Why is My Urine That Color?
The normal color of urine is a straw-colored, pale yellow. But what does it mean if you experience urine that’s a different color? There are many reasons for changes in urine color – illness, certain foods, supplements, dehydration –all may cause changes in the urine color.
Some reasons for changes in the color of your urine include:
• Red Urine – May be a sign of blood in the urine (requires further investigation as to the cause which may be one of many), eating certain foods, such as beets or blackberries, food dyes, medications, or a urinary tract infection.
• Green Urine – May be caused by eating asparagus or other foods and by artificial coloring in medications or food.
• Orange Urine – May be caused by eating rhubarb, laxatives with Senna, bile in urine or dehydration.
• Cloudy Urine – May be caused by a bladder infection, certain kidney conditions, different types of food or drinks, normal vaginal secretions or an abnormal vaginal discharge, kidney stones or prostatitis.
• Blue Urine – Generally results from artificial coloring in foods or medications.
• Purple Urine – Indicates urine from alien or extraterrestrial origin. (Just joking!)
• Clear Urine – Often the result of proper hydration and good health.
Whenever you experience urine of a different color that gives you cause for concern, and you are certain that it is not related to eating a particular food or taking medication that is artificially colored, you should seek the counsel of a health care professional to rule out any serious condition or illness that may require further treatment.
In the meantime, be sure to drink plenty of water. Water “flushes” impurities out of your system and keeps your “motor” running! Regular visits to our office also keep your immune system operating at peak capacity to help you fight off many of the causes of disease.
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