Once fluid is consumed, it follows a set path through various organs. The process and the respective organs involved are described below:

INGESTION

Mouth and esophagus: Fluid is swallowed through the mouth. The esophagus transports it to the stomach.

ABSORPTION AND DISTRIBUTION

Stomach: In the stomach, the fluid mixes with gastric juices. This is the beginning of the digestive process, in which the fluid is further processed.

Small and large intestine: From the stomach, the fluid passes into the small intestine. Here, the crucial phase of fluid absorption takes place. The wall of the small intestine is covered with millions of tiny villi that absorb nutrients and fluids into the bloodstream. The remaining content moves to the large intestine, where water and salts are further absorbed before solid waste is excreted as stool.

Circulatory system: After absorption into the bloodstream, the fluid is transported to the kidneys. As it circulates through the body, nutrients and waste products are distributed throughout.

FILTRATION

Kidneys: In the kidneys, the actual filtration of the blood takes place. They remove waste and excess fluid from the blood, which is then excreted as urine.

TRANSPORT AND EXCRETION

Ureters: The urine produced in the kidneys travels through the ureters to the bladder.

Bladder: The bladder stores the urine until it is excreted. It expands to accommodate the fluid and sends signals to the brain when it is full.

Urethra: When the bladder empties, urine is transported through the urethra and excreted from the body.

Source: Silverthorn, D. U. (2015)

Why is urine yellowish?

The yellowish color of urine is due to the pigment urochrome, also known as urobilin. This pigment is formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells.

Source: Briggers, A., 2023

Urine color chart

The color of urine can range from clear to dark brown and provides clues about various health conditions:

If your urine consistently maintains an unusual color or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, a burning sensation while urinating, or an unusual smell, it is important to consult a doctor. A thorough medical examination can help identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment for any potential health issues.

Later in this blog, you will find a detailed breakdown of the individual urine colors to help you better understand your health or know what to look for if you are experiencing symptoms.

Want to monitor your health?

Red urine may be a sign of serious health problems such as kidney disease. Globally, one in ten people will develop chronic kidney disease during their lifetime, often without knowing it until kidney function is significantly impaired. A simple at-home test for kidney damage can help monitor kidney health and detect possible damage early on. Want to learn more about your health? Try the preventive health check test, which measures biomarkers in key areas to detect hidden symptoms or other health concerns.

Clear – (Pale) Yellow – Dark yellow / Orange urine

As mentioned above, the urine of a healthy person is (pale) yellow. If you notice changes in your urine from clear to (pale) yellow to dark yellow or orange, this is usually due to your level of hydration. The more water you drink, the more diluted and lighter your urine becomes. So if you're dehydrated, your urine will be correspondingly darker.

Other possible causes of orange-colored urine include:

• Food: Certain vitamins, such as A and B-12, can cause urine to appear orange or yellow-orange.

• Medications: Medications used to treat constipation that reduce swelling and irritation, and some chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, can turn urine orange.

• Health conditions: Orange urine may be a sign of a liver or bile duct disorder.

Source: Pountney, A., 2023

Brown urine

Brown urine can have many causes and should not be ignored, as it may indicate dietary, medicinal, or health-related factors. Some possible causes of brown urine include:

• Food: Certain foods can affect the color of urine. These include fava beans, rhubarb, and aloe vera, which contain brown pigments. Consuming these foods can lead to a temporary brown discoloration of the urine.

• Medications: Various medications can alter urine color. These include:

  • Antimalarial drugs (chloroquine and primaquine)
  • Laxatives containing senna
  • Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
  • Anticonvulsants (Dilantin, Phenytek)
  • Antibiotics (metronidazole, nitrofurantoin)
  • Muscle relaxants (methocarbamol)

• Health conditions: Certain health conditions can also cause brown urine:

  • Some liver and kidney diseases
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Disorders of the skin or nervous system (porphyria)

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2023

Red urine

Red urine can be related to dietary, medicinal, or medical issues. Possible causes of red urine include:

• Food: Certain foods can influence urine color. Beets, blueberries, and rhubarb, for example, contain strong pigments that may temporarily cause urine to appear red or pink.

• Medications: Several medications can also cause urine to turn red. These include:

  • Tuberculosis drugs (rifampin)
  • Urinary tract analgesics (phenazopyridine)
  • Laxatives containing senna

• Health conditions: Red urine can be a sign of serious health problems. Common causes include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Kidney disease or kidney stones
  • Cancers of the kidney or bladder
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Prostate issues
  • Lead or mercury poisoning

Source: Pountney, A., 2023; Mayo Clinic, 2023

Blue / green urine

Urine can also appear blue or green. This may be due to dietary, medicinal, or health-related factors. Some possible causes of this urine discoloration include:

• Food / dyes: Certain food dyes or dyes used in some kidney and bladder function tests can temporarily turn urine blue or green.

• Medications: Antidepressants (amitriptyline), medications for ulcers and heartburn (cimetidine), and diuretics (triamterene) may give urine a greenish-blue color.

• Health conditions: A rare genetic condition associated with hypercalcemia or certain bacteria that can infect the urinary tract may cause blue or green urine.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2021; Mayo Clinic, 2023

White / milky urine

White or milky urine can also be related to health issues:

• Health conditions: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or dehydration (see clear urine) can lead to cloudy or milky urine.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2021

How much fluid should you drink per day?

Daily fluid requirements can vary depending on age, gender, physical activity, and overall health. The German Federal Ministry of Nutrition recommends that adults drink an average of 1.5 liters per day.
Source: AOK, 2021

How often should you urinate per day?

With the recommended fluid intake of 1.5 to 2 liters per day, most people urinate about 5 to 7 times per day. However, this frequency can vary depending on fluid intake, activity level, and individual differences (Gesundheitsliebe, n.d.).

Tips for a healthy bladder

01) Drink enough fluids:
Drink enough water each day to regularly flush your bladder and prevent constipation. A general recommendation is to drink about 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.

02) Eat a healthy diet and avoid bladder irritants:
A fiber-rich diet – for example, fruits and vegetables – helps prevent constipation and reduces pressure on the bladder. Avoid spicy or heavily seasoned foods, as they may irritate the bladder and cause discomfort. Smoking should be avoided, as cigarette smoke can also irritate the bladder and increases the risk of bladder cancer. Alcohol can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms of urinary tract infections.

03) Go to the toilet regularly:
Regular toilet visits can help improve bladder function. Do not hold your urine for long periods to avoid overstretching the bladder. This also helps prevent infections, as urination flushes out bacteria.

04) Maintain good hygiene:
Keep the genital area clean and dry to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Use mild, pH-neutral cleansing products and avoid perfumed products. Urinating after sexual activity can help flush bacteria from the urethra and reduce the risk of infection.

05) Visit your doctor regularly:
Have your bladder checked regularly by a doctor, especially if you are experiencing symptoms.

Source: Based on DoppelHerz, n.d.

When should I see a doctor?

It’s important to see a doctor if you notice unusual or persistent symptoms that may indicate a problem with the bladder or urinary system. These signs can include changes in color or smell of your urine, pain or burning while urinating, or changes in how often you need to go to the toilet. If these symptoms last for more than a few days or worsen, you should seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health issues and preserve your quality of life.

Summary

The color of your urine can reveal a lot about your health. It can range from light to dark brown and is influenced by various factors such as fluid intake, diet, medications, and health conditions. Paying attention to the color of your urine and consulting a doctor if you notice unusual changes can help rule out serious health problems.