What Can the Color and the Odor of Your Urine Tell You?
I understand that it may appear weird to be checking out a posting about urine. Nevertheless, last week I discussed urinary tract infections (which we know prevail both in women and in people who have diabetes), so I believe this week’s topic matters. Also, the color, odor, and consistency of your urine can offer you and your doctor helpful details about what might be going on in your body.
Historically, looking at urine has actually been a method for medical professionals to gauge a person’s health, especially prior to other types of testing were available. If you’ve had diabetes for a long period of time or know somebody who has, you’ll understand that urine testing was a method to figure out how well controlled (or unchecked) an individuals’ diabetes was — this was performed in the days prior to blood glucose meters were readily available. Now, obviously, we have more advanced tools to communicate glucose information. However urine still has its place.
What is urine?
Urine is a waste product that contains breakdown products from food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics, environmental contaminants, and by-products from metabolic process and bacteria. Remarkably, urine contains more than 3,000 substances — a lot more than what’s found in other body fluids, like saliva or cerebrospinal fluid. The kidneys do an exceptional job of filtering and focusing to assist get these substances from the body (you can comprehend why keeping your kidneys healthy is so essential). So, what is your urine telling you?
Also read: Why Diabetes Causes Polyuria (Frequent Urination)?
If the color of your urine is…
Bright yellow. This may look disconcerting, especially when your urine appears to be radiant in the dark. However don’t fret — the bright yellow color is likely due to vitamins, particularly, B vitamins and beta carotene.
Green or blue. Green or blue urine seems like something straight out of a science fiction film, however the color is most likely due to specific medicines that you’re taking, such as amitriptyline, indomethacin (brand Tivorbex), or propofol (Diprivan). Your urine might likewise be green or blue due to food dyes or, perhaps, a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Orange. Certain medications, like rifampin (Rifadin), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine EN-Tabs), and phenazopyridine (Pyridium, used to treat UTIs), laxatives, and some chemotherapy drugs can turn your urine orange. Orange urine might likewise suggest liver problems or dehydration.
Brown. Brown or tea-colored urine can result from antimalarial drugs, specific antibiotics, and laxatives which contain senna or cascara. Fava beans, rhubarb, and aloe can likewise darken your urine, as can some kidney and liver disorders, such as liver disease and cirrhosis.
Red or pink. Red or pink urine can be a sign of something severe … or not. Red urine may be because of the existence of blood, which’s constantly somewhat worrying. Blood in the urine may suggest a UTI, bigger prostate, a growth, kidney or bladder stones, menstruation, or injury to the urinary tract. It can likewise take place if you take blood-thinning medicine or aspirin. Less worrying causes of red urine are beets, berries, and rhubarb.
Cloudy. Cloudy urine can result from a UTI, vaginal infection, or dehydration. If the urine is more milky in look, that may be due to the existence of bacteria, mucus, fat, or red or leukocyte.
By the method, “healthy” urine ought to be pale yellow or straw-colored in appearance.
If the odor of your urine smells…
Funny. It’s probably due to something that you consumed. Urine usually doesn’t have a strong odor. But certain foods, such as asparagus, can provide it a strong odor thanks to sulfur compounds. Medicines can impart an odor, too. An ammonia-type of smell may be a sign that you’re dehydrated. And a bacterial infection can offer your urine a foul odor. Less common causes of funny-smelling urine are uncommon hereditary conditions.
Sweet. Sweet-smelling urine typically suggests the existence of sugar or glucose. Naturally, having diabetes increases the opportunities of spilling glucose into the urine if blood sugar levels are too high. The kidneys will make their best effort to obtain rid of excess glucose as soon as blood sugar levels climb up above 180 mg/dl. In people with Type 1 diabetes and some individuals with Type 2 who take insulin, sweet or fruity-smelling urine might be because of ketones. Ketones are formed when the body burns fat for fuel, and this can occur when there isn’t adequate insulin to move glucose into cells for energy. Urine ketones can be measured utilizing ketone sticks that are readily available in your drug store.
What to do
Urine can look and smell amusing for a number of reasons. Most of them are fairly safe, but if you discover any brand-new changes in your urine or are fretted about the look or odor, the best thing to do is call your doctor. Likewise, bear in mind that you may be more likely to have changes in your urine if you:
- Are older
- Are female
- Have a family history of kidney stones or kidney disease
- Do difficult workout
