Netmums: Urine Colour And Your Health

What the colour of urine has to say about your overall health

Netmums’ recent feature explores how and why urine can change colour – and what that can mean for your health.

The article explains:

“… the colour of your urine – whether it’s yellow, pink or even green – can tell you a lot about your overall health.

“And while it might sound a bit gross inspecting the colour of your wee, it can be a great insight into any health conditions you may have.”

Netmums invited GP and founder/Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, Dr Ross Perry, to give his expert insight on the matter

Normal urine colour

Normal, healthy wee is a pale straw, or light yellow, colour. This shows you are healthy and hydrated.

If urine is a different colour, then it could indicate health concerns or dehydration.

Dr Perry says,

“Eating certain foods, or taking vitamin supplements or medications can change the colour of your urine.

“Other colour changes could be due to medical conditions so it would be worth seeing your doctor.”

Dark Yellow/Amber Urine

“According to Dr Perry, if your urine is dark yellow, you are dehydrated. If it’s amber or honey coloured, you are severely dehydrated.”

Dehydration is very common. The average British women only drinks half the recommended amount and 30% visit the toilet less than the recommended 6-7 times a day.

You should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.

Orange Urine

The most likely causes are either food (carrots or rhubarb) or certain medications which can turn wee orange. However, if the condition persists, seek medical advice.

Green Urine

Again, the most likely cause is food – asparagus is a prime cause of green urine.  Certain medications can also have the same result. However, if the condition persists, seek medical advice.

Pink/Red Urine

Beetroot, rhubarb or berries can turn the urine pink.

However, it could also be blood in the urine. If there is no dietary cause, or if there is any tingling when urinating, then it’s advisable to see a GP for a urine test. Other causes could include infections, kidney stones or tumours.

Brown Urine

Most likely causes are medication, infection or illness. If you are not on medication, see a GP.  If you are on medication, it is also worth checking.

Cloudy White Urine

Most likely causes are either UTI (urinary tract infection) or STI (sexually transmitted infection).

There may also be tingling or burning when urinating.  Book to see a GP for a urine test.

More Information

• Read the article in full on netmums at What the colour of your wee says about your health.

DR ROSS PERRY

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal, sun damage and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics.

DR ROSS PERRY

COSMEDICS SKIN CLINICS

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email info@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.