We investigate whether you have a healthy urine colour or not, and what the colour of your urine says – and the findings are interesting!
This might be something you’ve wondered about a number of times when you have been to the bathroom, and believe us, you’re not alone. Sometimes your urine isn’t always pale yellow (which is the colour it generally should be), but sometimes that’s actually okay (we’ll get into some of the instances where strangely coloured urine may not be a cause for concern).
Of course, if you do have any concerns about the colour of your urine, then chat with your doctor about it. It helps if you have health insurance, which covers the costs of doctor visits, prescription medication, and even hospital stays if needed.
It’s even better if you have health insurance through Oneplan, because they pay you before you see the doctor and have an awesome team you can chat to through the Oneplan App — great for any questions you have!
Here’s a look at examples of unhealthy and healthy urine colour:
You might be surprised to learn that aside from the normal pale yellow, your urine can actually come in a range of colours — some of which are perfectly healthy, while others may indicate an underlying condition.
So without further ado, let’s break it down:
Pink or red
This can be a sign of either a mild or serious health concern. Most commonly, it’s due to bleeding in the urinary tract (haematuria). This could point to:
- A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) — common and treatable
- Kidney stones
- In rare cases, urinary tract cancer
However, don’t panic just yet — foods like beets or berries can also give your urine a reddish tint. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s a healthy urine colour, speak with your doctor and ask for a urine test. Even though UTIs are common and can be treated easily, leaving them without treatment can lead to more serious infections.
Learn more: 7 Signs & Symptoms of Bladder Infection
Orange
Orange urine could be the result of:
- Certain medications, like Phenazopyridine, used to treat urinary discomfort
- Food and drinks with orange dye, carrots, or even orange juice
If you’re unsure whether your meds are the cause, give your doctor a call to confirm.
Pale yellow
This is the ideal healthy urine colour — it means you’re well-hydrated and healthy. If your urine becomes slightly darker, it may be a sign that you need to drink more water.
Bright yellow
This is often caused by multivitamins or supplements, especially Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). This bright or neon yellow colour is harmless — it just means your body is flushing out excess vitamins.
Blue or green
This can be one of the more shocking colours to see when you check your urine, but that doesn’t always mean that it’s not a healthy urine colour. It can be linked to:
- Pseudomonas bacteria, which can cause a blue-green tint and often affects people with catheters (not a healthy urine colour)
- Asparagus, which can also turn urine green and alter its smell (smelly, but not unhealthy)
Brown
Brown urine may look like cola and could be caused by:
- Liver disease
- Rhabdomyolysis, a condition linked to extreme exercise or trauma that causes muscle breakdown and protein buildup in the bloodstream
- Old blood clots, especially if urine is delayed in exiting the body
In any of these cases, a visit to the doctor is a must.
Cloudy or foamy
- A high-protein diet can cause foaminess
- UTIs can also make urine cloudy or bubbly
Clear
Clear urine can be a sign of overhydration. While it’s generally safe, drinking too much water can wash out essential electrolytes. Unless advised by a doctor (like in the case of kidney stones), try to aim for pale yellow instead of clear.
Discover: What Does Emergency Casualty Cover Entail?
Stay healthy and keep an eye on your urine colour — it means more than you think. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether you have a healthy urine colour or not, chat to your doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
If you don’t already have Health Insurance which pays you before you even get to the doctor, take a minute to browse our plans and learn more about what makes our insurance so awesome.
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