Urine comes in a variety of colors (and smells), which can say a lot about you. Your pee color is a good barometer for your level of hydration. Be sure to drink enough water – especially if you exercise, the weather is warm or you’re sweating a lot from dreadful hot flashes!
- Clear: A sign of drinking too much water.
- Pale yellow: Normal, well-hydrated.
- Amber: Mildly dehydrated. (Think of the color of apple juice.)
- Dark yellow: Moderately dehydrated.
- Orange: Very dehydrated. Also, certain medications or vitamins can cause orange urine.
- Dark orange or brown: Severely dehydrated. Not drinking enough water or your body is not producing enough water. It can also indicate liver problems. Brown-colored urine can indicate larger kidney stones or stones that are breaking down.
- Pink or red: Blood in the urine, urinary tract infection, kidney stones. Some medications or foods, such as beets, rhubarb, or blueberries, can discolor the urine.
- Blue or green: Bacterial urinary infection. Some medications or foods containing large amounts of dye cause the urine to be this color.
- Cloudy: Urinary tract infection, kidney stones. It may be due to the presence of crystals or sediment from a kidney stone.
- White or milky: An indication of a condition called chyluria.
Dehydration is a risk factor for painful kidney stones and low blood pressure (your blood loses volume), whereby your brain and muscles can’t get enough oxygen.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
A good rule of thumb is to drink half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, drink 80 ounces of water per day, which is 10 cups. Add exercise, and you’ll need to drink even more.
Related topic: How to Stay Healthy and Hydrated. Find out what water does for you and what happens if you don’t get enough.
Karen’s Fit Tip: If you’re not a water drinker, “eat” your fluids by consuming a lot of ‘water-rich’ foods like fruits and vegetables. Lettuce is 95% water, watermelon 92%, oranges 88%, and apples are 84% water. Also, soups made with lots of broth and veggies are an excellent way to hydrate.
Abnormal urine colors typically result from dehydration, something you ate, or a side effect of medications you take. Your urine should go back to its typical coloring within 2 to 3 days. If not, consider seeking medical attention.
