We produce 1-1.5 liters of urine every day. This liquid usually has a clear yellow color, which can change subject to different factors. The color can become clearer, transparent or darker. All these changes indicate some kind of change in the body which may be a serious cause for concern. This is why you should learn to recognize what your urine color says about your health.
The color of the urine is determined by the food you eat, the liquids you drink and other factors. Whatever the factor is, it can reveal a lot about your overall health. The urine is secreted by the kidneys, an organ responsible for filtering waste and toxins from the body. Once produced, it is redirected to the bladder through the urethra. Once the urine fills the bladder, it triggers a release mechanism which results in urination.
Proper urination is vital for your health as it allows elimination of unwanted substances from the body. The normal color is yellow, but it can become transparent, brown, pink or red due to numerous factors, which is why many doctors rely on the color to determine the state of health of patients, and why you’re required to take a urine test in order to detect health problems. Here’s what your urine color reveals about your health:
Transparent urine
Clean and transparent urine means that you’re drinking a bit too much water. You only need 1.5-2 l. of water a day to stay hydrated and keep your urine color bright yellow.
Pale yellow urine
This means that you’re well hydrated and healthy.
Dark yellow or amber urine
This means that you are on the way to dehydration. Drink some water immediately in order to restore your urine’s color.
Brown urine
Brown urine is often a sign of liver disease.
Pink or reddish urine
These colors indicate the presence of blood in your urine, which is a big cause for concern and should be checked by a doctor.