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Have you ever paid attention to the color of your urine? This simple detail can provide valuable clues about your hydration status and even potential health issues. Pale yellow urine is usually a sign of good water balance, while a darker shade can indicate dehydration or other issues.
Let’s decipher together what each color can reveal and when you should worry.
The colors of your urine and your health
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Light to pale yellow urine: ideal
If your urine is clear or pale yellow , it is a sign that you are adequately hydrated . This shade indicates a good balance between fluids and waste eliminated by the kidneys. Continue to drink water regularly to maintain this ideal color.
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Dark yellow to orange urine: Beware of dehydration
Darker urine can signal a lack of water in your body . When you don’t drink enough, your kidneys retain more fluid and your urine becomes more concentrated.
What to do? Increase your water intake throughout the day. If the color persists despite good hydration, it may be related to certain medications or a liver problem. Consult a doctor if it lasts for several days.
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Red or pink urine: a warning signal
If your urine is red or pink , there are several possible explanations:
- Foods : Beets, blackberries, and rhubarb may temporarily discolor urine.
- Medications : Certain antibiotics or laxatives can cause this.
- Presence of blood : A urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or more serious problems such as kidney disease may be the cause.
What to do? If this color persists without being related to your diet or treatment, consult a doctor quickly.
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Green or blue urine: an unusual side effect
Although rarer, green or blue tinted urine can be caused by:
- Certain food colorings or medications .
- A rare bacterial infection that affects the color of urine.
What to do? If you notice this color without an obvious cause, consult a healthcare professional.
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Dark brown to black urine: a sign not to be ignored
Very dark urine may be due to:
- Extreme dehydration .
- A liver problem (such as liver disease) .
- A severe muscle disorder , releasing toxic substances into the blood.
What to do? If this color persists after good hydration, make an appointment with your doctor.
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Foamy or cloudy urine: a sign of infection or excess protein
A urinary or foamy disorder may be linked to:
- A urinary tract infection .
- Excessive protein consumption .
- A kidney problem , if the foam persists over the long term.
What to do? If these symptoms are accompanied by pain or burning when urinating, a medical consultation is necessary.
How to hydrate properly?
see continuation on next page
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